Minister Gittens goal has been and continues to be to render
to God the most qualitative and diverse musical offering
possible; that God might be glorified and his people
edified.
Minister Gittens has been organist and music consultant at
Kaighn Avenue Baptist Church (KABC) since August of 2008. In
February of 2010 he reformed the Men’s choir, which sings
once a month. Later that year he became the director of the
Adult choir, which sings twice a month. He is also choral
assistant at Princeton Theological Seminary.
At KABC, Minister Gittens’ responsibilities include planning
of music for worship in consultation with the pastor, and
the Minister of Liturgy and Worship, selecting, teaching,
recording, and directing repertory for the two adult choirs,
coaching and accompanying soloists and accompanying the
youth choir.
As KABC ascends to a more relevant ministry, Minister
Gittens will form a choir of young adults, primarily for the
singing of contemporary styled church music, in the early
months of 2013. He also seeks to engage young musicians, who
will sharpen their crafts and share their gifts at KABC.
Minster Gittens studied organ performance at Oberlin
Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio and The Juilliard
School in New York City. He also studied recording and
electronic music at Utah State University.
He has performed organ recitals in major venues throughout
the United States, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Michael’s aim has been and
continues to be to render to God the most qualitative and
diverse musical offering possible; that God might be
glorified and his people edified.
He has also appeared as a solo organist at Carnegie Hall,
Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center
(NYC). At Carnegie Hall, he appeared as guest choral
conductor in concert with artists Elton John, Sting, Diana
Ross, James Taylor and Don Henley. He has been an
accompanist, arranger and songwriter on several gospel
recordings.