Photo courtesy of Nancy Beard.
Nancy Beard has been music director at Asbury United Methodist Church for more than 25 years.
Q: When did you first get involved in music?
A: I’ve been involved in music all my life. When I was a child, I took piano lessons, and then when I was, I think about 12 years old, I started playing the piano and organ in church, and then majored in music in college, and I’ve taught voice and I’ve been music director here for over 25 years.
Q: What are your main responsibilities as music director?
A: I conduct the Chancel Choir, which is the choir which sings for our 11 o’clock traditional service. I plan solos and other special musical offerings that are a part of worship, both at the 8:30 and 11 o’clock traditional service. I work with the pastors in planning worship, selecting hymns and other music that’s a part of the service.
Q: What’s your favorite part about the job?
A: My favorite part is finding the right music for the scripture or the sermon or for the music that will bring to life the message or the scripture — to finding that perfect fit, whether it be an anthem or a solo or hymn or instrumental music.
Q: What’s something about you most people don’t know?
A: In the early ’80s, I sang on the Country Boy Eddie Show. And, also, when I was right out of college, I performed in shows at Opryland, the theme park in Nashville.
