Simon Dixon serves as the Director of Music and Worship. He and his wife, Caryn, have recently joined TFC from the UK .

Simon grew up in the Anglican Church tradition and gained a music degree and MA at the Guildhall School of Music and the City of London University in organ, piano, french horn, voice, orchestration and conducting. He went on to establish a career as a concert musician before joining the staff as Director of Classical Worship at Holy Trinity Brompton in London where he remained for 21 years.

Simon had a 'road to Damascus' conversion at a Billy Graham Convention in 1989 and has never been the same since. This transformation has included an understanding and teaching on the difference between 'performance' and 'praise' in worship.

Simon embraces worship which incorporates the best of our traditional Christian heritage and contemporary worship, so that all generations may come and worship in Spirit and truth. He has a passion to encourage others into God's presence and for them to know the good news 'if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed' !

Jamie Brown serves as the Associate Director of Worship and Music, providing leadership and oversight to the worship teams at The Falls Church, and leading corporate worship in song at the Sunday 11:00am informal service, as well as various other events and services.

Jamie grew up in Florida as a preacher's kid, began playing guitar at the age of 7, and leading worship at the age of 12. He attended George Mason University, and earned a B.A. in Psychology. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion through Reformed Theological Seminary. He married his wife, Catherine, in 2006, and they have two little girls, Megan and Emma.

Jamie authors a blog for worship leaders at www.worthilymagnify.com

Andrew Schooley serves as the Audiovisual Engineering Specialist at The Falls Church. He oversees the utilization of AV systems to support all church events, activities, and worship services, and guides the church in the best use of available technology to aid in ministry. He also attends to AV equipment maintenance and upgrade development, as well as the training and coordination of volunteers.

Andrew was born and raised in Northern Virginia, and grew up serving in Anglican music ministry. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech, and most recently worked as an Engineer for General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. He joined the staff of The Falls Church in October 2008.

Todd Fickley is the Organist of The Falls Church (Anglican) in Falls Church, Virginia. He is also the Organist and Assistant Choir Director at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Fickley is the Associate Music Director and Chorus Master of the Cathedral Choral Society, the resident symphonic choir of Washington National Cathedral, and he also performs with the Washington Bach Consort, and teaches with the community outreach cast of the “Bach In Time” program, which introduces DC public school children to the history and beauty of classical music.

A native Washingtonian, Mr. Fickley began his organ studies at the Washington National Cathedral under Bruce Neswick. Mr. Fickley spent a year performing and teaching in Moscow and has taken master classes with Marie-Claire Alain, Maurice Clerc, and David Higgs. His years of working with young people using the Royal School of Church Music System included teaching and preparing a 150-member choir of all ages for performances of repertoire such as Bach’s Passions and Cantatas, Handel’s Messiah, and annual Nine Lessons and Carols Programs. His groups presented outreach performances at embassies, colleges, and community centers singing pieces in many languages.

At the age of 23, Mr. Fickley was made a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists (AGO). He also holds the AGO Choirmaster Diploma and holds an M.A. in Organ Performance with High Distinction from the University of Wales.

A prize-winning organist, Mr. Fickley has been featured numerous times on NPR and PRI and has performed and conducted across the United States, Israel, and Europe. He is frequently seen as conductor, soloist, accompanist and speaker in the Washington DC metro area.

Carolann Haley brings a wealth of Handbell Choir experience to her duties as Handbell Choir Director here at The Falls Church. We are sharing the talents of this very special musician with National Presbyterian Church in Washington DC where Carolann serves as the Assistant to the Director of Music Ministries. She also directs the handbell group, Grace Chimes, at NPC and has served for three years on the Board of the Area III American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR). Carolann’s impressive educational background includes a Master of Music Performance/Instrumental Conducting from Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington.

Michelle McCarten is the Director of Children’s Choirs, which include Exaltation Singers (Kindergarten - Grade 2) and Celebration Singers (Grades 3-6). Both choirs rehearse once a week and sing approximately once a month and at special seasonal services. In addition, Michelle is the Lower School Music & Choral Director at the National Presbyterian School in Washington DC and a musicianship teacher for the Fairfax Choral Society Youth Choruses.

Michelle grew up at the Falls Church, attending choir and Cornerstone student ministry through high school. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Music Education at the Hartt School of Music from the University of Hartford. In addition, Michelle is a certified Kodaly instructor through the University of Hartford. Michelle has taught early childhood and elementary music as well as directed choirs in New York, Connecticut, Washington DC, Virginia, and Montana. She is specifically interested in teaching music literacy and vocal development through general and choral music programs. Michelle also enjoys singing outside of school. She is a member of The Falls Church Choir and occasionally sings with the Choral Arts Society of Washington. At the Falls Church, Michelle is also involved in Kairos, Summer’s Best Two Weeks Junior Camp and Outreach Ministries. Through the Global Engagement Trips, Michelle has traveled to Rwanda twice and enjoys serving there and teaching music at Sonrise School.

Michelle McCarten
Director of Children's Choirs
The Falls Church