Before Dr. Swaffield arrived at Northwest University, there was a young lady by the name of Phyllis Pincosy who was investing her life and shaping the future of the Music Program at NU. When I arrived at NU in the Fall of 1973, Dorothy Amundsen had tragically passed away, and Dr. Swaffield took over her place leading the music program, starting with the King's Choralons. Phyllis Pincosy also stepped away from her involvement with the music program and the school hired John Waggoner to lead Maranatha Sounds.
To the best of my knowledge, I have never even met Phyllis Pincosy, but her influence on the music program at NU made a significant impact on my own life. When my sister (Donna) arrived at NU, she was a talented musician (Piano Player, Singer) who was rough around the edges. There was a mentor waiting at NU who would encourage my sister to dig deeper as a musician. That person was Phyllis Pincosy. Phyllis put Donna to work as the pianist for the mixed choir, and made it abundantly clear that she believed in my sister's gift.
My sister progressed under Phyllis Pincosy's guidance. (The progress Donna made was phenomenal) Donna became the pianist for a couple of Summer PR Teams, Maranatha Sounds under Doc Swaffield, and never looked back. Through decades of ministry, Donna was my right hand (go to) music and worship person. Not only did Donna develop a heart for worship, her skill set for writing, arranging and playing was world class. It all started with the relational investment by one Phyllis Pincosy. Just another reason I love NU and "thanks" Phyllis! RJD