CHARLES RUS, born April 9, 1960 in Grand Rapids, Michigan Brief Bio: A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles received degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the University of Michigan, and, as a Fulbright Scholar, the Folkwang Hochscule fur Musik in Essen, Germany. He has worked with organ builders Jack Bethards (Schoenstein), George Bozeman, and Fritz Noack, and he has helped restore various organs, including the E. M. Skinner organ in Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also an organ consultant and in that capacity has helped to bring the significant John Brombaugh Opus 9 to Sonoma State University. He has been organist for the San Francisco Symphony, organ teacher at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, organist for Temple Emanu-El, San Francisco, St. John's Episcopal, San Francisco, and Director of Music and at St. Thomas Episcopal, Medina, WA. Charles composes liturgical music, some of which can be found here. All use is permitted and encouraged. Music Director Positions 2008-present: Music consulting and composition for St. Lukes Episcopal, Renton, WA 2017: Interim organist, St. Francis Episcopal, San Francisco and St. James Episcopal, Kent, WA) 2008–2017: Director of Music and Liturgical Arts, St. Thomas Episcopal, Medina, WA Oversaw St. Thomas Chorister Program, grades 2-12 2006-2008: Organist/Choir Director for Sunday 5pm Mass, St. Roberts, San Bruno, CA 1990-2008: Director of Music, St. John's Episcopal, San Francisco Started children's choir 1992-2001: Organist and Choir director, Temple Emanu-El, San Francisco 1981-1989: Organist and Choir director, Corpus Christi Church (RC), Rochester, NY Started small children's choir Composition 1982-present: published composer of liturgical hymns and anthems for choir, congregation, including anthems for children Education 1989: Doctoral Candidate, Eastman School of Music 1987: Fulbright Scholar to Germany (organ), Folkwang Hochschule in Essen 1985: Master of Music, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 1984: Bachelor of Music, Eastman School of Music, graduated with High Distinction and The Performer's Certificate; organ, piano, voice and harpsichord study 1978: High School Graduate, Grand Rapids Christian High Teaching 1994-2004: San Francisco Conservatory, Organ teacher, Collegiate and Preparatory Divisions 1989-present: private organ teacher and coach, including teaching beginning piano to children Performance 1989-present: solo organ concerts in USA, Europe, and Asia 1992-2008: An organist for the San Francisco Symphony, both solo and ensemble roles 1992-present: vocal, organ, harpsichord, piano, and conducting Recording 1992: Solo organ recording in the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam 2007: Vocal recording of original arrangements of American Spiritual Music 1999: Recording of Jewish liturgical music with Temple Emanu-El cantor and choir 1992-2006: Various recordings with San Francisco Symphony Organbuilding 2018: Kerner and Merchant Pipe Organs, Syracuse, NY 2000-2008: Pipe voicer for Schoenstein Organbuilders, San Francisco 1978-1980: Apprentice for George Bozeman Organbuilders in Deerfield, NH 1980-present: free-lance organ maintenance and tuning Other miscellaneous jobs 2018: Lifeguard at Downtown YMCA, Syracuse, NY 2006-2007: Staff and resident at Wilbur Hot Springs, Colusa County, CA 1987-1989: DJ/Announcer for WXXI FM 91.5, Rochester, NY Public Radio 1974-1978: Pizza delivery boy and pizza maker, Tom's Pizza, Grand Rapids, MI |
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