Since he was a small child, Marshall has made music in the church, playing piano and organizing various groups. He attended Anderson University shortly after Bill Bellah, although they don’t recall their paths ever crossing. While at Anderson he met composer/song writer Bill Gaither and was eventually hired by Bill to produce and engineer recordings at the Gaither’s recording studio. Later he returned to Wichita (his hometown) to help his father sell the family aircraft parts company that Marshall knew well. He then moved to southern California to be on the music staff for about three years at the Crystal Cathedral, where he led the 100-voice youth choir and started a 60-member youth orchestra.
By the mid-80s, Marshall returned once again to Wichita to become the Minister of Music at his home church, Central Community Church (of God). From 1978, in addition to his other positions, he founded and published Creator Magazine, a bimonthly periodical sent to church musicians nationwide. Its subscriptions grew until Marshall had to choose between church ministry and publishing Creator. He resigned the church in Wichita and moved just behind his parents to Columbus, Ohio, where is sister and brother-in-law lived. His brother-in-law, church music writer Lloyd Larson, was the Minister of Music in Columbus, and for the first time the entire family served in the same church.
Marshall relocated to Tucson in 1995 where he met his wife, Teresa, shortly after. He was soon hired by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and was able to sell the magazine after having published it for nearly 20 years. During the early years at St. Andrew’s, Marshall also held part-time music positions at CDO Baptist Church and Community of Hope Lutheran. When he became the full-time director at St. Andrew’s in 2003, it was the first time in many years that he had only one job!
This past summer, Marshall left St. Andrew’s and immediately began working full-time at the new Tangerine Walmart store where he is now part of the management team. His goal was to find a part-time music job at a church close-by, so coming to Vista was certainly an answer to that prayer.Marshall carries a unique package of musical skills that he brings to Vista. In addition to having a vast background in choral and orchestral music, he has also developed several contemporary music programs that have become well-received throughout the Tucson community. At Vista, Marshall hopes to continue the work of Bill and Mary in building the 9:00 traditional service. And he will be guiding our 10:45 service in a slightly more contemporary direction, yet maintaining the warm, family atmosphere that has been its trademark.We welcome Marshall to Vista and look forward to where God may lead our worship and music ministry under his leadership. Communicating with him is easy since his cell phone receives email (marshallsanders@aol.com) and calls, voice messages and texts (271-5238). His wife Teresa is also technically trained and will be assisting with audio and projection. His 9 year-old daughter, Lexi, already loves our Sunday School and wants to meet everyone personally. Teresa’s parents, Bill and Lori Marvin, will also be attending Vista, with Bill already joining the choir.
