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WVXU spotlights Cincinnati Reds organist and CCM alumnus John Schutte

Bill Rinehart's latest "OKI Wanna Know" features the organist at Great American Ball Park

headshot of Rebecca Butts By Rebecca Butts
2 minute read July 24, 2020

Have you ever wondered who is behind the organ during baseball games at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park? WVXU's Bill Rinehart shares the answer in his latest "OKI Wanna Know" broadcast — the organist is UC College-Conservatory of Music alumnus John Schutte (Music Theory, ATT '84-'87).

Read and listen to the feature online at WVXU's website.

John Schutte sitting at the organ.

John Schutte. Photo/Courtesy of John Schutte

Schutte is also a member of local band The Rusty Griswolds. Around 10 years ago, the band met with the Reds to talk about a post-game concert and Schutte expressed interest in becoming the team's organist, according to Rinehart's story.

The organist takes requests from fans at the ball games and reguarly plays "anything from Glen Miller to 'I'm Too Sexy' by Right Said Fred." During games, Schutte plays by ear instead of using sheet music in order to streamline the process. When fans make requests, he listens to a recording of a song and then recreates it on the organ. 

The Cincinnati Reds start their season with a game against the Detroit Tigers at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, July 24. Current plans for the season don't include an organist, but that could change if fans are allowed back in the ballpark, Rinehart reports.

Listen and read more about Schutte in WVXU's "OKI Wanna Know" feature.

Feature image at the top: Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park. Photo/MLB.com

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