M.M., Organ Performance, University of the Pacific
Choir Master Degree, American Guild of Organists
Professional Profile:
Gary Toops joined the Mt. SAC faculty in 1969 as a theory and piano teacher. He currently teaches all levels of music theory, music appreciation, is a member of the team-taught Humanities class that he helped develop, and is the College Organist.
He has also served as Music Department Chairperson, Director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, stage and musical director for many spring and summer musicals, and as college representative on the Pomona Cultural Arts Advisory Counsel.
Toops produced and directed the inaugural concert of the Mt. SAC's new Performing Arts Center in 1996, titled The Magic of Broadway and currently serves as music director for musicals that are now produced as a joint venture between the music and drama departments.
He produces the annual Mt. SAC Halloween concert (Music for Ghosties, Ghoulies and Goblins)and performs as organist. He also produces the annual Music Department Showcase that features performances by talented students and faculty and has presented many organ recitals on campus.
In addition to his work with the College, Toops is the Artistic Director and Conductor of The Festival Singers of Orange County and is Parish Organist for Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel. He served as workshop chairperson for the 2004 National AGO Convention of the American Guild of Organists held in Los Angeles.
Toops made his Carnegie Hall organ debut in New York City in 1996 and returned the following year as guest organist under the direction of noted English composer and conductor John Rutter. He tours regularly with his presentation of Meet the King of Instruments, a multimedia recital/demonstration of the pipe organ, which he has presented throughout California and South Korea.
Toops has appeared twice at the Sonora Bach Festival, and frequently is guest organist at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego's Balboa Park ("the world's largest outdoor organ"), where his programs include a mixture of classical and theatre styles of organ music. He is listed in The International Who's Who in Music and Who's Who In American Keyboard Music.
