John has enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a music educator and director. He earned a B.M.E. from Oklahoma Baptist University and a M.M.E. from the University of Oklahoma, with extensive graduate work at various other institutions, and a lengthy list of honors and awards to recognize his many accomplishments and dedication to his profession.

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He taught and directed high school choral music for 35 years in the Ft. Zumwalt, Jennings, and Riverview Gardens school districts in Missouri, until his “retirement” in 2006, after which he served as adjunct professor at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Missouri Baptist University, teaching, supervising student teachers, and directing the University Chorus from 2010-2017.

 

John’s interest in 1991 to establish a community chorus to bring singers of all ages and skill levels together for the pure enjoyment of singing turned into a 30-year, 100-voice choir, which has brought tremendous joy and enrichment to the lives of so many people and our community as a whole.

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In addition, John partnered with Bryan Taylor in 2003 to serve the organization as resource chair for Community Choirs and Coordinator of the CC Honor Choir until 2014.