I have loved music beginning at 2 or 3 years old when I was mesmerized by my mother’s piano playing. I began piano lessons at age 6 and loved to practice…or was that simply because I preferred practicing to doing chores? My parents bought a small electric organ and I was totally enamored with playing and using my feet too! In La Junta, CO high school I became my church organist, played alto sax in band and a school jazz band, sang in the concert choir, and accompanied the glee clubs.
Majoring in elementary and music education at UNC, Greeley, I switched from sax to bassoon, played in small ensemble groups, orchestra, and was lucky enough to study under organist and composer, R. Evan Copley and Mrs. Garlic, organist of a new million dollar pipe organ at a new Episcopal Church in Greeley which is where I gave my senior recital.
After graduation I taught 4th grade in Macon, Georgia, then on to Spokane, WA then to Colorado Springs where I taught elementary music in District 11 for 29 years.
In 1998, a friend invited me to this church in Manitou Springs. I joined the choir with Marcia Mensing, choir director and organist. After not having played the organ for 28 years, Marcia invited me to come play on this wonderful pipe organ. I was thrilled and became the choir accompanist, filling in for Marcia on organ occasionally. I became the organist in 2004 and am forever thankful to Rev. Hunting for the opportunity to regularly play the organ!
After 29 years of married life to Mike Doherty, a retired P.E. teacher, I now know more than I ever thought possible about football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and tennis! We bike, cross country and downhill ski, and I work out nearly every day. I love to read and do counted cross stitch and crochet. We have no children but don’t tell our cats Sport, Murphy, and Missy that because they are sure we are their parents!
Susan plays organ and accompanies the Sanctuary Choir every Sunday. She works with the Music Director to deliver great music to the worship service and hasn’t missed but 2 Sundays since 2011! Thank you, Susan!
