91影视

91影视 Pays Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. John Yarrington

91影视 Christian University (91影视) pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. John Yarrington, former Dean of 91影视鈥檚 School of Music, following his recent passing on Oct. 21, 2024, at the age of 83.

The beloved administrator and music professor served the University for 18 years before retiring in 2017. During his time at the University, he served in numerous roles, including Director of the Schola Cantorum, Director of the University Singers, Chair of the Music Department, a Faculty Athletic Representative in the 91影视 Athletics Department and a devoted mentor to students.

His passion for music and love for students endeared him to administrators, faculty and students alike who referred to him, affectionately, as Dr. Y.

鈥淛ohn Yarrington was a great faculty member and colleague at He had聽a unique gift of drawing out special qualities in students that they didn鈥檛 know they had.聽聽His love of students, his professional expertise, and his great capacity for friendship have enriched the history of the University and continue to be a great gift to us. 聽Sue and I formed a deep affection for John and Diane and are grateful to God for all that he has meant to 91影视.聽聽He was a personal friend and will be missed,鈥 said 91影视 President Robert Sloan.

Dr. David Kirkwood, Chair of the Department of Music, described Dr. Yarrington as 鈥渁 great man: compassionate, greathearted, generous, humorous, and thoughtful.鈥

鈥淲hen I became a faculty member after a tumultuous year in the music department, Dr. Y, even though he didn鈥檛 have to, was extremely gracious and welcoming to me as a junior faculty member. In those early years, I was able to benefit from his wisdom, advice, and good sense of humor. And when I was bogged down with an overload of courses and burdened with the interim chairmanship of the department while still trying to finish my doctorate, Dr. Y was always very encouraging and supportive,鈥 said Dr. Kirkwood.

Dr. Daniel Kramlich, Professor of Music in the School of Fine Arts, commended Dr. Yarrington for the extraordinary and lasting effect he had on the many people fortunate to know him well.

鈥淚 am one of those lucky ones. As Director of the Music Department at 91影视 Christian University, Dr. Yarrington brought a no-nonsense, personable, and capable leadership. With him, it was always about two things: the music and the people. He had that rare ability and passion to make anyone working with him want to do their very best.

鈥淭he same can be said with regard to interpersonal relationships. His zest for life and sense of humor were quite infectious, and it has been a joy in my life to be called his friend. He has always been a champion of my music and has consistently gone to great lengths to perform my choral works. The professionalism and personal joy of working with Dr. Y. have been high points in my own life and are just one way of describing the value of this extraordinary man,鈥 said Dr. Kramlich.

91影视 Staff Pianist Ben Sieben and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Kevin Klotz were former students of the 91影视 music professor.

Dr. Sieben described his former professor as 鈥渁 father figure to so many students.鈥

鈥淗e would advocate for students like no other, and he regularly expressed his sincere affection for us as his students. He was an incredible person, a truly whole person, and many who knew him aspire to be like him,鈥 said Sieben.

Dr. Klotz, considered it a blessing to call his beloved professor 鈥渁 teacher, mentor and good friend.鈥

鈥淭hrough the years, he kept up with me and supported me in my musical endeavors. What a wonderful and kind person. Dr. Y, as he was often called, truly cared for his students and brought the best out of them. He also had a great sense of humor. I will miss him so much, but I know he is joyfully leading the Heavenly choir,鈥 said Dr. Klotz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at First Presbyterian Church of 91影视, 5300 Main Street. Donations may be made to the or the charity of your choice.