Ryan Fitch has been a cherished part of the Emmanuel community, serving as our Director of Music since 2013. Through the years, Ryan has brought energy, warmth, creativity, and a deep love of music to our worship and life together.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Music Education, as well as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Opera. For more than 15 years, he has been active throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area as a music educator, clinician, accompanist, conductor, and singer.

During the week, Ryan’s “day job” is serving as a music instructor at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School on Janneys Lane here in Alexandria. And we are delighted to share some wonderful news: Ryan has recently completed his second graduate degree, this time in School Administration! Please join us in congratulating him on this tremendous accomplishment and the dedication it represents.

Here at Emmanuel, Ryan leads our Adult Choir, Handbell Choir, and Women’s Choir, and this year he is excited to introduce a new Children’s Choir. He also lends his musical talents to our Guitar Group whenever needed. Ryan’s ministry is rooted in a simple but meaningful belief: music has a remarkable way of bringing people together, encouraging one another, strengthening community, and helping us share the good news through hymns, songs, and worship.

When Ryan is not teaching at school or making music at Emmanuel, he enjoys biking, theater, entertaining, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends. And, of course, he loves spending time with his teeny-tiny canine companion, Maria! ❤️🐕

We are grateful for Ryan’s many years of ministry among us, for the joy and encouragement he brings to our musical community, and for all the ways he helps make Emmanuel a welcoming and uplifting place to sing, worship, learn, and grow together.

Congratulate Ryan the next time you see him.