Career Highlights
Throughout my career as a church musician and choral conductor, I have sought to bring together tradition, innovation, and community through the art of sacred music. My work has spanned a wide range of settings—from parish worship to academic ensembles, from diocesan revivals to scholarly publications—each experience shaping my vocation as both a practitioner and advocate of music in the church.
In 2024, I was privileged to serve as Assistant Conductor of the University Singers at the University of Arizona. In this role, I led movements of Marianna Martinez’s Terza Messa, a Classical-era masterpiece that not only highlights the artistry of one of the earliest recognized female composers but also speaks to the richness of our sacred choral heritage. This performance was broadcast on Classical 90.5 AZPM on Christmas Day, extending the ensemble’s music-making to the broader community and allowing me to contribute to a moment of worship and beauty that reached far beyond the concert hall.
My recent work has also emphasized the intersection of sacred tradition and American musical expression. Between 2024 and 2025, I presented lectures and published research on jazz in worship, exploring how the sacred legacies of Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis, and Kurt Weill inform our understanding of faith, theology, and artistic expression. These projects have also included attention to the pipe organ as an instrument of jazz—an unconventional yet deeply resonant pairing that reflects my commitment to expanding the sonic and theological horizons of worship. Through these endeavors, I have sought to build bridges between classical liturgical traditions and uniquely American contributions to sacred music.
Earlier in my ministry, I had the honor of directing music for the Diocese of El Camino Real’s 2017 “revival” with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. This gathering was both an historic moment for the diocese and a joyful demonstration of the unifying power of music in the Episcopal Church. Guiding the music for such a vibrant and Spirit-filled event reinforced my conviction that sacred music not only accompanies worship but also has the power to inspire renewal, transformation, and mission within the life of the Church.
Taken together, these highlights represent my ongoing commitment to nurturing sacred music that is both deeply rooted and forward-looking. Whether through conducting, teaching, writing, or leading worship, my vocation continues to be defined by the pursuit of music that speaks to the heart of the Church’s mission: proclaiming the Gospel through beauty, creativity, and song.
Media
Robert Ray’s “Gloria” (from Gospel Mass), as performed here by the University of Arizona Recital Choir (Nelly Hawley-Hayes and Dane Carten, soloists) is an example of my progress in my last semester of the MMus program at the University of Arizona. The rehearsal process involved intensive work on Gospel rhythms and harmonies and the inclusion of this modern style in a traditional setting. It is also representative of my research and concentration in including the Gospel, jazz, and blues genres in traditional worship.
Kurt Weill’s Kiddush, as performed here by the University of Arizona Recital Choir (Dane Carten, soloist) is also an example of my progress in my last semester of the MMus program at the University of Arizona. The rehearsal process involved intensive work in jazz harmonies and an in-depth study of composer Kurt Weill and his contributions to American musical theatre and Jewish sacred music.
Pop artist Tori Amos (from Newton, North Carolina) rose in popularity in the early 1990s with the release of her album, Little Earthquakes. Featured on this album is “Winter,” adapted for SSA choir by Fiona Lander and performed here by the University of Arizona Treble Glee.
Professional References
Rev. Dr. John Tittle
Pastor, Head of Staff
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
jtittle@sapctucson.org
Recommendation from agohq.org:
…I was William (Clay) Whittington’s supervisor when I was pastor and head of staff at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Tucson. I enthusiastically commend Mr. Whittington. He leads two worship services at Immanuel (traditional and alternative) with his voice, piano, organ, keyboards, bass guitar, and guitar. He directs the choir, bell choir, and has assembled a band. Not only is William an excellent musician, but he draws from a wide array of musical genres and is a gifted teacher, incorporating technique, theory, and humor that puts others at ease in the learning process. He is gifted in his ability to cultivate community so that the musical groups he leads work well together relationally. Mr. Whittington notices the strengths and growth areas of individual singers, and he adapts accordingly to bring out their best and minimize their weaknesses. He carefully chooses musical pieces that stretch the choir while being properly matched to their skill levels and number of members. He intuitively loves music, but he also has an insatiable curiosity about the “why” and “how” behind it. I have enjoyed bulletin inserts that he has crafted to give interesting historical background on the musical pieces featured that Sunday. Clay is passionate about music and helping others grow in their ability to sing, play, and enjoy music. I have been particularly impressed with the way that he is always ready to help those around him. He exhibited strong leadership skills in a time of transition in the life of our congregation. I have absolutely no reservations in terms of his vocational success. I hold him in the highest regard and he will be an excellent and appreciated asset wherever he serves.
Kris Goorsky
Director, Christian Formation
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
kris@immanuelpc.org
Recommendation from agohq.org:
William (Clay) is a very talented and experienced musician that I’ve worked with for 4 years. We have collaborated on various programs including vacation Bible school, Christmas pageants and various children’s choir experiences. He’s always very professional. He’s a creative person that I’ve really enjoyed working with. He would be a wonderful addition to your staff.
Heather Stricker
General Manager
The Gaslight Theatre
heather.gaslight@gmail.com
Recommendation from agohq.org:
Clay Whittington has been playing at the Gaslight Theatre for about 2 years. He’s an amazing performer and a true professional, always willing to step in to help when needed. Always on time and prepared. Great to work with, highly recommended!
Collegiate References
Dr. Elizabeth Schauer
Director, Choral Activities
University of Arizona
erschaue@arizona.edu
520-626-8936
Recommendation from agohq.org:
“I am pleased to share this recommendation for Clay Whittington. I have known him for the two years that he has been in the graduate choral conducting program as a master’s student at the University of Arizona, where I serve as Director of Choral Activities. Clay is passionate about music and his faith, and he has been disciplined, intentional and determined in his work for his degree. He has grown in his understanding of music on a variety of levels – in his knowledge of literature, in his analytical skills, in his gesture, in his rehearsal procedure and effectiveness, in his expressiveness, and in his grasp of the appropriate style of performance for a range of genres. He has provided effective, responsible and dedicated leadership in his professional positions. I know the people at his church and at the Gaslight Theatre have been very happy with his professional work, and I have as well. His assistance with organizational and technological things has been invaluable. He is thoughtful, reflective, kind and generous, and I give him my enthusiastic recommendation.
Dr. M. Nicole Davis
Assistant Professor, Music
University of Arizona
davismn@arizona.edu
520-369-2594
Recommendation from agohq.org:
Clay is an exceptional musician and person. He works hard, is dedicated to growth, and is a wonderful colleague to his peers. I am confident that he will be a productive and delightful member of your organization. If you need any more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.