First Presbyterian Wheaton welcomes renowned director of music ministries

WHEATON – Daniel Sommerville has joined the worship team of First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton as director of music ministries.

He replaces Kedrick Armstrong, who is continuing his music education at the graduate school at University of Colorado this fall, a news release stated.

Sommerville, professor emeritus of music at Wheaton College, recently completed his teaching career, while directing the award-winning Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra for 32 years. He is currently in his third year as music director and conductor of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra in its 76th year that presents a five-concert series and children’s concerts.

He has directed church choirs for 20 years in Presbyterian, Lutheran and nondenominational churches and also served as full-time minister of music and worship at Wheaton Bible Church before his tenure at Wheaton College. His master’s and doctoral music degrees are from Northwestern University.

In making the announcement, the Rev. Dr. Kellen Smith, senior pastor, stated, “First Pres Wheaton is exceedingly fortunate to attract a person of Dr. Sommerville’s reputation. He has a robust music background, with demonstrated experience in academics, worship and the community. Dr. Sommerville led our Westminster Choir for the first time on Sunday, Sept. 12.”