Meet the Staff

Melinda Patterson - Music Director/Adult Choir Director

Mindy received her Bachelor of Music Education and Vocal Performance from Bowling Green State University. She taught elementary music for 3 years in the West Muskingum schools and 7 years in the Zanesville City schools.

She has been a member of the Columbus Symphony Chorus for 31 years, performing several solos during that time. The Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall, as well as two performances at the Chautauqua Institute with the Chautauqua Symphony. She has been a soloist for the Zanesville Civic Chorus’ performances of Handel’s Messiah since 1989, the soprano section leader for several years, and is an auditioned member of the Thursday Music Club. She has also been a member of the Trinity United Presbyterian Church chancel choir since 1989, and now serves as Director of Music, directing the adult choir as well. In addition, Mindy is a substitute teacher for the Southwest Licking School District.

Kathy Hixson - Pianist/Organist

I was born in Lima, Ohio, the third of four children. My parents worked hard to send us to the Catholic School and provided piano lessons when I turned 7. Although our piano was in the dining room area which was very close to the television room, I was always allowed to practice until my dad went to bed. Thinking back, I should apologize to my siblings. When it was time to sign up for band classes at school, the family had an old trombone that we fixed up, and that is what I played.


I participated in a drum and baton corps and a drum and bugle corps as a musician from a very young age through high school, as well as other school music activities. Then, while attending Bowling Green State University, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.

My first "real" job was in northwest Ohio in Hardin County at the Upper Scioto Valley Local School District teaching instrumental music 5-12. I stayed there for four years. I was then offered a job at West Muskingum in instrumental music 6-12, including marching band and pep band. I moved to Zanesville knowing no one.

I taught middle school/high school for four more years. During that time I met my husband, Todd Hixson. A position came open (formerly held by Mindy Patterson) at the elementary level, and from that time on I taught only young children. Due to the fact that I taught in all of the elementary buildings in the district, I had 700-800 children per week. I feel blessed to have had a career where I have been acknowledged by students, families and faculty as a positive influence in teaching. I was twice teacher of the year at Dillon and Falls Elementary Schools, Ohio Music Educator of the Year for Elementary Level, and twice recognized by Day Break Rotary. I have had the privilege of working with thousands of children through music.

Todd and I have twin boys, Daniel and Steven. Daniel is a student at The Ohio State University studying communications. Steven is at Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music where he is studying music composition.

After 30 years in the public schools I chose to retire in 2014. During that year, I was asked to play as a church pianist for First Christian Church for their 8:30 service. I found I really liked playing for church and practicing again. I was led to Trinity United Presbyterian knowing you wanted an organist/pianist. I have had limited experience on the organ and have been studying with Jim McLaughlin to learn more about the organ. I am a work in progress when it comes to being a church musician.