Brice Gerlach, Ph.D.

Brice Gerlach, a native of San Diego, California, received his Bachelor and Master degrees in Organ Performance from Eastman School of Music and Indiana University, respectively.  Gerlach was also awarded the Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. He completed his doctorate in Choral Conducting from Indiana University. His organ teachers include L. Robert Slusser, Russell Saunders and Larry Smith. His choral professors include Robert Porco, Jan Harrington and Thomas Dunn.

Brice has been Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Naples since 2001.  At First Presbyterian, Brice conducts the Chancel Choir, plays the mighty Ruffatti organ for all services, manages the concert series, and handles all things related to music in worship. In addition to his duties at First Presbyterian, he is Artist in Residence at Ave Maria University and is Adjunct Professor in organ and conducting and conducts the Chamber Choir.

Brice was the Assistant Director and Accompanist for the Naples Philharmonic Chorus and Naples Philharmonic Youth Chorus at Artis—Naples.  In 2020, he retired from Artis—Naples after 25 years of devoted service to many adult, youth, and children teaching the art of choral music.

Dr. Gerlach is a frequent performer of organ and collaborative piano recitals.  He often performs with his wife, soprano, Michele Byrd, and son, violinist, Colin Gerlach.  Colin is a mechanical engineering major and a music minor at the University of Miami. Their family is completed by their ever faithful German shepherd, Maisy.