Jack L. Ralston  (RALSTON@lib1.uncfsu.edu)
---------------
 
Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, Master of Library Science,
born in Kansas City, Missouri, attended the Conservatory of
Music of Kansas City (now a school of the University of
Missouri-Kansas City), earning the two music degrees in organ
performance.
 
Served at Music Librarian at his alma mater from 1960-1980,
Special Collections Librarian, Regent University from 1980 to
1989, Archivist for the Jesse Helms Center from 1989-1993, and
Government Documents Librarian at Fayetteville State University,
1994-present. His organ teachers include Joseph A. Burns, Edna Scotten
Billings, and Clarence Mader.
 
Contributed a column to "The Hymn" from 1984-89 and published
many reviews and articles and a bibliography of the pre-1800
imprints from the Keith Clark Hymnology Collection at Regent
University.  An avid promoter of American Music, he has also
lectured throughout Missouri on the subject.  He began his
church playing career in 1947, and has served nearly all
denominations across the nation.
 
Interests include organ music, church music in general,
theological studies, ragtime piano music, composing and
arranging hymn tune settings.  Sold his 1958 Studebaker to make
the downpayment on a Galanti Praeludium I, for home practice and
composition.  A confirmed Anglophile who loves to read the
mysteries of Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, and Ellis Peters.
(Has a secret crush on Miss Marple).  Married to Carol in 1959
and has 3 grown and married children, 7 grandchildren, and 2
grand-dogs.  Hopes to retire to Newport News, VA at the
appropriate time.  Enjoys reading the posts from this List and
responding occasionally.  Likes to hear from friends and
students from former years as well as making new friends who
share my interests.