New Christ Church music director sings a different tune

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian, is alive with the sound of music every Sunday. But the church will have a new sound beginning Sunday, July 19, when Daniel Hoffman assumes the role of director of music.

Hoffman, who currently serves as assistant director of music at First United Methodist Church, in Sarasota, said he is already looking forward to fall and winter months at Christ Church.

“I’m looking forward to season getting started, when my choir comes back from up north,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman plans to expand Christ Church’s choir and begin an artist series, in which special-guest musicians would perform at the church. Already, Hoffman is planning music for the Christmas season.

“I’m having Christmas in July,” he said.

Hoffman brings an extensive music background of more than 20 years of music direction and program-development experience to Christ Church.

He graduated from Indiana University School of Music, in Bloomington, Ind., where he studied choral conducting, and he has served as director of music for churches in Indiana, and Seattle. He is also an attorney and a graduate of the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, in Louisville, Ky.

Hoffman is involved with musical groups throughout the community. Currently, he is choir master for the Anna Maria Island Chorus and Orchestra, soloist for Temple Beth Israel and a member of Gloria Musicae, a professional chorus in Sarasota.

And, for Hoffman, the music doesn’t stop — even during his free time: He often volunteers by performing at local retirement communities.