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John von Wolzogen began studying music at the age of 9. He was first exposed to handbells at the age of 12, while attending a handbell and organ concert at the Crystal Cathedral (then named Garden Grove Community Church).   John remained active in music throughout his primary school years, which included a high school honors diploma for the equivalent of 5 years of music. In his senior year of high school, he joined his first handbell choir, the award winning Mater Dei High School Handbell Choir, a five-octave ensemble. This gave him the opportunity to tour nationally.

Upon graduating from high school, John remained active in handbells during his college years. He directed his first handbell choir at the age of 19. It was then that he began writing his first simple pieces for handbells, primarily as exercises and simple hymn tunes. He later, accepted a position as an associate handbell director at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA. It was here that he was exposed to solo, duet, and ensemble ringing. He soon was introduced to the renowned Christine Anderson, who encouraged him to refine his performing techniques, and planted the seed for submitting his works for publication.

John eventually developed a reputation as a premier handbell soloist in Southern California. After a number of years performing solos at the Crystal Cathedral for church services and weddings, John decided to again tour nationally with other groups. This gave him the opportunity to play at such renowned locales as Central Union Church in Honolulu; the White House; St. Patrick's Cathedral, Marble Collegiate Church, and the Riverside Church in New York.

In November of 2000, John retired as director the Southern California chapter of the Marching Handbell Choir, a post he held for seven years.  He is an active member of the the Crystal Cathedral music program, and has in the past managed to squeeze in as an occasional sub with Campanile. His favorite activities are raising funds for Habitat For Humanity, the mission programs of the Reformed Church in America, and Children's Hospital of Orange County.  He lives in Southern California with his family of three children, Kelly, Elise, and Daniel.

Biography written and edited by BMH Marketing.