John Fast

Mr. Fast, a member of the Eastern Mennonite University music faculty since 1975, teaches organ, piano, class piano, and music theory.

An active church musician and accompanist, Mr. Fast is currently organist at Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA. Previously Mr. Fast was organist for several churches in the local area. He frequently serves as accompanist for various Shenandoah Valley choral ensembles.

Mr. Fast’s undergraduate degree in Music was from Bethel College, Kansas. He received the Master of Music degree from Indiana University, where he also received the Performer’s Certificate in Organ Performance.

During a sabbatical leave Spring Semester, 2008, Mr. Fast worked in a short-term voluntary service assignment for Mennonite Central Committee in Cairo, Egypt. Together with his wife Barbara, he taught English to young adults in the Anba Reuis program of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo and experienced the rich history and culture of Egypt.

In Cairo he played organ for services at St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo and performed in a recital featuring various performers from the church.

B.A., Bethel College
M.M., Indiana University

(2008, May 23). Organ soloist and accompanist for church members recital, St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.
(2007, December 18 & 20). Organ accompanist, Eastern Mennonite High School Christmas Program, EMS Auditorium, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, December 9). Piano accompanist, EMU Preparatory Senior Recitals, Recital Hall, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, December 1 & 2). Organist, Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Christmas Concert, Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, November 17). Organ continuo, Gala November Concert, Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, October 12-14). Organist, EMU Homecoming Concert and Worship Service, Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, April 21). Organ accompanist for Nate Bontrager Senior Project Recital, Martin Chapel, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, April 19). Piano Accompanist, University Chorale Spring Concert, Martin Chapel, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, April 14). Harpsichord continuo accompanist for Kristen Swartley Junior Recital, Martin Chapel, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, March 3). Organ soloist for St. Patrick’s Day VMRC Benefit Concert, Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2007, January 28). Organ Recital, Reith Recital Hall, Goshen College, Goshen, IN.
(2006, December 19). Organ program for Midday Music in Advent, Asbury United Methodist Church, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2006. December 9). Organ Accompanist for Daughters of Song Christmas Concert, Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2006, December 2 & 3). Organ accompanist for Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir and Washington Symphonic Brass Christmas Concert, Lehman Auditorium, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2006, October 29). Organ Recital, First Mennonite Church Bluffton University, Bluffton, OH.
(2006, October 7). Harpsichord Continuo performer with Joan Griffing, Violin. Recital fulfills Faculty Research Grant studying and performing music of the Baroque Era. Martin Chapel, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2006, August 13). Organ accompanist for Tim Rumsey, trumpet, Seventh Day Adventist Church, New Market, VA.
(2006, July 31-August 4). Organ clinician and children’s choir piano accompanist, Massanetta Springs Church Music Conference. Harrisonburg, VA

Organist and Choir Director, Park View Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA.
(2008, May 15-20). Worship and music planning and leading for Mennonite Central Committee EME (Europe, Middle East) Retreat, Beit el Selam, Alexandria, Egypt.
(2008, Feb – May). Organist (part-time), St. Andrew’s United Church of Cairo, Cairo, Egypt.

American Guild of Organists
Hymn Society in the United States and Canada

2007-2008, ENCORE! (music department support group), music department representative
2006-2007, ISPC committee member
2006-2007, ENCORE! (music department support group), music department representative