Thomas Byrd

Byrd photo

Family and Background:

I am a Santa Clara County native; I grew up in a family of six, including my parents, my sister, and my two cousins; I'm married and expecting our first child in January 2011; I am a graduate of San Jose State University; I've been attending Valley Church since January of 2006.

My involvement with music began back in third grade when my elementary school offered students the chance to take up the violin. I practiced and played the violin for four years, then, in seventh grade, I switched to cello, which is my primary instrument today. In high school, I played cello in the orchestra and the drama ensemble; I sang in the concert and chamber choirs; I was an active member of the Yuba-Sutter Symphony, the CMEA Honor Orchestra, and the Yuba-Sutter Family Orchestra, and I taught myself a little bit of piano. In college, I played four concert seasons with the Saratoga Symphony. Since then, my only involvement in music has been with the Valley Church Worship Team. It's completely different from what I'm used to, but I'm having a lot of fun!

Ministry role at Valley:

I served for four years in Junior High Ministries; My wife and I are in a community group where we have an opportunity to worship God, study His word, serve His people, and fellowship with other christians; I am an active member of the worship band and have been since April 2010.

Current occupation and interest:

I presently work as a full-time staff accountant at an accounting firm in Mountain View, CA and part-time controller for an emergency roadside assistance company in Sunnyvale, CA.

My interest include: camping, jet skiing, spending time with family, going on a road trip, gardening, being a husband, and (soon) being a father.

Testimony:

Back in late 2005/early 2006, a good friend of mine from San Jose State invited me to the Wednesday night college group bible study. Through the bible studies and sermons we went through in the group, and the encouragement of people in and outside of the college group, I came to know Jesus and accept Him as my savior.