Biography:
Mary Jane has taught individual organ lessons at Ohio Northern University since August 1993. She began teaching organ and a few years later began teaching piano as well. About that same time She began traveling with The University Singers of ONU as their organist. Her relationship with the students and faculty has grown and been a positive force in her life.
Accompanying students for recitals and juries each term is another part of her duties at ONU. Mary Jane has accompanied several Junior and Senior Recitals in the past several years. Accompanying for other Faculty members in recital has also been a privilege she has enjoyed.
She currently serves as Dean of The Lima Area Chapter of The American Guild of Organists. This organization is international and serves those involved with organ, choir directors and clergy. The purpose is to assist the growth and serve as support for all involved with church music. Mary Jane has been an active member of this organization since 1978 and has attended the Annual or Regional Convention nearly every year. This has kept her informed of new ideas and techniques used to keep abreast of this ever-changing world of church music and organ instruction. They offer a wide variety of workshops to meet the demands of church musicians who also teach. A monthly magazine is also included with the dues as well as meeting monthly with others who share the same responsibilities and challenges.
Mary Jane played Organ Recitals at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima including Concerto in F by Josef Rheinberger and also gave a Recital at Zion Lutheran Church in St Marys, Ohio. She plays each year in the Members Recital given by The Lima Area Chapter of the American Guild of Organists usually given at Market Street Presbyterian or Trinity United Methodist Church in Lima. She has also given various recitals at other churches in the area and did more in 2008 as the American Guild of Organists celebrated the “Year of the Organ”. Her chapter joined other chapters all over the world in tribute to the “King of the Instruments”.
Mary Jane has served as church organist since 1970 and is currently employed at Zion Lutheran Church in Lima (ELCA). She has played funerals and weddings and continues to do so. Having served in several different denominations helps Mary Jane better understand the needs of the students studying organ at ONU. She can help guide them to music that will be suitable for their church service as well as recital pieces that would meet their needs.
Mary Jane has been a member of The Lima Symphony Chorus. Previous to this Chorus, she was the Accompanist for The Lima Civic Chorus. These groups have performed various works with orchestra during the season and some with just piano or organ accompaniment. They have performed various works with orchestra by Poulenc, Mozart, Brahms, and John Rutter to name a few.
Playing organ for church and recitals and accompanying instrumentals, vocalists and choirs has been a part of Mary Jane's life for many years. Encouraging and coaching students for OMEA Solo and Ensemble, serving as Sight Reading Accompanist for State Choir Competition, and teaching organ and piano privately away from ONU are some other opportunities she has had. She says that, "sharing music with others who enjoy and appreciate it is a privilege and honor."
