Robert Baird

Robert Baird brings a unique blend of professional and educational experience to his dual vocations in music and financial management. He is the Director of Music and Organist at Saint James’ Episcopal Church, and serves concurrently as the Director of Finance and Operations at Saint James’ Episcopal School.

‍

Robert is completing a graduate degree in Organ Performance at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and was the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 recipient of the Richard Ross Memorial Organ Scholarship; he studies under Professor John Walker, international concert organist, choirmaster, and former President of the American Guild of Organists. He received undergraduate degrees from Virginia Tech, where he studied Economics and Piano Performance.

‍

Robert plans and leads the musical aspects of worship throughout the liturgical year as the Director of Music/Organist, but has also has led collaborative projects including local offerings of choral/instrumental masterworks, including Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ, and the Christmas and Easter/Revelation portions of Handel’s Messiah. He has helped foster relationships with local churches and other non-profit organizations, in particular the Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, that have supported the music ministry and have provided numerous opportunities for community outreach.

‍

In addition to his work as a choral director/organist, he has served as a private music instructor for over a decade and as an accompanist for faculty, teachers, professionals, and students across Virginia and the East Coast. Robert is an avid composer and has published music for organ, piano, voice, and various ensembles, including piano trio, string quartet, and symphonic orchestra. He served on the board of the Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 2022-2024, and has been a member of the organization since 2017.

‍

His career in financial management includes employment as a Financial Manager and Analyst for government contractors, as the Accounting Manager for a developer, and as the Treasurer/Financial Manager for a non-profit church/school.  

‍

His dedication to both his musical and financial professions is matched by his commitment to his family and community. His four-year-old son, Maddox, is enrolled at Saint James’, and Mr. Baird is continuously grateful for the phenomenal education Maddox is receiving and the warm community that surrounds them. He has a proven track record of building and bridging communities, and believes firmly in the transformative power of faith, music, and education to bring people together and create lasting positive change.

‍