Organist Charlotte Gilmore’s path as a church musician was set at the age of four when she was invited to sing solos for the small California church her parents attended. Performances on the pastor’s radio show followed, as did piano and voice recitals beginning at the age of nine, and her first “gig” as the church pianist in 7th grade. She accepted her first position as a church organist while still attending Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), from which she graduated with performance degrees in Voice and Piano. Two years at Peabody Conservatory followed, but were permanently interrupted by the arrival of 2 sons. She likes to say that instead of getting her intended MMA degree she got her MOM degree.  And it wasn’t long before she returned to music. Over a 35 year career as a church musician she served a wide variety of denominations in the Washington, DC area as organist, choir director, or both.

After a retirement of several years, Charlotte is delighted to be playing at Lake Toxaway UMC, and pleased to be sharing keyboard responsibilities with pianist Kathy Palmer.