Nearer, Still Nearer — Trumpet Solo with Piano

Mike Foster’s extensive educational background and experience has equipped him to teach music, including bands, choirs, and private lessons, for over 25 years; to publish several musical arrangements; and more recently to write and publish a book entitled The Spiritual Song. A Michigan native, Mike earned a Music Education degree with trumpet proficiency from Bob Jones University. His post-graduate career includes directing bands in both Christian and public schools, conducting local symphony orchestras, and assisting as a youth and music pastor. Mike, his wife, Bonnie, and their four children currently minister in Deltona, Florida. Mike plays on a B-flat Powell Signature Trumpet, a Yamaha C Trumpet, and a Stomvi Piccolo Trumpet.

Mary Faith Williams is on the faculty of Falls Baptist Music School, directing the organization of the piano department for the pre-college and college levels, conducting the elementary and middle school choirs, and is the stage director for the various concerts and music videos. She is also a professor of music at Baptist College of Ministry, teaching courses on hymn playing skills, keyboard arranging, pedagogy, and accompanying. She was the winner of the Chopin Piano Competition hosted in Milwaukee and in 2007, she performed Grieg’s A Minor concerto with the Wisconsin Philharmonic as the winner of the Chapman Piano Competition. As a soprano, she solos regularly with the Falls Baptist Symphony, and has notably soloed with the Bel Canto Chorus, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Chamber Strings at the 64th annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago. She has presented her research findings on piano pedagogy at the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and many state music teacher association meetings in the Midwest. Mary Faith enjoys writing and recording music for Everlasting Praise Publications and is passionate about developing a love for music and instilling character in the next generation of music students.