Carroll College junior John Goodwin shared his musical gifts with the Helena community during an organ concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral on November 23. The free concert invited attendees to contribute nonperishable food items or monetary donations to the Helena Food Share, resulting in a generous outpouring of support for neighbors in need during the holiday season.
“I was amazed at the generosity of the Helena community to help those in need during our holiday season,” Goodwin said.
Music featured pieces by German composers Vincent Lubeck and Herman Schroeder as well as French composers Francois Couperin, Theodore Dubois, Jean Francois Dandrieu and Louis Claude Daquin.
Organist Goodwin, a native of Helena, is in his junior year at Carroll studying Environmental Science, English, Music and History. He is also the church organist for St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. He studied piano under June Lee and has competed in the Canadian Royal Conservatory School of Piano Music achieving music honors. The late Joseph Munzenrider, a former Professor of Music at Carroll College and noted organist, instructed Goodwin throughout the last year. John now takes lessons from Dr. Wendy Yuen, formerly the Director of Music at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Helena and now the Director of Music at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lafayette, Indiana. In addition, he studies piano under Carroll College‘s Rebecca Kagerer. John is also a member of the Carroll College Pep Band and Instrumental Ensemble.
Goodwin enjoys playing piano and singing at Helena area nursing homes and retirement centers.
“I love to see the smiles of joy on the faces of those who are alone, when I play. I know that I am bringing others happiness with the gift of music.”
Through both his music and his service, John exemplifies the values of generosity and care for others that define Carroll College. The Carroll community is deeply proud of his talent and the meaningful ways he uses his gifts to uplift others.