Pipe Dreams

Nic Steltzer, new minister of worship and music at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, spent time completing post-graduate work on choral conducting at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in England. His time overseas made a lifelong impression on him, and he’s made annual trips to England ever since.

As he drove from his home in Virginia to interview for the position at Masonic Village last fall, he headed down Rutt Road, which provides a picturesque view of the campus’ gardens and buildings. He felt a twinge of familiarity, as if he were driving through an English countryside.

He’s felt at home ever since.

As a young boy growing up in New York, Nic became interested in the organ while attending church. He began to play the keyboard at home, and when his parents noticed him playing arpeggios (chords played or sung in a rising or descending order), they knew he was ready for some lessons.

“The challenge of the organ is what drew me in. It was always a mystery to me going to church as a kid,” he said. “I was a tap dancer, and I loved to work with my feet and hands. The organ is a whole body experience. It’s a fascinating instrument.”

Nic liked to play around but wasn’t a big fan of practicing a first. The more he learned and became comfortable, the more he wanted to practice. After school each day, he’d visit the Presbyterian Church near his home and practice until dinner.

He studied piano and organ at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York; holds degrees from Duquesne University, Temple University and Cleveland Institute of Music; and earned a Post Graduate Diploma from the Royal Conservatoire, where he was honored to study with Paul Spicer, world-renowned composer, conductor and organist.

Nic’s previous positions include serving a small church in Virginia and accompanying its choir. He was looking for a role where he could do more conducting and work with multiple choirs. When the opportunity at Masonic Village arose, he thought it was a place where he could be fruitful, in addition to being closer to his family in New York. His first impression was one of awe.

“I saw the website, and I could tell it was quite the place, especially the history of it,” he said. “It is gorgeous and reminds me of being in the heart of a stately college campus. I enjoyed meeting with Preston [Van Deursen, director of spiritual care] and the other pastors.” Nic started his new role in January. He leads the three choral groups (women’s chorus, men’s chorus and Sell Chapel choir) and handbell choir, plays the organ at church services, selects hymns with the pastors and performs for weekly devotions at the Masonic Health Care Center.

“I’m really enjoying the residents,” he said. “It’s fun. I just roll with the punches. Anyone and everyone is welcome to come and sing or play. There are no auditions.”

While he has a strong affinity for the organ, conducting and leading choral and instrumental groups is where Nic’s heart lies. Fortunately, his new role at Masonic Village affords him plenty of opportunities.

“I enjoy rehearsing, preparing and conducting the groups,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to work really hard on a piece and present it. I like connecting with singers and bringing out the best in them.”

He’s looking to add new tasks, including leading a training handbell choir, called Kate’s Choir in honor of Kate Sell, wife of the chapel’s namesake. He’d also like to organize a planned singing prayer service on Sunday afternoons to pray for the country and world.

“I want to use the power of music to move people in positive ways and bring them together,” Nic said.

Outside of work, in between reading any book he gets his hands on, Nic is anxious to explore the history of Masonic Village and the area, as well as attend local organ recitals. Impressed by organists who improvise, his personal music goals include working on improvisations and even composing his own music one day.

His role at Masonic Village will keep his hands, feet and mind busy for years to come.

“I’m growing very attached to the people I see here every day,” Nic said. “I enjoy meeting with them individually and as groups. I’ve been truly blessed in coming here.”