Steven Zielke is the Director of Music and the director of the Sanctuary Choir.  He has an undergraduate degree in music education from Friends University, a Friends affiliated institution, and a masters in conducting and Ph.D in Music Education from Florida State University. 

In addition to his service at First Congregational, he also is the Patricia Reser Professor of Music and the Director of Choral Studies at Oregon State University.  He is frequently called upon to guest conduct and present sessions, and his choirs have performed internationally on more than five tours, as well as invited performances at regional and national music conferences.  In addition, he is the founder and artistic director of the Corvallis Repertory Singers, a semi-professional community group devoted to high level performances of quality choral repertory. 

All are welcome to join in song in the First Congregational Sanctuary Choir, and Steve’s career focus on building community through singing and teaching amateurs in the rehearsal creates an atmosphere where all are welcome, regardless of musical experience or talent. No audition is ever necessary, just an adventuresome spirit and a desire to find worship in song. 

Steve is married to Nicola Nine and has two children, David and Rachel.