Brady Knapp is Director of Music at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas, overseeing a nationally recognized multi-generational music program. Under his leadership the Palmer choirs have been featured on numerous national and regional conferences for the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, and the Anglican Association of Musicians. The Palmer choirs have taken international and domestic tours singing choral residencies in the United Kingdom, in venues throughout the American Southeast, and at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
Additionally, Dr. Knapp is Associate Professor of Music and coordinator of vocal and choral studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He conducts UST’s University Singers, is music director for the university’s opera workshop, and he teaches studio voice to music majors. The University Singers have been featured on conventions for the Southwest Liturgical Conference and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Fox television holiday programs, and on broadcasts for Radio Maria, KUHF (Houston) and Minnesota Public Radio. Dr. Knapp’s choral ensembles at Palmer Episcopal and the University of St. Thomas are regularly featured on National Public Radio broadcasts and both groups have albums on the commercial Gothic Records & Naxos labels.
Knapp received the Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts from Rice University, and he holds a Bachelor of Music from Vanderbilt University. In demand as a voice pedagogue, clinician, and conductor, Dr. Knapp has been invited to give workshops, masterclasses and participated in festivals across the country. He has served as guest lecturer of voice pedagogy as well as guest lecturer of church music at Rice University. Dr. Knapp served on the music faculties of Sam Houston State University, Kenyon College, Rice University, and the Columbus School for Girls (Bexley, OH). As a baritone soloist he has performed extensively in opera, oratorio, and recitals.
The Reverend Beth Anne Nelson
Diocesan Missioner to Rice Universityoffice: 713-529-6196 ext 131Beth Anne believes in finding God’s grace through the rhythms and rituals of church life. She began her ministry to Rice University in 2023, where leads worship and supports weekly opportunities for encountering God with students, faculty, and staff. Beth Anne finds joy in walking with students as they mature in faith.
Beth Anne graduated with a B.S. from Michigan State University (2006), a M.Div. from Eden Theological Seminary (2009), and a Diploma in Anglican Studies from Seminary of the Southwest (2021). She grew up in a Congregationalist Church, was ordained in the American Baptist tradition (2009), and found her way to the Episcopal Church through the evangelism of a priest. After moving to Texas, she served as a lay youth minister. Later, she was ordained as a transitional deacon (2021), then a priest (2022). After ordination, she served as a curate at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Houston.
Beth Anne is married to The Rev. David Nelson, whom she met while they were both doing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in the same region. Together, they have two children, Grace and Faith, and their dog, Sugar. When not spending time in ministry, she enjoys running marathons, reading, and spending time with friends.