Music is a part of the Rev. Joel Vano’s life, a constant even, that it isn’t much of a surprise that much of his volunteer work involves music in some form.

Vano, who leads the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, seems to have music playing whenever he is in his office and his free time often revolves around music as well.

Vano grew up in Prescott, Wis. and learned to play piano in first grade when his parents “forced” him to take lessons. He says it was a great opportunity that led to greater things.

“It’s my passion,” Vano said.

Vano volunteers his time at Southwest Middle School, playing piano for the choir director, as well as playing for citizens at the Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea. He finds playing for the residents at Good Samaritan not so much work as it is enjoyment.

“Those kinds of things you get the reward, you don’t have to do so much work,” Vano said. “It’s more enjoyment for you. I’m glad they (his parents) forced me because it led to so much more.”

He especially enjoys his work at Good Samaritan.

“The neatest thing is — especially with the older folks — is that they are so appreciative,” Vano said. “They really enjoy it. Just to be able to say, ‘I’m here, I’ll be happy to play for you.’ They accept me however I do.”

Vano also picked up trombone, violin, accordion and guitar in his youth, but his creativity really took off when he attended Concordia College in St. Paul, playing guitar with friends.

Vano made his way to Albert Lea through a circuitous route, but the church remained at the center of it all. Vano is part of the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church and the church has given him opportunities across the country.

Fresh out of college with a teaching degree in mathematics, Vano moved to New York City with his wife where he taught math in Lutheran schools for a few years.

Drained from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Vano made a return to the Midwest and decided to take up ministry. He moved to St. Louis for seminary school.

After completing seminary, the church placed him in Arizona so he could complete his vicarage. Vano made his way to Redwood City, Calif. to begin his first job as the lead pastor.

With his daughter, Jessica, about to enter high school, Vano and his wife, Judy, decided a move back to the Midwest might be a good idea. Judy’s family is originally from Minnesota and they thought it would be nice to be closer to family.

“It was good to get back to normal life, as I like to call it, compared to California,” Vano said. “People aren’t really connected out there. So it was nice to get back to a smaller town.”

Vano moved to Albert Lea at the end of August in 2007 and has been getting acclimated ever since.

“It was definitely an adjustment,” Vano said. “It was a good adjustment.”

Redwood City has a population in excess of 90,000 and Vano served at a church with a congregation of 900.

Albert Lea and Zion don’t exactly boast the same type of numbers, but he says he enjoys the Midwestern lifestyle.

Zion has three services, including a Thursday service and also a Sudanese service on Sunday.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing racquetball. He plays three to four times a week at the Family Y and it has served as an opportunity to meet people in the community.

He recently strapped on a pair of cross country skis, for the first time in 10 years. Despite the aches and pains from that first run this winter, he is determined to get back in skiing shape.