By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Cincinnati organist Rodney Barbour will be Campbellsville University's next Noon Organ Recitalist on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 12:20 p.m. in Ransdell Chapel at 401 N. Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.

The concert is free and open to the public. It will end at 12:50 p.m.

Barbour will play on the 1894 Farrand and Votey Pipe Organ that was enlarged and rebuilt by Moller, Pilcher and Milnar Organ Companies. It has three manuals, pedalboard and 51 ranks.

He will be performing works by J. S. Bach, Bruhns, Mendelssohn and Searle Wright.

Barbour holds the position of director of worship and arts at Crestview Presbyterian Church, West Chester, Ohio and recently served as organist/accompanist for the 182nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA in San Jose, Calif.

Dr. Wesley Roberts, professor of music at Campbellsville University, said Barbour is a friend of Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, who has known him for many years and who recommended him for this program.

“We are looking forward to an outstanding recital and opportunity for him to visit our campus,” Roberts said.

Barbour, a native of Huntington, W.Va., is a performer on keyboard and low brass instruments. He holds the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education and Organ Performance from Marshall University and the Master of Music Degree in Organ Performance from the University of Cincinnati.

Additional studies include: the completion of all doctoral course work and recitals for the organ performance degree from the University of Cincinnati; studies in worship, organ performance and children's music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; and study at the Creative Education Foundation at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Barbour's performance career has taken many directions. From early performances in dance bands, the Holiday on Ice Orchestra and the Ringling Brothers-Barnum and Bailey Circus Band, Barbour developed as a featured entertainer for 10 years on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ (4 manual, 33 rank) at the Springdale Music Palace in Cincinnati.

He held the position of official organist of the Cincinnati Reds at Riverfront Stadium from 1987 to 1998.

In addition, Barbour has directed adult and children's vocal choirs, handbells and instrumental ensembles, written liturgy for worship to performing solo organ concerts, hymn festivals and accompanied choral and oratorio performances.

Professionally, Barbour has served as dean of the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. In the music industry, Barbour held the position of manager of dealer support services for Church Organ Systems/Baldwin Piano and Organ Company 1993-1996 and regional manager/product specialist for Rodgers Instruments 1996-2005.

During his career, Barbour has presented solo concerts, workshops and hymn festivals in 42 states, all provinces of Canada, Puerto Rico and England. Barbour was honored to be a presenter at both the 2000 and 2004 National Conventions of the American Guild of Organists on the topic of “MIDI and Orchestral Use of the Organ in Worship.”

He has several publications, the latest being: “Wedding Processionals and Recessionals,” a collection of music orchestrated for organ and orchestral MIDI sounds accompanied by a performance CD published by Concordia. In addition, Barbour is featured on 11 CD recordings available from the performer.

Activities of Barbour include travel as concert organist, worship leader, educator and consultant in the field of church music.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.