Patrick D. McCoy returns to hometown to lend support; share success story

An author once said you can never go home again. Well, that’s certainly not true for noted journalist and musician, Patrick D. McCoy. The noted musician and journalist was welcomed back to his home town of Petersburg, VA. earlier this month with open arms as he shared his well-honed musical gifts.

McCoy was presented in recital by the Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  at Christ and Grace Episcopal Church. The recital was held to raise funds for the chapter’s scholarship fund. It was quite a full-circle moment for Patrick, who sang the inaugural recital in 2009 at Petersburg’s Historic Gillfield Baptist Church.

After a delightful recital, Patrick delivered a talk at his alma mater, Virginia State University on the following day. His topic, “Final Movement: When the Music Stops, What’s Next?”   chronicled his transition from being mainly known for his musicianship to developing a successful career in music journalism.

Patrick D. McCoy speaks at his alma mater about his career as a music journalist

After stints as a music and arts columnist for a popular syndicated publication, Patrick is currently the Performing Arts columnist for Washington Life Magazine. He has interviewed some of the most acclaimed artists of modern time, including Renée Fleming, Joshua Bell, Martina Arroyo, Denyce Graves, Eric Owens, Norman Scribner, Julian Wachner, Christine Brewer and Lawrence Brownlee.

Patrick D. McCoy recently served as organist/choirmaster at Washington’s Trinity Episcopal Church from 2012-2016. In 2014, he was named one of the Forty Under 40 for his contributions to arts and humanities.  Patrick is a member of Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors.