Randy Cornell, Director of Music & Organist

Randy Cornell (he/him) lives in Elmira and grew up in Almond, NY (in between Hornell and Alfred) with both parents and 2 brothers. For 31 years he taught public school music. Randy retired from Elmira Heights, where he taught grades 6-12 vocal/choral and 9-12 band, and also directed the spring musical for many years.

Randy has an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from SUNY Alfred and an undergraduate degree is in Music Education from Houghton College [now Houghton University]. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, and his focus instrument was piano.

From 2006 until 2022 he was Minister of Music at 1st United Church of Christ in Elmira; in charge of selecting hymns, playing all hymns and service music and directing/accompanying the choir. The church closed in July, 2022, and Randy currently serves at First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads and North Presbyterian Church in Elmira. He lives in Elmira, NY with his partner, Jose Gomez. Randy is blessed to serve the community through music and is thankful for all of God’s blessings! God is good all the time!