Speaking to the heart
Music Director, Asbury United Methodist Church
6690 Cahaba Valley Road • 995-1700
For nearly 17 years, Nancy Beard has brought music into the lives of hundreds in the 280 community.
Beard started her work at Asbury United Methodist Church in 1997 as an assistant, and in 2003 was named music director at the church. There, she directs the Chancel Choir on Sunday mornings, but her responsibilities extend far beyond that.
Throughout the week, Beard leads the children’s hand bell choir and the Asbury Ringers, works with the youth choir and directs small ensembles of performers who are seen during the church’s 8:30 a.m. worship services. She also holds multiple practices, as well as plans the music for weekly services.
“It’s different every day, and that’s what I love about it,” she said. “I’m constantly meeting new people, working with new groups and preparing for exciting events.”
Beard was raised in Reform, a small community in West Alabama. She started playing piano at 5 years old, taking lessons from her next-door neighbor.
Under the guidance of her mother, who served as choir director at their church in Reform, Beard sang with the choir, but she also learned to play the organ. While growing up, she honed her skills in accompaniment, skills she finds invaluable to this day.
“It no doubt prepared me for what I do now,” Beard said. “I’ve been doing something musical all my life, and now I’m just blessed to do this full time because it’s such pleasing work.”
Beard spent 14 years living in the 280 area while her daughter attended school in the Inverness and Oak Mountain systems. Outside her work in the church, she could often be seen accompanying school productions or shaping young voices.
Currently she said she feels like her mission is to find a place in the music ministry for everyone who wants to serve that way.
“My underlying motive is to provide a place where everyone can be involved, and it’s all for God’s glory,” she said. “Music is a very important part of our worship services. For all ages, it’s seen as very significant at all times of the year.”
The different opportunities provided by the church to worship through music are vital, Beard said. People find a spiritual connection in numerous ways.
“Music speaks to the heart when the spoken word might not speak as tenderly,” she said. “And we have a responsibility to always speak to the heart.”
Asbury’s Chancel Choir leads the 11 a.m. worship service, accompanied by the Worship Orchestra. “Traditions” soloists and ensembles perform during the 8:30 a.m. service. For more, visit asburyonline.org.