MUSIC STAFF

David S. Kunkel, Music Director

David studied piano from age five thru high school. His piano teacher told him he would not make it as a concert pianist and that he should switch to organ since he had such long legs, arms, and fingers. Trouble was, there was no organ within reach so he stuck with piano out of necessity. After graduation David joined the Navy and his first duty station was as a piano player for thirteen months in frigid Iceland. For the rest of his twenty-two years in the service he was the Navy Chapel Organist. In 1981 David joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church in February as the organist. In 1987 he took on the additional role of Choirmaster and in 1991 became the Music Director. In addition to his work at First Presbyterian he is also the Music Director and Conductor of "Symphonicity", the Symphony Orchestra of Virginia Beach.

Belinda Valet, Director of Handbell & Children's Choirs

Belinda has served at several churches as and organist and choir director since 1972 and has been directing handbells since 1989. In 1996 she became Director of Handbells at First Presbyterian Church and Director of Children’s Choirs in1999. Belinda is a member of The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and has attended numerous AGEHR conferences to master handbells. In 2004, she received a certificate of Church Music from Virginia Wesleyan College. She is married and has two wonderful children.

 

James E. Derr, Organist

James E. Derr began piano lessons in his Eastern Pennsylvania home at the age of 7. Four years later he made the switch to his life long love, the organ. By the time he was 13, he was selected as organist for a local Lutheran Church. After high school he furthered his study at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N. J. where he majored in organ and minored in voice. Among his organ teachers were George Markey and Alexander McCurdy. After graduation from Westminster additional study was pursued at The Royal School of Church Music in England. Throughout his career, he has served churches as director of music and organist in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. Jim was honored to be named organist emeritus upon retirement from his last position, after 23 years of service. He has performed recitals and conducted choral groups throughout America, Canada, and England. In addition to serving as organ consultant to many area churches, he has built additions, and repaired pipe organs throughout his career. He has taught music appreciation on the college level. Former organ students are now working as musicians in schools and churches throughout the Eastern U.S.A. Jim and Ginny have three children and six grandchildren.

office@firstpresvb.org

757-428-6332