Meet the director of sacred music

Brian J. Bacon, Jr. brings over 25 years of experience as a pastoral musician to Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. His ministry has spanned parishes and communities across Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas, and he is honored to now serve the vibrant Catholic community of Avondale, Arizona. Brian and his wife Amanda, along with their four daughters, one cat, and one loyal German Shepherd, are grateful to call Arizona home.

A graduate of Maryville College (B.A. in Music) and Liberty University (M.A. in Music and Worship), Brian is currently pursuing a second masters in christian leadership at grand canyon University. His musical contributions have included conducting roles at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, where he has led performances with more than 200 singers. He has served as conductor, soloist, chorister, and instrumentalist with numerous ensembles throughout the country, including collegiate, community, and liturgical groups.

Brian is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the American Guild of Organists (AGO), Handbell Musicians of America, and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC).

With a deep love for sacred music and the liturgy, Brian is committed to forming a program that is rooted in the Church’s rich musical heritage while welcoming and uplifting the voices of the faithful. He looks forward to journeying with the parish in prayer, beauty, and joyful song.