Who is Dave Talmage?

This week, our Spotlight of Gratitude belongs to Dave Talmage. For those of you who may not know Dave, he is our church’s Music Director and has faithfully served in this role for nearly a decade. Personally, I’ve always found myself curious about Dave’s story and how someone finds their way onto this particular church path. So, I decided to sit down with him, learn more, and share a bit of that journey with all of you. If you’re interested in learning more about Dave and his story, I invite you to read on.

Dave was born into what he jokingly describes as an “amusical” family. His father played the banjo, his mother the guitar, and his uncle was also a banjo player. Although Dave rarely heard them play, he grew up hearing their stories, which always stayed with him. It wasn’t until later in his life that he developed an interest in music, particularly bluegrass.

When he was a sophomore in high school, Dave asked his father, “Hey, if you see a banjo at a yard sale, could you grab one for me?” His father replied, “Wait here, son,” and returned with a banjo from the closet. He told Dave that if he learned to play it, he could keep it. That moment marked the beginning of Dave’s bluegrass journey.

From there, he began playing with friends in jam sessions throughout school. Growing up, Dave was very involved in hockey and had a strong competitive spirit. But in those jam sessions, he discovered something different—there were no winners or losers, just people coming together to create something meaningful. That perspective stayed with him and continues to shape the way he approaches music in the church today.

Dave’s journey with the church began just up the hill at the stone church, where he played every Tuesday with a bluegrass group for nearly a decade. When that chapter came to a close, a new door opened. He was invited to sing at a volunteer appreciation dinner, which eventually led to his involvement with NCC. What started as occasional visits to sing here and there gradually grew into something more, ultimately leading to his role as Music Director—a role he has now filled nearly every Sunday for close to ten years. We are truly grateful for his presence and dedication.

When I asked Dave about his experience in this role and what he enjoys most, his answer was simple but powerful. He shared that when he looks out and sees people singing, moving, and fully engaged, it feeds his soul. There is a deep sense of warmth, love, and connection in those moments that is hard to put into words.

He also spoke about the unique impact music has on spirituality. Music, he said, is one of the easiest things to carry with you. It doesn’t stay confined to Sunday morning. I know I personally find myself singing church songs on the drive home, and I’m sure many of you do as well. It becomes more than just a song—it becomes a piece of the community that we carry into our daily lives. Dave and I both agreed that this is one of the most beautiful gifts that music brings to our church.

Lastly, Dave wanted to extend his gratitude to this church for allowing him to show up each week and serve this community. In that spirit of gratitude, he also wanted to share a song that helps him connect and feel thankful for the gift of music: “How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTz7nABgIH4&list=RDsTz7nABgIH4&start_radio=1

It was truly a gift to learn more about Dave, and I hope you all felt the same way reading this.