In 2022, John Schmidt and his wife Jacque became residents of The Overlook at Morningside at Menger Springs. Since then, the community has discovered John’s impressive background as an organist and retired Texas State music professor, as well as the presence of a three-manual digital organ in their apartment. Intrigued, several Menger Springs residents expressed an interest in hearing John play, and during the recent holiday season, he was happy to oblige.
Throughout the holidays, John and Jacque graciously hosted seven intimate music sessions for Menger Springs residents, accommodating ten guests at a time in their Overlook apartment, with Life Enrichment Director Betty Bohnert helping to schedule and coordinate sessions. We had the privilege of attending one of these sessions, where John treated the audience to classic organ pieces. He also provided fascinating insights into his high-tech organ, sharing that it was manufactured in Holland with sample sets based on an Aeolian Skinner American organ.
To provide a glimpse of John Schmidt’s musical talent, here is a video featuring him playing a beautiful Bach piece during one of these memorable sessions.
