Ken Cowan, Palmer’s Artist-in-Residence and Organist, is Associate Professor and head of the organ program at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. He has also served on the organ faculty of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey.
Ken has recorded on the Pro Organo, JAV, and Etheral recording labels, and many of his recordings and live performances have been featured on NPR. He received a Master of Music degree and Artist Diploma from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music in New Haven, Connecticut, and his Bachelor of Music degree from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a church musician, he has held posts as Artist-in-Residence and Organist at Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in New York City and as Assistant Organist at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
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.