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About the Conductor

In the summer of 2016, the CPOS welcomed Brett A. Terry as its conductor-in-residence. The CPOS offers prayers of thanksgiving for the music ministries of our former directors, Eric R. Riley (2011 - 2015) and Dr. Ronald R. Sider (1996 - 2010). May God guide their hearts and minds and continue to bless their contributions to furthering the art of sacred oratorio performance.

Please welcome Brett A. Terry! Brett is the Minister of Music & Worship at Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, PA, having


previously served in similar positions at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Divinity School’s daily chapel, Marquand Chapel, and at The Scarsdale Congregational Church in New York. He earned his Certificate in Church Music from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music; the Master of Music in organ performance from the Yale School of Music; and Bachelor of Music degrees in organ performance and vocal performance from the University of Missouri’s Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance, from where he graduated summa cum laude. He is a frequent performer, conductor, teacher, collaborator, and liturgist throughout the country and conducts a professional 24-voice chorale and is the artistic director of a house concert series in New York City. He is a member of the ACDA, AGO, OHS, and PAM.


Eric R. Riley was director and conductor of the Central PA Oratorio Singers from 2011 to 2015. He managed the transition of the CPOS from Grace United Methodist Church into a musical outreach ministry of Market Square Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Ronald R. Sider was founder and conductor of the Central Pennsylvania Oratorio Singers until his retirement in 2010, Professor of Music Emeritus at Messiah College, and Organist / Choirmaster Emeritus at Grace United Methodist Church. He founded and directed the Harrisburg Singers for eight years, conducted the Grantham Oratorio Society for 28 years, and directed the music at Grace Church for 33 years. The year 2010 marked his 15th season as conductor of the CPOS.