Andre Rakus

Andre Rakus began his musical studies with the violin at the age of five. At eight years of age, he attended St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto, Canada adding voice and piano to his studies. During high school at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto, he studied trumpet. While attending St. Paschal Baylon Roman Catholic Church in Thornhill, Ontario he met the late British concert organist, Stanley Arthur King, under whom he studied organ from the age of twelve. At thirteen, Mr. Rakus became Assistant Organist at St. Paschal’s. At seventeen, he began directing a variety of choral groups including Junior, Youth, Senior and Massed choirs both for worship and concerts. He holds Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in organ, both With Distinction, from Trinity College, London U.K. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Registered Nurse Diploma. Prior to accepting a full time Music Director/Organist position in the USA, Andre was studying towards a Master of Sacred Music at Emmanuel College at the University of Toronto, where he was awarded the Billes Theological Support Entrance Scholarship. He plans to continue his studies in the future. 

A Fellow of three learned societies for musicians, Andre was awarded the Barwell Piano Student Scholarship from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. In addition, Mr. Rakus was awarded the 2008 Lillian Forsyth National Organ Scholarship from Knox Presbyterian Church, Ottawa. He has also studied under the late William Turnbull, and William Maddox. He is currently Full Time Director of Music Ministries and Organist at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort, South Carolina. He performs regularly in both Canada and the USA. He gives dedicatory and anniversary recitals on new and restored instruments and also performs with other soloists. He, together with his wife Bobbi (who also sings), has also recently joined the Lowcountry Wind Symphony in the percussion section.