Wooster mourns the passing of Jack Russell, former professor of music
John “Jack” Russell, former professor ofmusic atTheCollegeof Wooster, passed away on Mar.12, 2026, in Salem, Massachusetts, at the age of 83.Russell joined the Wooster faculty in 1974 as professor of organ and director of choral activities, beginning a 34-yeartenure at the College.A dedicated teacher and mentor, Russell, who studied organ at the Oberlin Conservatory and completed a master’s degree at Boston University,taught courses in music and directed choral ensembles. As director of the Wooster Chorus, he led performances on campus and on tour, with the ensemble traveling on more than 30 tours across North America during his tenure.Under his leadership, students performed a wide-ranging repertoire, from J.S. Bach to contemporary compositions, an experience he valued for the way it taught both discipline and collective artistry.
Attentive to the fast-paced changes of the late 20thcentury, Russellprioritized music education for a diverse background of students and foundmeaning in introducing students to new repertoireas theyencounteredcomposers for the first time.In an interview in thewinter 1988 edition of theWooster magazine, Russellsaid, “Studentsand others from the College and the community all sing together—because they want to. They can go on singing for the rest of their lives because the music is theirs,”a testament to his passionformusicpedagogy.
In addition to his work at the College, Russell served for more than 25 years as organist and choir director at First Presbyterian Church in Wooster, where he was involved in the installation of the church’s Karl Wilhelm organ.
Russell retired from the College in 2008, concluding more than three decades of teaching, conducting, and service. Even after his retirement, heremainedclosely connectedto former students and colleagues, continuing to support and celebrate theirachievementsinthe Wooster community.
Russell’sfull obituary is available
Posted in News on April 13, 2026.
