Andrew Van Varick, originally from Newton, New Jersey, is a doctoral student in organ performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, studying under David Higgs and accompanying the Eastman-Rochester Chorus under the direction of Dr. William Weinert. Previously, he received the Master of Music degree at Eastman, and he holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Montclair State University, where he studied organ, piano, and harpsichord.  During his time at Montclair, Andrew served as the principal student accompanist of the Montclair State University Chorale, accompanied opera workshops, and played in the pit orchestras of many musical theater productions. Notable organ solo appearances include performances on the “Young Organ Artist” recital series at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan, New York City, and the “Wednesdays at Noon” recital series at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey.

Andrew is delighted to begin his time serving at the Central Presbyterian Church, and he eagerly looks forward to meeting and getting to know his new church family. When not on the organ bench, he enjoys cooking, listening to Indie and Folk rock music, and foiling his opponents in Words With Friends.