Music Staff

Rebecca D. Sturm (Becky) graduated from Marshall University receiving a bachelor of arts with a major in English and a minor in music, and a master of arts in secondary education.  She has taught both English and music in Cabell County Schools and is now teaching English at Fairland High School where she also accompanies various groups in the music program.  Formerly she served as organist/choir director at Central Christian Church and has substituted as organist at various churches.  She served as the Associate Director of Music at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church from 1987 to 2005 where she also directed the Children’s Music Ministry.  Since 2005 she has served as the organist of the church where she plays for the services of the church and accompanies the Sanctuary Choir, soloists, and ensembles.  

Natalie Wray

Director, Kid’s Club Chorus

Natalie Wray began studying violin at eight years of age in her childhood town of Dallastown, Pennsylvania.  She holds a music education degree from Elizabethtown College (PA) and has also done considerable work toward a degree in music therapy. Mrs. Wray taught elementary general music, orchestra for grades 4 through 12, middle school choir, and a high school guitar class in her eight years of teaching.  Her children have recently taken priority over her career, but she remains active in the music community.  In addition to her contributions at Johnson Memorial UMC, Mrs. Wray performs regularly with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra and serves on the executive board of the American Federation of Musicians Union Local 361-692.  She has also performed with the Ohio Valley Symphony and the West Virginia Philharmonic. 

Robert Wray

Director of Music

Robert Wray is Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at Marshall University, where, in addition to student teacher education and supervision, he conducts the 80-voice University Chorus, teaches choral conducting and vocal techniques, maintains a voice studio, and coordinates student departmental recitals. Mr. Wray is also to the coordinator of the MU Festival Chorus weekend and Chamber Choir Invitational, both drawing high school students from West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland. 

Robert is currently the President-elect of the West Virginia chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.  In his four years at Marshall, Mr. Wray has served as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in West Virginia and Maryland and has presented a music reading session at the West Virginia MENC conference. 

Mr. Wray holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, where he was also the Assistant Conductor of the Men’s Chorus and founding director of the Men’s Chamber Ensemble.

Additionally, Robert serves as the Director of Music at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, where he conducts the Sanctuary Choir, J.M. Ringers, and coordinates the weekly music presentation of Johnson Memorial’s alternative music ensemble, Ember.   

He is joined in Huntington by his wife, Natalie, their daughter Devon Michelle, and their son Jackson Theodore.