Associate Accompanist - Acommanist Emeritus

For over 40 years, Joyce Parks has promoted and participated in Choral Music throughout the metro area. She is a highly regarded accompanist, pianist, and organist who performs with numerous soloists, ensembles and choral groups as well as presenting her own concerts. She is a charter member of the Gwinnett Civic Chorus where she served as accompanist for its 12 years in existence in the late 1960's and 70's.

Currently Ms. Parks is the coordinator of Grants and Special Projects and Membership Chair for the Guild. Prior to her retirement, she served as Guild Accompanist for 18 years. She continues as a Guild Staff Member, Associate Accompanist and Accompanist Emerita. She is the only Guild member who has performed continuously with the Guild throughout its 25-year history.

Ms. Parks is an active member of the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, the American Guild of Organists, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Chorister’s Guild. She is organist for Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, where she has served for a total of 31 years. In addition she served other Presbyterian churches in the county for 10 years. Ms. Parks also accompanies and teaches the DREAM TEAM Choirs of Lawrenceville Presbyterian, is a consultant to the youth Praise Band, teaches and directs the church’s summer Music Camp and mentors many young musicians.

Ms. Parks has accompanied for notable choral directors including Donald Neuen, Ann Howard Jones, Dr. Kenneth Jennings, Lee Kjelson, and John Anderson. In May 2003 she retired from a 36 year career as a public school classroom teacher. In the fall of 2003 she and her colleague, Bob Ferrell, formed BJ Musical Productions, LLC. Ms. Parks directs the BJ Chorale and has led them in performances of major sacred works such as Dubois’ “Seven Last Words of Christ” and Saint-Saens’ “Christmas Oratorio” as well as two annual performances of Menotti’s “ Amahl and the Night Visitors.”

Ms. Parks studied with prominent pianist, Suzanne Hattaway Shockley, as well as continuing piano and organ studies at Young Harris College and with Willa Lowrance at Clairmont Presbyterian Church. In March 2006, Ms. Parks completed a two-year rigorous post-graduate study through the London College of Music and received from the College her Organ Performance Diploma. She continues to study and perform in workshops and conferences throughout the country. She serves as accompanist for the Lawrenceville First Baptist Church’s Saints Alive Choir.

In August 2008, Ms. Parks began a new career as a folk harpist. She has already begun to perform on the harp for special events. For her learning is a lifetime adventure that is new and exciting every day.