About Glen
PERSONAL GOALS FOR MINISTRY
To create worship services that may be considered works of art; this involves maintaining biblical integrity and employing organic development around a central theme for each worship service that not only glorifies God but also engages the congregation.
To “orchestrate” corporate worship expressions; this incorporates multiple styles of music with varying accompaniments and all forms of the fine and performing arts in the corporate worship life of the congregation.
To develop “lead worshiping” ensembles; this invites all the people of God, both rehearsed and unrehearsed, to join in the praise of God and this treats each ensemble as a small group, providing fellowship, growth and support for their members.
To train the next generation of worshipers; this includes not only the local congregation gathering for worship each week, but also those desiring to serve the church in music and worship arts.
BIOGRAPHY
Having served churches throughout the New York City metropolitan area and, more recently, the First United Methodist Church of Midland, Texas as Director of Worship Arts, composer and conductor Glen Olsen currently serves as the Minister of Worship Arts at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice, Florida. He has written a number of works for all liturgical situations as well as different worship styles. Combining various techniques, including twelve-tone serialism, whole-tone scales and the use of rhythm and meter in its multiple ways, Glen has composed primarily choral pieces, chamber music and works for the organ.
As an organist, Glen has played for a number of Protestant churches, and performs recitals every so often on unique themes. His principal teachers have included Gladys Christensen and David Drinkwater. Conducting, which he has studied with Paul Wiens and Richard Westenburg, has taken Glen and his choirs on various tours throughout the United States and overseas to Denmark and Norway. In addition to two recordings with his former student chamber choir, Glen has recently, for a church milestone, composed and conducted a larger work for choir and orchestra.
Beyond performance and composition, Glen Olsen is active as an educator. Having served on the adjunct faculty at Drew University and the associate faculty for the University of Phoenix, he has read papers and led seminars in London, Boston, Dallas, New York City, and throughout northern New Jersey and written articles for The Choral Journal and Worship. After finishing undergraduate studies in music at Wheaton College (IL), Glen completed a Master of Music from Rutgers University, followed by an earned doctorate in the humanities and a Master of Arts degree from Drew University; he is presently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition, studying with Paul Jordan at the American Conservatory of Music.
Glen resides in Venice, Florida with his wife and their children.
©2017 Glen Olsen
including
Summary of Ministry Involvement, Philosophy of Music and Worship, Worship Arts Ministry, and Faith Journey.
