Mason First Presbyterian Church
Mason First Presbyterian Church
Mason First Presbyterian Church | Staff

Getting to Know Sandy Wright-Auge

edited by Margaret Doolittle
March 2009




Editor’s Note: Because we knew that the logistics of different locations and busy schedules were going to make it difficult to manage a halfhoursit-down interview, Sandy Wright-Auge agreed that she’d complete a questionnaire about herself and I’d take it from there. But Sandy’s let me off the hook this month by submitting a biography that needed no editor’s pencil, other than some condensing for space purposes! You’re definitely in for a treat as you join me in . . .

Sandy’s background . . . I grew up in Flint and Davison and graduated from Davison High School. I went on to Eastern Michigan University, where I met Dave at an Intervarsity Christian Fellowship meeting. After I received my BS in Social Work, I moved to Williston, ND, for a year where I was part of the VISTA program (Volunteers In Service To America), working with off-reservation Native Americans. After my VISTA year, I moved to Ann Arbor because I loved the city and eventually went to work for Washtenaw County Department of Social Services as a foster care worker. Dave moved to Ann Arbor as well (the power of love!). We were married later that year, moved to Stockbridge, and when Jessica was born, I quit working. When she was a year old I started working at Foote Hospital in Jackson (now known as Allegiance Health) and have worked on the inpatient mental health unit for 20+ years.

Sandy’s family . . . I have been married to Dave for 31 years He is a medical technologist, and has worked in the Allegiance Health lab for 25 years. Dave and I have three daughters. Jessica, age 25, is married to Chad Habermehl. She is a Michigan Tech graduate and a mechanical engineer, recently laid off from Ford and currently looking for a new job. Lauren, age 21, is a voice major at Michigan State and is due to graduate in May 2009. She is currently auditioning at several schools so she can enter a graduate voice program next fall. Kat (Kathryn), age 19, is a student at Lansing Community College and plans to enter the nursing program. She frequently is seen at church for praise band, handbells, and choir.

Sandy’s interests and hobbies . . . Music is my main interest and hobby! I started piano lessons when I was five years old, and I have been playing in churches since I was fourteen. I have been at Mason Presbyterian for about 12 years. I originally came here to work with Elaine Yanz, who was Music Director before me; we had become friends when we were organists at two small churches in Stockbridge and thought it would be fun to work together. Elaine moved on to another church a year after I came to Mason, and suddenly I was Director of Music! In addition to church work, I have played organ and piano for community choral groups, for funeral homes, and for band and vocal Solo & Ensemble students from both Mason and Stockbridge schools. I love the challenge of working with young musicians—it’s always full of surprises! Apart from music, I enjoy reading and sewing, and I am just starting to learn scrapbooking. I was a Girl Scout leader for Jessica (12 years) and Lauren (9 years). Though all of my girls have traveled internationally, I have never been further than Toronto, Canada! My favorite places to visit locally are Mackinaw City, where I go nearly every summer with one or more family members, and Chicago. I love its energy, the constant activity, and the variety of cultural activities—the Art Institute is amazing!

Sandy’s work at Mason First . . . I currently direct the Sanctuary Bells. I accompany the Sanctuary Choir and play for the Sunday morning worship service and other services throughout the year. I also select the hymns for our Sunday morning service. I try to attend at least one conference each year; in the past year I have been to a handbell seminar in Dearborn, a children’s music seminar in Asheville, NC, and the Calvin College Symposium on Worship and Music in Grand Rapids.

Sandy’s behind-the-scenes efforts . . . Much of my preparation is done at home, reviewing music and selecting pieces for each group. I am able to look at new music online, and can even listen to recordings of many pieces. I am always on the lookout for new music at conferences and through mailings from Choristers Guild. I make song sheets for the young singers, and mark individual chime and bell parts for the ringers. Our elementary groups also have a short meditation time each week where we read and discuss a short scripture passage. Practicing occupies my time as well!

Sandy’s greatest satisfaction in her work . . . I love encouraging young musicians and seeing the proverbial light “go on” when they understand and can apply the principles of musicality and good technique that we work on every week. I also love the unpredictability of the kids—those times when everything they have learned blinks out for a minute and we all fly by the seat of our pants! (Actually, this is true for our adult groups as well!!)

Challenges Sandy faces in her work . . . With our busy lives and families, one of the biggest challenges for church volunteer groups is the availability of children and adults to attend rehearsals regularly, and then to have enough group members available on Sunday mornings to be able to participate in worship. Bell and chime choirs are “one person/one part,” so anyone who is not available must be replaced with a substitute. Vocal choirs have a little more flexibility when someone is missing.

Sandy’s plans for the future at Mason First . . . In the future, I hope to spend more time exploring a variety of worship resources, including more contemporary hymns, dramas, and other elements of the worship service. I also would like to work with Lori Pollitz in engaging our youth in a more active role in worship.
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