Meet our Music Staff

Phone: 440.255.3496
Email: Email MUMC

Our music staff pursues excellence with passion in order to bring glory to God.  We are always adding new singers and musicians to our dynamic team.  Whether you're a casual singer, a garage band rock star, or classically trained, you are invited to use your gifts to glorify God.

Contact any of the staff or more information!

Amy Bender

Director of Music and Organist
Bell Choir Director, Charter Members Director, Chancel Choir Director
Phone: 440.255.3496 Ext. 116
Email: Email Amy

​Amy Bender serves as the Director of Music and Organist. She directs the Chancel Choir, Charter Members Men’s Choir, Canticle Bell Choir, and plays the organ for Sanctuary Worship.

Amy grew up in Euclid, Ohio, attended Baldwin-Wallace College, and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She began her career as a music teacher in the Mentor Public Schools in 1981 and joined the music staff of Mentor UMC the following year. In 1994 she earned a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling from John Carroll University.

Bonnie Budziak

Accompanist
Phone: 440.255.3496 Ext. 116
Email:

Bonnie Budziak is a graduate of the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music where she won the Michael Gollobin Piano Competition. After graduating, she worked at Kings Productions (Taft Boradcasting) and Kings Island in Cincinnati. Her early music training was at the Fine Arts Association where she eventually became the Theatre Chairperson, Staff Accompanist, and Outreach Director. She was Auditorium Manager at Mentor School Fine Arts Center for 10.5 years. She has accompanied the Lakeland Civic Chorus, the Lake County Messiah Chorus, and Cleveland Opera on Tour and was the organist for St. Hubert's Chapel. Bonnie has been the rehearsal accompanist for the Fine Arts Community Chorus since it began in 2008. She has been a frequent guest pianist with the Fine Arts Faculty Woodwind Quintet.

Bonnie joined us in 2022 as the Chancel Choir Accompanist.

Charlie Tackett

Modern Worship Director
Phone: 440.255.3496 Ext. 112
Email:

Charlie Tackett grew up in nearby Painesville and graduated from Harvey High School. He attended Cuyahoga Community College and accrued credits for music production. He has been a long-time member of the church, having been baptized and confirmed at Mentor UMC. He enjoys musical theatre, video games, sports, and hiking.