Thank You For The Music

An era ended on a high note at this year’s Spring Band Concert: Director of Bands Parker Worden assembled the Symphonic Band along with guest musicians and singers on stage at the Shaw Center to musically accompany Associate Professor of Music Jack Ergo, MM, into his retirement. The concert title fittingly put a twist on the Latin phrase beati ergo… : Ergo Beati. Just as Ergo feels blessed to fulfill 24 years of elevating the campus and Lamoni communities with his interpretations, intonations and inspirations of music, Graceland University was very fortunate to house his iconic leadership and vision in the music department.

Gary Rees sat down with Ergo to reflect on his musical biography, some of his professional masterpieces, and on teaching the next generations to carry the art and craft of music forward:

When your parents are symphony and chamber performers, music is a family business. For Jack Ergo that meant an early start. “I began piano lessons at four,” Ergo said. “It didn’t matter that the keys felt large under my hands, and my feet didn’t reach the pedals.”

By the time he was nine, Ergo was performing piano recitals, playing for church services, and traveling to Michigan State University to study piano. At 11, he regularly played the organ for his church, and at 13, he performed with the Saginaw, Michigan, Symphony. By 16, he was the music director of his local congregation. He attended Central Michigan University before transferring to the Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University where he earned a Master of Music (MM) degree.

Ergo was the Music Director for the international headquarters of the Community of Christ church (1981 to 2001), responsible for what he called “all things musical.” During this period, he conducted the 350-voice Independence Messiah Choir and Messiah Festival Orchestra in their annual performances of Händel’s Messiah. The performance was first heard over 700 North American Radio stations, and since 1991, it has been televised nationwide on the Public Broadcasting System and many local cable systems. From 1989 to 2000, he also led the renowned Kansas City Civic Orchestra through a decade of diverse programming.

In 2001, Ergo joined Graceland University as an Associate Professor of Music. During his tenure, he was instrumental in mentoring students. He conducted the Graceland University Symphony, taught courses in applied piano, organ, instrumental arranging, history of church music, American jazz, and world music – a course he designed. During numerous performances, Ergo accompanied the concert choir and theatre department.

With a distinguished career spanning decades in performance, conducting, and music education marked by his 24 years at Graceland University, Jack Ergo has elected to retire following the Spring 2025 semester. “Jack’s departure marks the end of an illustrious career that has profoundly influenced the university’s music department, the Community of Christ, and the broader musical community,” Graceland University President Dr. Joel D. Shrock said. “He will be missed.”

Looking back over those years, Ergo reminisced about his experiences. “The toughest aspect of this job is that every four years, I lose a part of my family while at the same time, I gain new family members – it’s always traumatic and exciting. Sometimes at graduation, I look up and think ‘There goes my wind section!’”

“It’s gratifying to observe the transformation of freshmen who step onto the stage with hesitation – uncertain and cautious – and then watching them refine their skill until as seniors, they step onto the stage with poise, purpose, and confidence. I enjoy seeing them achieve.”

“I especially like hearing their backstage comments after the senior capstone performance. They are so satisfied – even elated – with how they performed. I realize that they have found themselves musically, have learned the necessary discipline to be an artist, and have moxie.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, but I can be scatterbrained. It’s not unusual that I look down at my music at the beginning of a concert – and realize it is the wrong score. Fortunately, it comes back to me because everything about my musical performance is memorized.”

“One of my most fulfilling experiences was when we performed Händel’s Messiah on our stage filled with Graceland performers. It was stunning. The students were well-prepared and serious. I could have taken them to any venue!”

“Graceland University is a special place. Its emphasis on students as contributors who can make a difference in the world is what makes it special. That is the highlight of my 24 years.”

“Lamoni will always be our home,” he finished. “We can’t leave this community, our church, and our many friends and neighbors – and this 100-year-old home we spent so much time restoring.” In retirement, he has already planned two recitals – an “All-American Recital” in Spring 2026, and an “All-Bach Recital” in 2027. He also looks forward to immersing himself in the 32 Beethoven Piano Sonatas. Ergo’s commitment to music in the community remains steadfast, and he fully expects to stay involved in local and church musical activities. “I believe deeply in music. I believe that it changes lives,” Ergo said.

For Jack Ergo, the music never stops – thankfully!