About us

Meet the staff of The Salvation Army Central Territorial Music and Creative Arts Ministries Department,
along with our Divisional Music Directors serving across the territory.

THQ MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRIES STAFF

Provides territorial leadership, vision, and resources to strengthen and support music and creative arts ministries across all divisions.

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DIVISIONAL MUSIC DIRECTORS​

Provide divisional leadership and direct support to corps by mentoring local leaders, coordinating divisional initiatives, and carrying out territorial vision.

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TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRIES

Brett Tolcher

TERRITORIAL MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRIES SECRETARY

Role: Oversee the development of the music and creative arts programs throughout The Salvation Army USA Central Territory. This includes supporting divisional music directors, leading the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department, collaborating with Kroc Centers, and leading the Territorial Youth Band and the Chicago Staff Band

Background: Bachelor of Music (DePaul University), Master of Business Administration (DePaul University), development/fundraising professional (7 years), Salvation Army music and marketing experience (4 years).

Passions/Focus: Jesus, people, making music, learning, and listening.

Personal Note: I met my wife, Kelly, at CMI (Central Music Institute). We still sit next to each other in the Norridge Citadel Band trombone section!

Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:12

“We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you.”

Beth Malovance

assistant TERRITORIAL MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS MINISTRIES SECRETARY

Role: Serve as the assistant leader of the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Secretary.

Background: Bachelor of Music (University of Louisville), Master of Fine Arts (California Institute of the Arts), K-12 Music Education Certification (Trinity International University), general music teacher (7 years).

Passions/Focus: Creating great memories with my family, music ministry, and music education.

Personal Note: My husband Andy and I have two amazing children, Genevieve and Micah. I love spending as much time with them as possible. I also enjoy music, traveling, food, and experiencing as many different adventures as possible.

Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Reggie Brooks Jr.

director of contemporary music & audio production

Role: Oversees the growth and development of worship music programs and recording management for the Central Territory

Background: Served in music ministry for 11 years (solo, corps, divisional, territorial, and Of Dust).

Passions/Focus: Doing whatever I can that might help someone know Jesus Christ.

Personal Note: I can solve a Rubik’s Cube faster than you, but you could probably do a lot of other things better than I can.

Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 9:23

Then Jesus replied, “Those who wish to follow me must deny themselves and take up their cross daily.”

Joe Caddy

territorial fine arts ministries director

Role: Provides leadership for Creative Arts Ministries across The Salvation Army USA Central Territory and Music & Fine Arts Ministries for the College for Officer Training, developing theater, music, and creative arts programs that equip people for ministry and advance the mission of The Salvation Army. His role includes artistic leadership of the Bill Booth Theater Company and program management for the Resonate Worship Arts Conservatory.

Background: Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education (DePaul University), Master of Arts in Theater (Regent University). Former school teacher; active playwright, theater director, and musician. Co-creator of A Long Way Off and adaptor of Belongings: A Thrift Store Musical.

Passions/Focus: Equipping artists for ministry, telling stories that reveal God’s truth, and creating spaces where creativity and faith meet.

Personal Note: Member of the Oakbrook Terrace Salvation Army corps, where he chaired the Worship Committee for more than 15 years and now serves as Songster Leader. Enjoys reading, running, and planning adventures with family.

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 40:1-3

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him.”

Moriah Leka

music education & promotions director

Role: Oversees music education initiatives, resource development, and promotional strategies.

Background: Bachelor’s in Piano Performance (University of Nebraska – Lincoln) and Master’s in Piano Performance (Roosevelt University). Private Piano Instructor (5 years).

Passions/Focus: Helping others grow in their gifts.

Personal Note: Enjoys exploring creative projects and spending time with family.

Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Peter 4:10

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Marty Thomas

production specialist

Role: Project Manager and Music Typesetting for Hallelujah Choruses and American Festival Series, Drama writing for Advent and Lent Worship Series, Equipment Manager for Chicago Staff Band and Music and Creative Arts Ministries Department.

Background: Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (West Liberty University), Master of Music in Wind Conducting (Messiah University), Divisional Music Director (11 years), YP Band Master (11 years), Songster Leader (Norridge Citadel).

Passions/Focus: Music Camps and working with musicians on every level.

Personal Note: I love spending time with my family, traveling, and a good (or bad) round of golf.

Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Isaiah 46:3-4

“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.”

Matt Woods

Territorial Vocal Music Director

Role: Encouraging and equipping vocal ministries to grow, thrive, and explore new possibilities across the territory. Leads Central Territorial Staff Songsters & Territorial Youth Chorus.

Background: Served in music ministry leadership for many years, combining experience in choral directing, education, and worship to equip others to lead and serve through vocal music.

Passions/Focus: Passionate about helping singers and leaders grow in confidence, building joyful community through music, and gently winning over those who swear they “don’t sing” – until they do.

Personal Note: Originally from Portsmouth, England, and living in the U.S. since 2006 – three states and countless tunes later, still whistling through life (and most hallways).

Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:16

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and humns and spirtual songs to God with thankful hearts.”

Alicia Andes

administrative assistant

Role: Acts as the key administrative support the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Secretary, handles various independent projects and programs, and participates as a key member of the Territorial Music & Creative Arts Ministries Department.

Background: Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and Elective Studies in Business (Wheaton College), Music Administration and Project Management, Cello Performance and Teaching, Kindermusik and Suzuki Trained, Service and Sales industries.

Passions/Focus: Serving God and His creations, especially through music.

Personal Note: My husband, Patrick, and I are proud of our twin daughters, and I enjoy going on adventures with them learning about God’s and man’s various creations from nature and museums to cities and cultures throughout the world.

Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths.”

Divisional Music Directors & Assistant Divisional Music Directors

Christopher Ward

Divisional Music Director

Great Lakes

(Michigan)

Jessica Pascoe

Assist. Divisional Music Director

Great Lakes

(Michigan)

Jon Heaver

Divisional Music Director

Kansas and Western Missouri

(Greater Kansas City)

Anna Kate Scott

Assist. Divisional Music Director

Kansas and Western Missouri

(Greater Kansas City)

Captain Sarah Eddy

Divisional Youth Secretary

Indiana

 

JR Boatwright


Divisional Music Director

Midland

(Missouri & Southern Illinois)

Peter Kim

Divisional Music Director

North & Central Illinois

JJ Pook

Assist. Divisional Music Director

North & Central Illinois

Justin Harris

Divisional Music Director

Northern

(Minnesota & North Dakota)

Matt Walter

Divisional Music Director

Western

(Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota)

Daren Spencer

Divisional Music Director

Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

(West)

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