September 27th, 1970 was my first Sunday as organist for First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan. I was also playing for the BC Presbyterian Church off and on. I attended CMU for 3 years as a music major. I decided I didn’t want to spend my life in a room full of adolescents armed with saxophones and drums, so I left college to work for my dad. I studied piano with August Huybrechts for 12 years throughout school. I purchased a combo organ and joined a rock band in 1965. I played in a rock-fusion band in college. Around the time I started as organist, I received a call from The Epsilon Jazz Band. I am one of the last remaining members of that band. I also played with band leader, Gary Carden, out of Traverse City. For the past 10 years, I have been the musical director for the EJ Rotary Show. For 17 years, I played at East Jordan Lutheran Church while also playing at First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan because the worship times were different.  

    The new Hammond organ, the Yamaha Clavinova, and the 3 synthesizers have helped keep up with music technology. Being organist for this church has been life-changing for me. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful people I have had the privilege to know and the experiences I’ve had here.