Martin Ellis, a native of Indiana, has spent over four decades as a church musician, organist, collaborative studio pianist, and as a composer of organ and choral music. As a graduate of the DePauw School of Music in Indiana, Martin has served a number of churches in the Indianapolis area, and since 2012 served two congregations in the Portland area before accepting the music director position at First Church in 2021. Mr. Ellis brings his skills as a composer, music director, and organist/pianist to our comprehensive and growing musical life.
In addition to his work with Vancouver First, Martin is an active composer for The Lorenz Corporation and Sacred Music Press in Dayton, Ohio and has been featured in two organ collections and numerous anthologies as well as on the innovative Lorenz Online platform. Martin also operates Martin Ellis Music which self publishes more diverse works for instrumentalists, choirs, and more difficult concert works for organ.
In the capacity of musical theatre, Martin works yearly with Gresham High School and Tigard High School Theater Departments as a musical director, vocal teacher, and conductor for two large-scale Broadway productions each year.
Martin and his partner Troy live in downtown Portland with their three Chihuahua mix dogs: Casper, Chloe, and Chorizo, and enjoy the many activities and benefits that downtown Portland offers.
