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.
Blake Burns
Youth Minister & Jerusalem Peacebuilders Houston Site-Coordinator/EducatorBorn in Houston, Blake Burns grew up in nearby Baytown, where he was raised at Trinity Episcopal Church. He earned degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Houston while simultaneously beginning his career in youth ministry. Throughout his ministry in Texas and Louisiana, Blake has served both large and small parishes and has been an active leader on the Solomon Conference Center Executive Board and the Louisiana Bishop's Diocesan Youth Leadership Council. Beyond ministry, Blake has a deep passion for water polo. Since discovering the sport at age nine, he has remained actively involved as a player, coach, and referee. Blake is thrilled to join the Palmer team and looks forward to serving the youth and families of our parish.