Anne Boyer Cotten

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is comprised of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: a desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with parishioner and volunteer Anne Boyer Cotten.

How long have you worshiped at Saint Philip’s?
I’ve been a parishioner since the fall of 2011.

How did you find the parish?
I’d heard that Saint Philip’s is a beautiful church that offers very good music. My background is in architecture and music so I was immediately curious. I also like to attend Sunday church services so I made a point to visit Saint Philip’s when I came to Tucson to spend time with my son and his family.

Where did you live before moving to Tucson?
I lived in Binghamton—in upstate New York. But I was born in Phoenix and my mother was born in Arizona when the state was still a territory. So I have an attachment to the desert. I also lived in central Pennsylvania when I was growing up and have deep family roots there.

How do you volunteer at Saint Philip’s?
I serve on the Sacred Arts Committee, the Music Commission and sing in the choir.

Singing in Saint Philip's choir “ain't no pick-up gig.” We sing music that's challenging and it's a big, wonderful commitment. There are many dedicated members who are experienced choral musicians, both serious amateurs and retired professionals.

How would describe Saint Philip’s to someone unfamiliar with the parish?
Unique.

I’ve experienced a lot of churches. My father’s work as a choral director and my own professional background with churches exposed me to a lot of worship spaces.

Saint Philip’s is unique in how many different aspects of worship people can participate. Music is not the only option. And then there is the congregation; parishioners represent so many interests and backgrounds.

And last but not least, Saint Philip’s is very intentional about creating a spirit of worship that is meaningful. And because not everyone is wired the same way, there are different opportunities within the liturgy to experience the divine—and to expand as a spiritual being and Christian. Saint Philip’s offers many things for lots of different types of people.

How does being part of Saint Philip’s support your relationship with God?
Saint Philip’s is a great place to explore what is really important in my life. I’m invited regularly to contribute in a meaningful way. And there are so many people here that show me such a great amount of love that I’m inspired to do my best to return that love. I feel very lucky.

What did you do professionally before you retired?
My work has always been cross-disciplinary revolving around the Arts and includes practicing as a designer, vocal soloist, choral musician, and teacher.

For the 38 years before retirement, I held two positions, one full-time, the second part-time. Those two jobs were my passion. 

My full-time employment was as a faculty member of the Art and Design Department at SUNY (State University of New York) Broome Community College, where I served as Chair and also Coordinator of the Interior Design program for over a decade. My joy was developing new courses for our curricula. In studio courses included interior design, color theory and three dimensional design, as well as art history courses in modern design, decorative arts, and textiles.

The part-time position was as founding Director of The Madrigal Choir of Binghamton, an auditioned community choral ensemble performing mainly a cappella works. This began as a chamber group from a church choir I directed and grew into a 501(c)3 concert choir of 50 singers. We sang repertoire sacred and secular, from Gregorian Chant to newly commissioned works. I directed The Madrigal Choir for 32 years before retiring and I'm happy to say it is still going strong into its 45th year. It seems very much like one of my children.

What’s a fun fact about you?
I used to be a serious dancer and taught modern dance, tap dance, and ballet. Although it's been many years since I have performed as a dancer, dancing professionally brought an ease and confidence in expressing myself. Dance taught me that when something unexpected happens there's an opportunity to improvise. This knowledge helped me gain confidence, not just when performing but, in life generally. This makes each trip around the sun much more fun than it would be otherwise.

Cake or pie?
Pie

Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla. The test of a really good ice cream brand is to eat the vanilla. When it's good, you know you really have something that's “perfecto!”

Missed an interview? All previous interviews can be found on Saint Philip’s website under the “About Us” tab. Click here to visit that page.