Mr. Jeffrey Coggins serves as Music Minister (Choir Director and Organist) at Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth within the Parish of the Holy Eucharist. Here he works with choristers to cultivate a greater appreciation of the antiphons (Propers of the Mass) within settings of chant and homophony, while strengthening their understanding of music literacy and solfège. Liturgical music has always been a fulfilling vocation of his, and feels very fortunate to be sharing his musical gifts with his parish community.
For over 20 years he has also served at other parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, serving as Coordinator of Liturgical Music at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, as well as interim choir conductor and organist for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Since 2015, he has been very pleased to be serving as accompanist for Tri-City Community Chorus, assisting in the growth and development of an appreciation of choral music from within the community. Also currently serves as choral accompanist for Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas Chorus, and previously at Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine.
Mr. Coggins earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine in 2005. Here he studied harpsichord and organ with Ray Cornils, percussion with Nancy Smith, chamber music with Neil Boyer, music education with Dr. Kaschub, choral music with Dr. Russell, and conducting with Dr. Martin. He owes a debt of gratitude to all of his professors, and looks forward to working with many more wonderful musicians at schools, community theaters, and district honors festivals around Maine.
Christian Giddings is a conductor, composer, and passionate music educator from Unity, Maine. Christian holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona and M.M. and B.M. degrees in Music Education from the University of Maine. He has taught and led ensembles of all ages and experience levels in Maine, Arizona, and North Dakota.
A firm believer in lifelong music-making, Christian has devoted his career to creating inclusive, welcoming musical spaces, especially in non-auditioned choirs. His work has taken him to conferences across the U.S. and abroad, and he currently serves as Music Director for the Tri-City Community Chorus in Biddeford, is a Co-Founder and Music Director of the Maine Music Collective, and Choral Director at Noble Middle & High School in North Berwick, Maine.
Under Christian’s leadership, the Tri-City Community Chorus is as musically enriching as it is welcoming. It offers high-quality artistry without sacrificing warmth, humor, or humanity.
