Jeffrey Campbell
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 Saint Philip’s Assistant Director of Music & Organist, Jeffrey Campbell.
How long have you worked at Saint Philip’s?
22.5 years! I began in August of 2001.
How is it that you became an organist?
I grew up as a chorister in my church in Toronto, Canada and began playing the piano when I was 4 or 5 years old. Even though I didn’t play the organ back then I was in church every week and thought the organ sounded really cool.
It was when I was 11 or 12 and I had reached a certain technical proficiency with the piano that I could begin to play the organ. Oh, and by then my legs were also long enough to reach the pedals which was necessary.
I played both instruments through high school and the beginning of college. But I decided to study the organ and also played it regularly in church so by the time I graduated college the organ took precedence and my piano days ended.
What do you love about being an organist?
The organ has the ability to create so many colors; it’s a one-person orchestra. I’m in control of a vast array of sounds that can create majestic music or very soft and meditative tones—and everything in between.
What I love about being an organist at Saint Philip’s specifically is that this parish has one of the very few music programs with the resources to pull off the wide spectrum of music it offers. For example, we will sing Gregorian chant from year 1,000 and then a piece that was commissioned especially for Saint Philip’s just last year—and everything in between.
I love liturgical music, hymns, and anthems. It’s a real blessing to be at Saint Philip’s where we are able to give full expression to all of the various styles and composers that are part of the Anglican Episcopal tradition.
So…what’s with the special shoes that organists wear?
Many pedal passages require that toes and heels cascade up and down the pedals quickly. That means my feet have to be able to slide easily. Organ shoes are made with leather soles and heels to make that possible. Normal shoes would tend to stick on the pedals.
Also, the organ shoes are specifically made to follow the contours of my feet. They should feel like a second skin.
I wear my organ shoes only when practicing or playing so the bottoms don’t get scuffed or dinged. I just recycled a pair I’ve had for 25 years so they last a long time if taken good care of.
What is something that you think is special about Saint Philip’s?
I’m very proud of the Choral Evensong tradition we’ve built. We started in a modest way with the “Girls Honor Choir” that sang on Wednesday afternoons. The choir then expanded to include boys and it became the Saint Nicholas Choir.
The next evolution was to form a group of adults (The Schola Choir) to support the youth choristers. Both choirs now sing Choral Evensong on the third Sunday of every month.
I believe that Saint Philip’s is the only church in southern Arizona that does Evensong regularly. It’s a very unique form of worship in that the congregation participates by listening and praying. I think what makes it so special is that it’s a quiet end to the day or quiet beginning to the week. You can be a parishioner or someone who visits from the Tucson community—either way you’ll be part of something that is worth celebrating.
What’s something you’ve helped create at Saint Philip’s?
I’m proud of being instrumental in strengthening the role of the youth. When I first arrived, the girl and boy choirs sang a single anthem once or maybe twice a month.
I’ve been part of expanding their participation so they now sing a good deal more on Sunday mornings, often with adults, and lead worship on Second Sundays and at Choral Evensong. And of course being part of the residencies that the youth participate in has been a great joy, too.
What’s something you’re proud of?
During my time at Saint Philip’s, four different music directors have expanded the type of music played, explored different areas of repertoire, and changed the sound of the choirs. But the backdrop for all that change has been my constant, reliable play. The danger, of course, is that I’m considered part of the woodwork. But I believe that I play an important role and am proud of that.
What’s something that parishioners may not know about the music department?
We’ve created an expectation for the finest expression of liturgical music—and I believe we meet it. But I think people would be surprised to learn just how much preparation is necessary to make that happen.
What should people know about Saint Philip’s organ?
That it was installed 38 years ago. I’m looking forward to the 40th anniversary of its installation in 2026.
Another factoid is that one reason we keep the great doors closed is to keep the cold and hot air out of the church. And that matters because…
There are three levels of chests that hold the organ’s pipes. They are hidden from view when you look at the great doors—but they are there. And hot air rises so for a good portion of the year, the highest level of pipes is out of tune with the rest of the instrument because hot air is trapped up there.
The church isn’t climate controlled beyond turning the air-conditioning or heat off, and because the walls are adobe, the outside weather affects what happens inside.
How do you manage to create the sounds you do given these variables?
I do a lot of spot tuning!
Do you play the organ outside of liturgies at Saint Philip’s?
Not that often but I do. Part of the fun of being an organist is traveling and playing different organs. Each instrument is unique. For example, even if Organ A and Organ B have stops that are named the same, they will be different because the pipes are voiced for the particular room in which the organ is. And each organ builder creates a signature sound that makes their organs unique to them.
It’s a challenge to make each instrument sound as good as possible for the type of repertoire you’re playing. And that’s also what’s such fun.
What’s one of your super powers?
I am able to completely focus on what I am creating in any given moment on the organ. It becomes a spiritual experience for me. And I’ve been told that my intensity is conveyed to the people listening.
What have we not addressed that you would like people to know?
In any profession, you wonder if people notice or recognize what you do. I am fortunate (and grateful) that people approach me on a somewhat regular basis after a liturgy and say that they celebrate my being at Saint Philip’s. I very much appreciate the affirmation—and people being kind and generous to tell me.
What do you do to relax?
I like to swim and take walks. Vicki and I enjoy good food and good wine.
Do you have a favorite cuisine?
Anything Indian! And of course, having lived in Tucson so long, we love Mexican food, too. I love fajitas—and margaritas!
What’s something you’re grateful for?
I’m grateful for my family, for this community, and for the ability to do what I love to do.
Have you done anything new in the past few months?
Yes! I’ve discovered—and fallen in love with—classic country music. My favorite artists so far are George Jones and Johnny Cash. It’s been an amazing discovery.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
That I enjoy watching football. My favorite team is the Kansas City Chiefs.
What’s a fun fact about you?
For each town in England where Saint Philip’s has been in residency, I can share a Top Ten pub list I’ve created—and researched! The Minster Pub in Ely was #1 on the list because it was literally just across the street from the cathedral. One pint please!
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.