Our Musical Staff

Barr John Barr, Organist

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. Photo above by Denny Eye


NolleyCurtis Nolley , Sanctus Choir Director
contact: cnolley@harrisonburg.k12.va.us

Curtis Nolley (b. 1953) joined our Staff as Director of the Sanctus Choir in the fall of 2008. He is a graduate of Bridgewater College (B.S. in Music Education), and received his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has been a music educator and church musician for over thirty years. For twenty-two years he served as Minister of Music at Harrisonburg Church of the Brethren. Having taught at all levels in Augusta and Rockingham Counties, Curtis currently serves as music specialist at Keister Elementary School in Harrisonburg City. In addition to his church and school responsibilities, Curtis is in his ninth season as director of the Shenandoah Valley Choral Society and serves as Vice-President of the Virginia Music Educators Association. He is married to Andrea Mose Nolley and they have one son, Ryan. Photos by Denny Eye


Mary Beth Flory, Pianist

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.




bell director's photoJim Benedict, Bell Choir Director

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.







choir directorsJoyce Grove and Jan Flora, Directors of Children's Ensemble and Youth Orff Ensemble

Joyce Grove and Jan Flora has been dirctors of our Children's Ensemble and the Youth Orff Ensemble.














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