Dr. John Bernthal is Associate Professor of Music and Associate University Organist at Valparaiso University. He leads the music theory division and also teaches organ. He is active in the music ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection. His organ teachers were William Eifrig at Valparaiso University, Russell Saunders at the Eastman School of Music, and Jerald Hamilton at the University of Illinois where he received his D.M.A. degree.

Dr. Bernthal has appeared as guest recitalist for churches, colleges, and the College Music Society. He has presented a paper on 20th century German organ music for a Regional Convention of the American Guild of Organists, and gave a workshop at the 1997 National Conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. He also served as keynote speaker and workshop presenter for the 2001 Conference for Music and the Arts in Worship sponsored by Concordia University-Austin, TX.

Dr. Bernthal has also published several articles and musical compositions. His article, "From Teacher to Student: Tradition and Innovation in the Chorale-based works of Distler and Reda" was published in The Diapason in 1993. Lift High the Cross, a collection of hymn introductions and descants for organ and trumpet, was published by Augsburg Fortress in 1998. His article, "Bridging the Gaps through Reconciliation" was published in 2001 in Cross Accents, the journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. This article explored a theological basis for resolution of conflicts relating to diverse styles of music and worship in the church.

Office: VUCA 2514
Tel: (219) 464-5451
E-mail: John.Bernthal@valpo.edu

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