John Rother
Organist

In March 2006, we welcomed back John Rother as our church organist. As our organist John is responsible for playing our Rodgers organ during worship services, as well as selecting the hymns we sing.

John received his Bachelors of Art in Music and History from Holy Names University. From this experience, he was able to expand his gift for music that we enjoy today. Informally, John started his musical career at the age of seven with an electronic organ at his grandmother’s house. At the age of 10, John started his formal training with piano lessons. After high school, he find ways to challenge himself by continuing his musical study.

Regrettably, John admits giving up his music for awhile. (We are glad he decided to come back to it!) He returned to music and studied piano improvisation at Berkeley Extension. This was his biggest musical breakthrough which eventually brought him to Holy Names University to complete his degree.

Franz Schubert is one of John’s favorite composers. John tells us, “Although he lived 200 years ago, the lessons of his life transcend time. His family was a musical family, but also a Christian family. He played and wrote church music for his parish in Vienna while simultaneously studying musical harmony as a schoolboy.”

Rock of Ages is one of John’s favorite hymns as it is a reminder of where he turns for healing with life’s issues. Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore is another favorite. The hymn’s vision of the leaving the boat behind and carrying out Jesus work is significant for John.

When he is not playing the organ, John loves to play dance music on the accordion. He also loves carpentry and home-remodeling. He credits his love of gardening as a method to heal from the effects of daily living.

John’s Favorite Music Web Site

GIA Publications – It is where he goes to find new church music.