Who We Are
George Bozeman demonstrates the Hutchings-Votey organ at the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Concord, NH to an eager crowd of YOC students.
The Young Organist Collaborative (YOC) is a program designed to invest in the next generation of organists. While we are an outreach program of St. John’s Church, our separately administered funds come from direct donations to the YOC. All (100%) of our donations are spent on scholarships and promotion of the program.
Our History
YOC became a ministry of St. John's in November, 2001 when Bishop Douglas Theuner gave the parish $1,000 at the blessing and dedication of St. John's new Letourneau organ. Presenting the check to Dianne Dean, who was at that time organist and choir director, he charged St. John's with the responsibility of helping young people learn to play the pipe organ and become the next generation of church organists.
YOC was formed to develop this ecumenical ministry and has enjoyed great success. The first group of students began lessons in the fall of 2002. Thanks to scores of donors since then, YOC has given scholarships for organ lessons to more than 130 youth of various denominations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, enabling them to take lessons with area organists.
The Young Organist Collaborative has former students who have gone through prestigious conservatory organ programs and won major competitions. Several are now serving as career church musicians, including our own Jennifer Mulhern, Director of Music and Liturgy here at St. John’s.
YOC students after their 2017 year-end recital
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YOUNG ORGANIST COLLABORATIVE
Please visit us on our website at www.youngorganistcollaborative.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!