A conductor and critically-acclaimed pianist, Eldred leads First United Methodist Garland's efforts to cultivate Christian community in Garland and the surrounding area through music and fine arts. 

This includes producing the West Avenue B Community Concerts - featuring Eldred and guest artists from around the area and around the world - and other musical and artistic collaboration with the greater Garland community. 

Eldred also serves as organist and accompanist for the Chancel Choir and Pure Joy! Youth Choir, and assists with the day-to-day workings of the Music Ministry. 

In addition to his role at First United Methodist Garland, Eldred serves as Artistic and Music Director for Opera Diversità, an opera company based in Dallas-Fort Worth, and Music Director for the Next Gen Chamber Players of Mansfield. 

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton and three Masters of Music degrees - in Piano, Organ and Orchestral Conducting - from Southern Methodist University (SMU). He also holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Yale University. 

Eldred has performed in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria, the Ukraine, the Republic of San Marino and the People's Republic of China as well as throughout the United States.

He has conducted the Ukrainian State Academic Orchestra and Kharkov Youth Symphony in the Ukraine; the Pleven Philharmonic Orchestra and Vidin Philharmonic Orchestra in Bulgaria; and Filharmonica Oltenia di Craiova and the Constanta "Black Sea" Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania.

Eldred has also served as conductor for the Children's Opera Division of the Riverside Opera Institute in California; assistant conductor for the Meadows Symphony Orchestra at SMU and the Opera dell'arte Ensemble in New York City; and has collaborated with the UNT Symphony Orchestra.  

Betsy leads our Children's Music Ministry, helping 3-year-olds thru 6th-graders love and appreciate music and making joyful noise to the Lord. 

She co-directs the Wesley (4th-6th grade) Choir and supports volunteer staff directing the Cherub (3-, 4-, 5-year-olds) and Carol (1st thru 3rd grade) Choirs. Each year, she also helps direct two children's musicals and teaches music for Vacation Bible School and Kids for Arts, Music and Praise (K.A.M.P!). 

A retired former Fine Arts Coordinator for the Garland Independent School District (GISD), Betsy directed the award-winning Garland All-City Girls' Choir. She served as the State Elementary Vice President for both the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). Recipient of a TCDA Award of Excellence, Betsy has presented more than 150 workshops for music teachers. She has also authored or co-authored music textbooks and other materials for publishers Hal Leonard and Macmillan/McGraw Hill and for the Choristers Guild. 

Betsy holds degrees from Midwest State University and the University of North Texas. 

Josh leads our First Youth Fellowship for grades 7-12. 

A long-time member of First United Methodist Garland, Josh was heavily involved as a youth leader, a lay speaker, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Chancel Choir and an active participant in missions and musicals long before joining the church staff. 

His passion for youth development has led him to develop a family-centered approach to ministry with teenagers. 

Influenced in his early spiritual development and growth by his grandmother Mary Medlock, Josh is studying to become a local pastor and plans to seek full ordination in The United Methodist Church. 

He brings a wide variety of professional experiences that serve him well in his role at First United Methodist Garland - from printing press operator, loss-prevention specialist, warehouse manager, courier, fry cook, assistant scheduling manager, martial arts instructor, sales trainer and service technician to his most recent position as turn manager for a multi-family management company. 

Josh also holds a 1st Degree Black Belt (Kukkiwon-certified) and a 3rd Degree Black Belt (American Martial Arts Academy) in Taekwondo. 

Yolanda coordinates our missions activities, including but not limited to support for Good Samaritans of Garland, Austin Street Center in Dallas, Project Transformation and Running 4 Clean Water. She also spearheads community outreach, including support for nearby Freeman Elementary School, and is the face of our advocacy efforts for the homeless and for racial justice. 

Mark is responsible for the church website, social media, email publications including First Week and First Reflections, electronic signage, worship bulletins, and other internal and external communications. He also produces multimedia for worship and other activities, and manages the church computer, video and building access network. 

Mark previously served for four years as Director of Communications for First United Methodist Plano. Prior to that he spent 32 years in high-tech public relations and marketing communications with Nortel Networks and Harris Corporation. 

Mark began his professional career with five years as a sports writer for The Morning Sun in Pittsburg, Kansas and The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City. He also covered high school football and other high school sports for 30 years as a freelancer for various newspapers including The Dallas Morning News. 

Mark holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Dallas Baptist University. He is also a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).