Jane Hagness Welcomed as New Minister of Music

Jane Hagness – New Minister of Music

On Sunday, March 12, The Minister of Music Search Committee announced that Dr. Jane Hagness will be the new Minister of Music for First Parish Church. She was the unanimous selection of the committee and will join the staff on July 1, 2017. Jane is a conductor, organist and lyric soprano. She has earned a Master of Music degree from the University of Kentucky in 1997, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in 2007 and a second Master of Church Music/Organ degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in 2016.

Jane presently serves as Director of Music at St. John’s (Hain’s) UCC in Wernersville, PA., where she serves as organist, conducts five ensembles including adult and children’s choirs, bell choir and an intergenerational World Percussion Ensemble of folks ages 6 to 62 years of age. She has taught voice at West Chester University, Lehigh University, DeSales University and Shenandoah Conservatory. Additionally, she has taught private studio lessons in voice, piano and organ.

An active recitalist in both voice and organ, Jane was a presenter at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee in 2008, and at the International Congress of Voice Teachers in Paris, France, in 2009. She has composed several vocal pieces with varying instrumental accompaniment and especially enjoys hymn writing.

Jane is married to Quentin Englehart, who worked as a Firefighter/EMT for over twenty years. He is interested in history, especially as it relates to WWII in which his father was awarded a Purple Heart. He is also interested in aviation in general and most specifically, vintage aircraft. He is excited about spending his retirement exploring the Brunswick area.

In her spare time, Jane enjoys agility training with her American Hairless Terrier, “Moose,” the sparkle of her eye. She also enjoys painting and walking in nature. Quentin and Jane both have an interest in the National Parks and have experienced the majesty of several of them in their years together. They look forward to exploring the beauty of Maine, meeting the congregation, and becoming a part of the spiritual life of First Parish Church.