About Our Music Staff
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John Barr (b. 1938) graduated with a B.S. degree from Manchester College and with S.M.M. and S.M.D. degrees from Union Theological Seminary, New York City. He was music teacher at Hillcrest School for Missionary Children, Jos, Nigeria and then Organist-Choir Director at University Presbyterian Church, Madison, Wisconsin. He has been on the faculty of Bridgewater College as Professor of Organ and Piano since 1968 and has been organist at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren since 1971. John is married to Ann Lootsma and they have two grown children and one grandson. |
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John Barr, Organist |
 Mary Beth Flory, Pianist
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Mary Beth Flory has been pianist since 1971 with the exception of
one year (1978-79). She is a graduate of Bridgewater College
(BS in Music Education) and James Madison University (Master
of Music). She taught public school elementary music from 1970-73.
She continues to teach private piano lessons which she has done
since 1973. Mrs. Flory joined the faculty of Bridgewater College in 1989 as an adjunct faculty member teaching private piano. She has served as accompanist at district choir auditions, City/County Choir, American Choral Directors Association college division and pianist for the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference. Each year Mrs. Flory accompanies college junior and/or senior recitalists, something she has done since a student at Bridgewater College. |
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| Jim Benedict
received instruction in conducting at Oberlin College. He also
worked briefly with Robert Shaw and more extensively with Paul
Christiansen of Concordia College, MN. He has directed church
choirs in Amherst MA, Emory, VA and most recently he directed
the Dayton United Methodist Church adult choir for 12 years.
Jim Benedict began his leadership as the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren Youth Hand Bell Choir Director in the Fall of 2001. |
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Jim Benedict |