Richard has served the diocese and diocesan parishes for many years and currently serves as the Ensemble Director at St. Mary’s Church in Crescent. He has been Director of Music for three parishes, the 2007 Diocesan Youth Rally, the 1997 Albany Sesquicentennial Liturgy, and Christian Leadership Institutes (CLI) from 1996-2004. He founded an annual choral concert Tuned For Praise (1998 – 2004) and a liturgical music experience for youth, Music and Liturgy at Pyramid Lake, that began in 2000. Richard is also a composer of inspirational and liturgical music. “Follow The Light” written with Chris Dukes is published by G.I.A., and “Instruments of Christ” can be found in the St. Augustine Hymnal published by I.L.P.

Melinda Cestaro, Secretary/Treasurer 



Melinda Cestaro currently serves as the Director of Music at Christ the King Church in Westmere and also serves on the Diocesan Liturgical Commission's Music Subcommittee.  Prior to CTK, she was the Director of Music at St. Henry’s Church in Averill Park. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in music with a concentration in piano performance from the University at Albany, and a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Florida, where she also studied organ. Melinda has been playing in churches since the age of 14, including subbing for various denominations, playing for college masses at St. Vincent de Paul in Albany, and even co-directing a Spanish choir in Florida. In addition to her current duties at Christ the King, she also serves as a substitute organist, accompanies vocalists and instrumentalists, and teaches privately throughout the area.

Justine Crevatas, Social Media Coordinator/Webmaster



Justine Crevatas has been active in music ministry in the Albany Diocese since 2005.  She is the Director of Music Ministry at St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in vocal performance and a Liturgical Music Certificate from the College of Saint Rose.  Prior to SMS, she was the music director at Holy Spirit Church in East Greenbush and for the Newman Association at SUNY Albany.  She gained experience early on at Christ the King Church in Guilderland and All Saints Church in Albany assisting the music directors.  She also served as the music director for the youth choir at Christ our Light Church in Loudonville.  She is a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission Subcommittee and the Guilderland Interfaith Council.  One of her greatest accomplishments was being asked to cantor for Bishop Scharfenberger's Ordination and Installation mass.