I am ready to help you reach your goals.
Sarah C. Harr, a native of Memphis, TN, completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance with Dr. John David Peterson at the University of Memphis in 2012. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Church Music from Valparaiso University and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Emory University. Sarah has taught undergraduate and graduate-level Music Theory and Ear Training at the University of Memphis, Queens College in Charlotte, NC, and Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN. She holds the Fellow Certification from the American Guild of Organists, is the current Dean of the Chattanooga AGO chapter, and a member of the national AGO Committee on Professional Certification. She is a full-time Music Teacher (K-8) at Belvoir Christian Academy, as well as organist at First Christian Church in downtown Chattanooga. Sarah’s husband, James, is the Director of Choral and Handbell Activities at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, and together they have one son, Oliver (10), a goldendoodle, Lulu (1), and a tabby, Nellie (5), who rules the house!
Curriculum Vitae
Sarah C. Harr, DMA, FAGO
3535 Dell Trail, Chattanooga, TN 37411 (901).486.3700
drsarahharr@gmail.com
I. Employment
2022-present K-8 Music Teacher, Belvoir Christian Academy, Chattanooga, TN
2018-present Organist, First Christian Church, Chattanooga, TN
2020-2022 Administrative Assistant, Fuerst Financial Group, Chattanooga, TN
2018-2020 Executive Assistant & Bookkeeper, Chattanooga Symphony & Orchestra, Chattanooga, TN
2017-2020 K-8 Music Teacher, Belvoir Christian Academy, Chattanooga, TN
2015-2018 Adjunct Faculty, Tennessee Wesleyan University, Athens, TN
Courses Taught: Studio Organ Lessons
2016-2017 Organist, First Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN
2015-2017 Adjunct Faculty, Cleveland State Community College, Cleveland, TN
Courses Taught: Music Theory II and III, Ear Training/Aural Theory II and III
2014-2016 Organist, First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN
2014-2016 Organ Instructor, School of Fine Arts at First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN
2013-2014 Alto and Soprano Co-Section Leader, Rhodes Mastersingers, Memphis, TN
2011-2014 Vocalist (1st Soprano), Rhodes Mastersingers, Memphis, TN
2010-2014 Organist, Secretary, Webmaster, Children’s Music Director, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2010-2011 Adjunct Faculty, Memphis Theological Seminary, Memphis, TN
Courses Taught: Hymnology
Proposed Course: Planning Christian Worship
2008-2011 Graduate Assistant, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Courses Taught: Basic Music Theory, Musicianship II, Aural Theory II, III, and IV, Graduate Theory Review
2008-2014 Vocalist (1st Soprano), Memphis Chamber Choir, Memphis, TN
2007-2011 Substitute Organist and Choir Director, Performed and Led Worship at Local Churches in Memphis, TN
2007-2008 Instructor and Accompanist, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN
2006-2007 Accompanist and Vocalist (1st Soprano), Rhodes Mastersingers, Memphis, TN
2005-2006 Organist, Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC
2003-2006 Adjunct Faculty, Queens University, Charlotte, NC
Courses Taught: Seminar in Music Theory Analysis
2003-2006 Piano Studio Instructor, Queens University, Charlotte, NC
2004-2005 Accompanist, The Charlotte Chorale, Charlotte, NC
2003 Artist in Residence in Music, The Children’s School, Rock Hill, SC
2002-2003 Minister of Music, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, FL
2002-2003 Accompanist, Nova Singers, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
2001-2002 Taizé Worship Leader, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA
2000-2002 Organist, Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA
1998-2000 Accompanist and Section Leader, Valparaiso University Chorale, Valparaiso, IN
1998-2000 Minister of Music, Augustana Lutheran Church, Hobart, IN
1993-1996 Organist, Trinity Lutheran Church, Memphis, TN
II. Education
2012 Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance, Music Theory Minor, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN.
Dissertation: “Liturgical Reform and Liturgical Organ Music: The Organ Magnificats of Jehan Titelouze and Marcel Dupré.”
Organ Professor: Dr. John David Peterson.
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Janet K. Page.
2002 Master of Sacred Music in Organ Performance, Liturgical Theology emphasis, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Music Thesis: “The Combination of Anton Webern’s Compositional Techniques in his Final Work, Cantata Op. 31, No. 2, as demonstrated through his Depiction of Poetic and Religious Text.”
Theology Thesis: “Liturgical Music as Implicit and Explicit in the Lutheran Rite.” Organ Professor: Dr. Timothy Albrecht.
Program Director and Liturgical Theology Professor: Dr. Don Saliers.
2000 Bachelor of Church Music in Organ Performance, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN.
Thesis: “An Analysis of Olivier Messiaen’s Innovative Compositional Techniques, particularly the Communicable Language, in his Meditations sur le Mysteré de la Sainte Trinité.”
Organ Professors: Dr. Martin Jean, Dr. William Eifrig, Dr. Lorraine Brugh.
Music Theory Professor: Dr. Joseph Bognar.
III. Performances and Professional Activity
A. Solo Recitals
2019 Recital: Organ Dedication Recital Series, Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul
2013 Recital: Music at Noon Series, Bartlett United Methodist Church
2012 Recital: Music at Noon Series, Bartlett United Methodist Church
2011 Recital: Partial Fulfillment of DMA Degree, University of Memphis
2010 Recital: Music at Noon Series, Bartlett United Methodist Church
2009 Recital: Partial Fulfillment of DMA Degree, University of Memphis
2008 Recital: Partial Fulfillment of DMA Degree, University of Memphis
2005 Recital: “Bach and the 19th Century Masters” at Trinity Lutheran Church
2002 Hymn Festival/Partial Fulfillment of MSM Degree: A Celebration of the Christian Church Year
2000 Recital: Senior Recital, Valparaiso University
1999 Recital: Junior Recital, Valparaiso University
B. Performances with Organists
2017 AGO Chattanooga “Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza,” performed Symphony No. 5: Toccata by Charles-Marie Widor
2017 AGO Chattanooga Progressive Dinner and Organ Crawl, performed Behold a Host Arrayed in White by Robert J. Powell
2016 AGO Chattanooga Organ “Spooktacular,” performed Dracula Suite by Janet Correll
2015 AGO Chattanooga Organ “Spooktacular,” performed Toccata & Fugue in d minor, BWV 565 by J.S. Bach
2015 AGO Chattanooga Progressive Dinner and Organ Crawl, performed Allein Gott in der Höh, BWV 663 by J.S. Bach, Magnificat, Op. 18, No. 1. “My Soul doth Magnify the Lord” by Marcel Dupré, and CWM Rhondda by Paul Manz
2014 AGO Chattanooga New Member Recital, performed Allein Gott in der Höh, BWV 662 by J.S. Bach and Nun danket alle Gott by Egil Hovland
2013 AGO Memphis Centennial Organ Recital, featuring past scholarship recipients, performed Magnificat, Op. 18 by Marcel Dupré and Magnificat quarti toni by Jean Titelouze
2011 AGO Memphis Chapter Bach-a-Thon, performed Allein Gott in der Höh, BWV 662, 664 by J.S. Bach
2009 AGO Program at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church, performed Sometimes I Feel by William Bolcom
2007 Duo Recital with Charles Nolen, fellow Memphis AGO Member
2002 Duo Recital with Daniel Brinson, fellow Memphis AGO Member
2001 Organ Duet with Dr. Lorraine Brugh at Emory University; performed Fantasie for 2 Organists, No. 2 by Jean Langlais
C. Performances with Vocalists
2023 Pianist: Ned Rorem Psalms Song Cycle with Robert Sauser, First Christian Church, Chattanooga, TN
2022 Organist (harp accompaniment): Britten Ceremony of Carols, First Christian Church, Chattanooga, TN
2017 Organist: Reformation 500th Anniversary Hymn Festival, First Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN
2017 Organist: Reformation 500th Anniversary Concert, LCMS Mid-South District, University of Memphis Rose Theater, Memphis, TN
2016 Organist: Annual Advent Choral Festival at First Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Organist: Community Hymn Festival with the Chattanooga Boychoir at First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Pianist and Accompanist: Sunday at Simpson, a joint program with James Harr at Simpson United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Accompanist: Salon performance by soloist Kamir Dunagan for the Chattanooga Performing Arts League, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Organist: Messe bass by Gabriel Fauré, sung by the Chattanooga Boy Choir and UTC Chamber Choir, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Pianist: Praising God through Song, a joint program with James Harr at First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN
2013 Organist and Rehearsal Accompanist: Britten 100 Concert, sung by the Memphis Festival Singers at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2012 Organist: Ash Wednesday Worship with St. George’s School, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Memphis, TN
2011 Organist: Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2011 Organist: Seven Last Word of Christ by Theodore Dubois, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2010 Organist: Antiphon V from Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2009-2018 Guest Organist: Trinity Lutheran Church German Christmas Service, Memphis, TN
2009 Orchestral Keyboardist: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performed by St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2008 Organist: Mass in B Minor by J.S. Bach, sung by the Rhodes Singers, Rhodes MasterSingers, and Rhodes Women’s Chorus
2007 Organist: Hodie and Serenade to Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, sung by the Rhodes MasterSingers
2007-2008 Pianist: Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins, sung by the Rhodes Singers
2004 Organist: Grace Lutheran Church Christmas Music Festival, Rock Hill, SC
2004 Guest Organist: First Presbyterian Church Service of Lessons and Carols, York, SC
2004 Accompanist: Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Youth Summer Choir Tour, Rock Hill, SC
2003 Guest Organist: Lancaster Chamber Choir Christmas Concert
2003 Organist: Grace Lutheran Church Christmas Music Festival, Rock Hill, SC
2001 Accompanist: Candler Choir at the ACDA Convention in Charlotte
2001 Guest Organist: Kessler Reformation Concert at Candler School of Theology
1996-2000 Accompanist for Vocal Performance majors at Valparaiso University
D. Performances with Instruments
2014 Pianist: Andante and Rondo, Op. 25 (Franz Doppler) with Dr. Mary Karen Clardy, visiting flute professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
2012 Organist: Ash Wednesday Chapel Service at St. George’s Independent School, Memphis, TN, with Katherine Barnwell, oboist
2010 Organist: Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes (Heinrich Biber) with Laura Potter, doctoral candidate in tuba performance at the University of Memphis
2010 Organist: World premiere of Combustible Corridors I (David Peoples) with the Contemporary Chamber Players at the University of Memphis
2008-2012 Accompanist for Instrumental Performance majors at the University of Memphis
2008 Organist: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232 (J.S. Bach) for the Rhodes Singers and Rhodes MasterSingers
2006-2012 Organist/Pianist: Various Performances with the Memphis Symphony
2001 Harpsichordist: The Messiah (G.F. Handel), Embry Hills United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA
2000 Organist: Senior Honors Recital at Valparaiso University
1999 Pianist: Piano Trio in B flat Major, Op. 99 No. 1 (Johannes Brahms), Summer Chamber Series, Valparaiso, IN
1999 Pianist: Trumpet Concerto in E flat Major (Joseph Haydn)
E. Accompanying Major Works
2013 Rehearsal Accompanist: War Requiem by Benjamin Britten, sung by the Rhodes Mastersingers, Memphis, TN
2013 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Festival Te Deum, Jubilate Deo in C, Jubilate Deo in E-flat, Fancie, and King Herod and the Cock by Benjamin Britten, sun by the Memphis Festival Singers, Memphis, TN
2011 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Christmas Oratorio by Camille Saint-Saëns, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2011 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Seven Last Words of Christ by Theodore Dubois, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2010 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Antiphon V from Five Mystical Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, sung by the Chancel Choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN
2009 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten, sung by the University of Memphis Chamber Choir
2008 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Mass in B Minor (J.S. Bach) for the Rhodes Singers and Rhodes MasterSingers
2007 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: The Armed Man: Mass for Peace (Karl Jenkins) for the Rhodes Singers
2007 Rehearsal & Performance Accompanist: Hodie and Serenade to Music (Ralph Vaughan Williams) for the Rhodes MasterSingers
2005 Accompanist: Requiem (Gabriel Fauré) for the Charlotte Chorale
2001 Accompanist: Requiem (John Rutter) for Emory Community Choir
2001 Accompanist: Rejoice in the Lamb (Benjamin Britten) for Emory Chamber Choir
2000 Accompanist: Requiem (W.A. Mozart) for Emory Chamber Choir
1999 Accompanist: C Minor Mass (W.A. Mozart) for Valparaiso Chorale
1999 Accompanist: Senior Vocal Recital with Nathan Leaf, including Lachen und Weinen, Op. 59, No. 4 and Frauenliebe und Leben, Op. 42 (Robert Schumann)
1997 Rehearsal Accompanist: Le Nozze de Figaro (W. A. Mozart)
F. Master Classes, Workshops, Appearances
2020 Workshop Presenter: AGO National Convention, Atlanta, GA: “The Relevance and Reward of AGO Certification”
2018 Clinician for University of Tennessee, Knoxville organ studio: “The Benefits of AGO Certification”
2018 Presenter, Organist: AGO Knoxville Chapter Lecture Recital, “Liturgical Reform and Liturgical Organ Playing,” Church Street United Methodist Church
2016 Presenter, Organist: Leadership Program for Musicians Workshop at St. Elmo United Methodist Church – “Primary Roles of the Church Organist”
2015 Organist: The Mercer Preaching Consultation Conference at First Baptist Church
2015 Presenter, Organist: Children’s Fine Arts Camp at First Baptist Church
2014 Guest Organist: Calvary Episcopal Church Lenten Preaching Series
2010 Participant: AGO Master Class with Dr. Wilma Jensen at Holy Spirit Catholic Church; performed Miniature I by Jean Langlais
2010 Clinician for AGO Church Music Workshops: “Creative Worship Practices” and “An Introduction to Taizé Worship”
2009 Presenter, Organist: “Sing to the Lord: A Summer Workshop for Church Musicians,” Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Memphis, TN
2008 Participant: AGO Master Class with Cherry Rhodes at Lord of Life Lutheran Church; performed Gothic Symphony, Mvmt. III by C.M. Widor
2003 Presenter: Principles of Teaching course at Winthrop University – “Integrating Music into Elementary Curriculum”
2002 Guest Organist and Presenter: Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
2001 Participant: Organ Building Planning with Daniel Jaeckel, Atlanta, GA
1999 Participant: Master Class with Marilyn Mason, Richmond, VA
1996 Participant: Master Class with Wolfgang Rubsam, Valparaiso, IN
1996 Participant: Organ Building Planning with Phil Dobson, Valparaiso, IN
G. Additional Professional Activities
2023 Elected Member: National Committee on professional certification for the American Guild of Organists; met with committee in La Jolla, CA and consolidated all certification Manuals of Procedure and scoring worksheets for upcoming exams
2017 Designed, Planned, Rehearsed, and Led the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation Hymn Festival for the Chattanooga Circuit of the LCMS, First Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN
2015 Vocalist (Soprano I, Chamber Ensemble): Liturgy for Good Friday, St. Paul Episcopal Church, Chattanooga, TN
2014 Rehearsal Guest Conductor: Forty Days (Dave Brubeck) and Pange Lingua Variations (Dave Brubeck), Rhodes Mastersingers
2012 Vocalist (Soprano I, Chamber Ensemble): War Requiem (G.F. Handel) and Messiah (G. F. Handel), Rhodes Mastersingers
2011-2012 Soloist (Soprano I): Away in a Manger (John Tavener), Memphis Chamber Choir
2011 Vocalist (Soprano I, Chamber Ensemble): Messiah (G. F. Handel), Rhodes Mastersingers
2009-2011 Co-authored a comprehensive undergraduate aural theory textbook with companion exercises with Dr. John Baur and Dr. Kevin Sanders, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
2011 Vocalist (Soprano I): Remembrance (René Clausen) and Windows (Jennifer Higdon), Rhodes Mastersingers
2009-2012 Music Theory Tutor for Masters and Doctorate Comprehensive Exams at the University of Memphis
2009-2012 Instructor: Taught private piano lessons to members of the Memphis community
2008-2012 Vocalist (Soprano I): Bach at Idlewild with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
2008-2011 Instructor: Taught theory classes at the University of Memphis
2006-2007 Piano Instructor: Taught private lessons through the University of Memphis Community School
2007 Vocalist (Soprano I): Paulus (Felix Mendelssohn)
2003 Director: A Holiday Celebration of the African Spiritual (children ages 3-10)
2001 Vocalist (Alto I): Liebeslieder Walzer, Op. 52 (Johannes Brahms)
2000 Vocalist (Alto I): The Passion According to St. John, BWV 245 (J. S. Bach)
2000 Vocalist (Alto I): In the Beginning (Copland)
2000 Organist and Vocalist (Alto I): Valparaiso University Chorale Tour
1999 Vocalist (Alto I): Motet: Singet dem herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225 (J.S. Bach)
1999 Vocalist (Alto I): A Celebration of the Lutheran Chorale with Paul Manz and Martin Marty (This performance was recorded and is currently sold through VU Media.)
1999 Organist and Vocalist (Alto I): Valparaiso University Chorale Tour
1998 Exchange Student: Studied for six months in Reutlingen, Germany
H. Memberships
Chattanooga Music Club: 2017-present (Organ Advisory Board Member 2017-present)
National Institute for Sacred Music: 2016-present
American Guild of Organists:
2022-present Member of National AGO Committee on Professional Certification
2016-2020 Southeast Regional Councilor for Education and Certification
2014- Chattanooga, TN Chapter (Dean 2021-present, Dean 2016-19, Sub-Dean 2015-16)
2006-2014 Memphis, TN Chapter
2003-2006 Charlotte, NC Chapter
2002-2003 Palm Beach, FL Chapter
2000-2002 Atlanta, GA Chapter
1996-2000 Valparaiso, IN Student Chapter (Co-Dean, 1999-2000)
1993-1996 Memphis, TN Chapter
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians: 1996-2002, 2016-2018
Concerts International, Board Member: 2010-2012
The Institute for Theology and the Arts at Memphis Theological Seminary, Advisory Board Member (2009-2010)
Sigma Alpha Iota, Beta Lambda: 1996-present (Chapter President 1999-2000, Lifetime member)
Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society: 2000-present
Valparaiso University Liturgical Institute: 1996-2002
National Music Teachers Association: 1996-2002
I. Distinctions
2023 Article Publication in The American Organist, March 2023 edition - “Preparing for the Practical Portion of the AGO Certification Exams”
2016 Passed playing portion of the FAGO certification from the American Guild of Organists
2012 Passed written portion of the FAGO certification from the American Guild of Organists
2011 Achieved AAGO certification from the American Guild of Organists
2010 Passed written and oral comprehensive exams for DMA degree, dissertation topic approved by Doctoral Committee
2006 Accepted to University of Memphis as DMA candidate in Organ Performance
2006 Invited to perform dedicatory Organ Recital at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church
2005 Invited to perform dedicatory Organ Recital at Trinity Lutheran Church
2002 Summa cum Laude from Emory University
2000 Accepted to Emory University with full scholarship and fellowship
2000 Lumina Award Recipient from Valparaiso University (GPA based)
2000 Magna cum Laude from Valparaiso University
J. Professional References
Dr. John Peterson, Professor Emeritus of Organ, University of Memphis: 901-685-5017
Dr. William Skoog, Music Department Chair, Rhodes College: 419-308-1570
Dr. Tim Sharp, Former Executive Director, American Choral Directors Association: 405-232-8161
Rev. Renee Dillard, former Associate Minister, St. John’s United Methodist Church: 901-233-7877
K. Character References
Mr. Charles Nolen, Director of Music, Cathedral of St. Andrew: 901-259-3262
Mrs. Kristin Lensch, Organist/Choirmaster, Calvary Episcopal Church: 901-289-9079
Mrs. Jane Scharding Smedley, Organist/Choirmaster, St. Peter Catholic Church: 901-527-8282, x15
Dr. Geoffrey Ward, Director of Chapel Music, All Saints Chapel, Sewanee: 901-351-8540