David Spicer began playing organ at eight, inspired by his parents and instructors. With a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music at seventeen, he honed his talents under Alexander McCurdy.
As an organist and choirmaster for decades, he co-founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and taught at Tunxis Community College. Even when facing health challenges, his dedication never waned. Discover how his passion for classical music, teaching, and community engagement has left a lasting impression.
Early Musical Journey and Influences
David Spicer’s musical journey began at the age of eight, when he first took up the organ—heavily influenced by his parents and the guidance of prominent instructors.
You can imagine young David, fingers poised over the keys, playing for church services and nurturing a lifelong passion for organ music. His dedication showed early, as he served as the organist at First Baptist Church during his junior and senior high school years.
Formal Education and Training
A vital chapter in David Spicer’s musical development unfolded through formal education and mentorship.
He began with early training from his parents and well-known instructors such as Donald Firnhaber and Eleanor Page.
At seventeen, Spicer earned a scholarship to the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied under Alexander McCurdy, graduating in 1968 as an Artist/Scholar. He later continued private study with McCurdy.
He pursued further graduate studies at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and continued organ instruction with Dr. Robert Elmore, preparing him for a lifelong role in sacred music.
Career as an Organist and Choirmaster
Following his studies, David Spicer began an illustrious career as an organist and choirmaster.
He served for 29 years at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, where he directed youth and adult choirs and staged large-scale biblical musicals.
Co-founding the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, he championed young organists and inspired future leaders in church music. His work as a professor at Tunxis Community College reflected his commitment to music education.
- Nurtured young talent
- Inspired future organists
- Created community through music
- Shared profound knowledge
- Left a lasting legacy
The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival
The Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival is a testament to the dedication of co-founders David Spicer and Dr. Harold Robles, who launched it in 1996.
It was never held in the Netherlands as previously stated—its founding location was in Wethersfield, Connecticut at the First Church of Christ. It later moved to Trinity College in Hartford, where it continues to support music education and performance opportunities.
The festival includes two divisions—high school and young professional—and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017, not 2016.
The commissioned Psalm 150 by Philip Stopford commemorated Spicer’s enduring impact. Past winners like Christopher Houlihan and Paul Jacobs exemplify its prestige and reach.
Teaching and Mentorship Legacy
While the festival highlights David Spicer’s commitment to youth, his greatest legacy lies in his teaching and mentorship.
Spicer’s leadership at First Church of Christ shaped generations of students. He focused on musical discipline, including diction and phrasing, instilling both skill and joy in his choirs.
Thanks to his mentorship, three of his students earned full scholarships to the Curtis Institute, a testament to his influence.
Through monthly concert series, he gave students and community members performance opportunities, extending his impact beyond the church.
- Witnessed students’ growth
- Celebrated Curtis Institute success
- Fostered lifelong passion for music
- Created enriching educational experiences
- Inspired future musical leaders
Musical Style and Performance Highlights
Spicer’s performances were known for their expressiveness and clarity, especially within the Romantic organ tradition.
As a church musician, he combined spiritual depth with musical integrity. His interpretations displayed both emotional richness and structural precision.
He often programmed organ transcriptions, showcasing versatility and imagination. His performances were audience-focused, aiming to evoke a personal connection with listeners through powerful storytelling and musicality.
Overcoming Health Challenges
David Spicer battled a rare form of appendix cancer, but his resilience became an inspiration.
While serving as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ, he remained committed despite undergoing surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy.
His faith anchored him during treatment, and more than 2,000 people joined in daily prayer for his healing, symbolized by supportive bumper stickers.
- Bravely endured multiple treatments
- Continued to serve his community
- Integrated music into daily life
- Maintained faith and resilience
- Demonstrated courage through adversity
David’s story illustrates music’s power in sustaining hope.
Personal Life and Interests
A native of Austin, Texas, David Spicer’s life was grounded in musical roots and community.
His love for photography often centered on the First Church steeple, inspiring him to plan a concert pairing music with his photographs.
His family life blossomed alongside his career. He and his wife, Dana, shared a blended family of seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
A passionate collector, he cherished scrapbooks, organ scores, and a prized multi-disc Bach album, reflecting a lifelong devotion to sacred and classical music.
Legacy and Contributions to Music Community
David Spicer’s professional legacy deeply enriched the musical and spiritual life of his community.
As co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, he advanced organ education on a national level.
At First Church of Christ, he reinvigorated worship with his artistry, developing a strong pipeline of future musicians—several of whom earned full scholarships to Curtis.
His oratorio premieres and large-scale musical productions contributed to Connecticut’s cultural landscape.
- Supported young organists through competition
- Elevated worship with musical excellence
- Guided students toward prestigious programs
- Premiered major sacred works
- Ensured lasting influence through mentorship and performance
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