Steve Burk Named Interim Director of Music and Organist

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Burk as our Interim Director of Music and Organist! He is a gifted musician, caring educator, and seasoned manager. He will be with us for the remainder of 2023, providing overall leadership in the music program and assisting us as we search for a new Director.

In July 2021, Steve retired after nearly 20 years as Organist/Choirmaster of Grace Cathedral in Topeka, KS. As the director of musical activities, he was responsible for planning all Cathedral and Diocesan worship services, conducting the various choral ensembles and handbell choirs, managing the Great Spaces Music & Arts Series, and was principal organist.

A native of California, Steve has lived in Lawrence, KS, since 1986, when he came to work for Reuter Pipe Organs as their Vice President for Sales and Marketing. After marrying and starting a family, he returned to school at the University of Kansas where he completed a degree in Music Education with a Minor in Organ Performance. From 1993–2003, he taught music in public and private schools in Lawrence and was the Director of Youth Music at Trinity Church, Lawrence. While at Trinity, the children’s choir developed a reputation for excellence such that they were invited to sing at the National Cathedral, Washington DC, and other locations in the Midwest. Steve has also been an active member of the Royal School of Church Music in America, the American Guild of Organists, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Since his retirement, Steve has been a resource person for many churches in the Diocese of Kansas and other denominations on a variety of musical and liturgical matters.

After serving 22 years in the Air Force and then the Kansas Air National Guard, Major Burk retired in 2005, as the Commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing’s Maintenance Operations Flight, Forbes Field, Topeka. Steve is married to Sally Burk. They have twin daughters, Dr. Katie Webb (married to Dan) who is the Canon for Music at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, OR, and Dr. Maggie Burk who is Associate Professor for Music and head of Choral Activities at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI.