Kate Potter-Barrow is the Youth and Sunday School Choir Director at Holy Communion and has been for over 20 years. Her love of music and children are very evident in the songs the kids sing and her enthusiasm is infectious! Kate is also a middle school history and geography teacher at Walden School and also directs the school’s talent shows and musicals. Within the Racine community she plays piano and sings for weddings and other special events, is involved with the Racine Theater Guild and is a member of the singing group, Caritas along with Greg and Kathy Berg.
In addition to singing on Sundays during the school year, the children and choirs of Holy Communion present the annual Christmas program: “Look for the Light,” a pageant celebrating the birth of Jesus with original songs, soloists, and even live animals! The church is transformed into a living scene from the bible as the children narrate and sing about the events surrounding the birth of the Christ child. It is truly an amazing concert, even when the animals don’t always cooperate- it only adds to the enjoyment!
Of the role music plays in her life, Kate says, “There is always music playing in my head! It moves and inspires me, it brings me to tears, it makes me want to dance (and much to Greg Berg’s chagrin, accompany our church choirs on percussion instruments!).”
When asked why music is important in the church, she states, “Music in the church connects us to God and others. It helps us express our deepest feelings with more depth and clarity than words alone could ever muster. It helps us unite our voices in times of great joy and of great sorrow, allowing expression of our deepest emotions.”
Kate also plays in the Bell Choir, sings in the Adult Choir, serves as an assisting minister and has been the driving force behind our new contemporary service.