Montgomery United Methodist Church to Celebrate Dr. Laura Bell’s 25 Years of Musical Leadership
Nicholas Mistretta
“Dr. Bell & Friends” concert and reception will honor longtime church musician and retired Montgomery educator on Aug. 30
SKILLMAN, NJ — Montgomery United Methodist Church will celebrate the musical career and community contributions of Dr. Laura Bell with a special concert and reception on Sunday, Aug. 30.
“Dr. Bell & Friends: A Musical Showcase & Reception” will begin at 3 p.m. at the church, located at 117 Sunset Road in Skillman. The event will recognize Bell’s 25 years of service as the congregation’s principal organist, pianist and music director, as well as her two decades as a music educator in the Montgomery Township School District.
The musical showcase will feature Bell on piano, Alexa Farah on vocals, Cheryl Housten on flute and Jing Yang on violin. A reception will follow the concert.
Bell, who holds a doctorate in classical piano, joined Montgomery United Methodist Church in 1998 and began serving in her musical leadership role in 2001.
During the past quarter-century, she has helped shape the musical life of the congregation through Sunday worship, choir accompaniment, concerts and special events.
“Laura’s contributions extend far beyond Sunday worship—she has accompanied choirs, supported community ensembles, and brought world-class musicianship to countless services, concerts and special events,” Montgomery United Methodist Church Pastor Jessica Robertson said.
Bell retired from the Montgomery Township School District in 2025 after 20 years as a music teacher and choir director. Throughout her district career, she became known for encouraging young musicians, supporting fellow educators and bringing enthusiasm and creativity to her classrooms and performances.
Her work in Montgomery included involvement with the district’s annual Music from the Heart scholarship fundraiser, which brings together students, educators and community musicians in support of graduating seniors pursuing music education.
Bell’s professional career has also included performances in Boston, Los Angeles, France, New York and New Jersey. She has collaborated with orchestras, choirs and chamber ensembles, including the Princeton Girlchoir and the Starlite Chorale, and has recorded two solo piano albums.
Before joining the Montgomery school district, Bell founded Dr. Bell’s School of Music, taught at Raritan Valley Community College, organized the New Jersey Piano Festival and served as a featured instructor with the Calgary Arts Summer School Association.
Following her retirement, Bell moved to Cape May. She initially hoped to continue regularly serving in her church music role, but the lengthy Sunday commute made that increasingly difficult.
Although the concert marks the conclusion of her regular role as the church’s principal musician and music director, Bell said she will remain a member of Montgomery United Methodist Church and plans to continue supporting church fundraisers and other activities.
The Aug. 30 program is intended to serve as both a musical celebration and a community tribute to Bell’s influence as a musician, educator and mentor.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens. They may be purchased through the Montgomery United Methodist Church website at www.montgomeryumc.org.
Additional information is available by emailing events@montgomeryumc.org or calling 908-359-5900.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com