Wooster mourns the passing of Jack Russell, former professor of music
John “Jack” Russell, former professor of music at The College of 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-year tenure 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 20th century, Russell prioritized music education for a diverse background of students and found meaning in introducing students to new repertoire as they encountered composers for the first time. In an interview in the winter 1988 edition of the Wooster magazine, Russell said, “Students and 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 passion for music pedagogy.
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, he remained closely connected to former students and colleagues, continuing to support and celebrate their achievements in the Wooster community.
Russell’s full obituary is available here.
Posted in News on April 13, 2026.
