The Team

Corbin Sturch is the Director of Music and Organist of First Presbyterian Church of Galveston. Under his direction the Music Ministries have found a new vision and mission, with education and excellence at their core. With the implementation of the Arts & Ideas series First Presbyterian started to make its name as an arts destination, bringing some of the nations best talent to Galveston's oldest church - further supported by the addition of the Choral Scholars program to provide top-tier musical education and leadership for free to the local community.  Under the direction of Corbin and with the help and vision of the Scholars, long time members, and steering committees of the church the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian has started to gain national attention as an ensemble known for their musical excellence and diverse repertoire. Tours are in the works both nationally and internationally.

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At the bench, Corbin is known for his improvisation skills and creative and sympathetic interpretations of hymn tunes, with special emphasis given to Spirituals and early American hymn tunes.

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As a leader Corbin is recognized for his energy and collaborative approach. Under his leadership the Music programs have seen a unheard of increase donations to support their missions and ministries in the church and local community with donations increasing from a few hundred dollars a year to tens of thousands in the last fiscal cycle. This is complimented by the implementation of a grant writing team to help support First Presbyterian's musical outreach. Outside of First Presbyterian, Corbin serves on the board of several local and national non-profits directly related to his work.

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Alongside his work at First Presbyterian, Corbin is the Head of Piano Technology at the University of Houston where he leads the Piano Technology Program; and is widely in demand locally, nationally and internationally as a technician and clinician.  As a keyboardist he has studied under Dr. Sharon Gorman, Dr. Julie Cheek, Tom Bara, Andrea Steward, and Bethany Walker.  Corbin is a Registered Piano Technician,  Fulbright Specialist, Fellow of the Fraternity of St. Cecilia, and an alumni of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.