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TRYON—Scott Foppiano is the new music director and organist for Tryon Presbyterian Church. He succeeds Drew Banzhoff, who will begin graduate studies at The Juilliard School in New York this fall.

Foppiano is an experienced and accomplished musician who has studied, led choirs and performed across the country and in Europe. He believes his talent is a “gift from God. I’ve never wanted to do anything else but play the organ in church. I’m thankful for that gift,” he says.

Born in Memphis, he moved to Charlotte with his family after his senior year of high school. He studied at the N.C. School of the Arts, Winthrop University and Mars Hill University, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music/Organ Performance. He earned a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance at the University of Michigan.

Foppiano has served churches in several states, but he returned to Charlotte in 2016 to care for his elderly parents and then to settle their estates. He held interim and substitute positions in recent years but decided “it’s time to settle and get established somewhere.”

While Foppiano regards himself as a well-rounded musician who appreciates different styles and genres, he says worship music must be sacred and reverent. “We leave the outside world at the door when we enter church. Music and the Word must complement each other and uplift people,” he asserts.

Among many notable citations on his resume, Foppiano has engaged in private organ study in France and the Netherlands and studied Gregorian chant in France. He has performed as a silent film accompanist across the United States. Apart from music leadership in worship, he looks forward to presenting concerts for the congregation and community.

 

Submitted by Doug Clark