Whether providing seasonal tuning, needed repairs, or concert preparation, the team at Red River possess the expertise to ensure the king of instruments sounds its finest.
John Riester grew up in Indianapolis, where his passion for all things pipe organ started. Prior to moving to Oklahoma, John worked at the Midwest firms of Goulding and Wood, Martin Ott and the Berghaus Organ Company. Most recently, Mr. Riester was shop director at the University of Oklahoma American Organ Institute, where he worked for twelve years. John Riester has a degree in organ performance and organ technologies from Indiana University. He plays the piano and organ for the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Norman.
Carolyn grew up in Troy, OH, and got her musical start on the piano and viola. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in music, biology, and chemistry from the University of North Texas, and a Master of Music in organ performance from Oklahoma City University. She also works as principal organist and pianist at Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Carolyn began working for Red River in 2020 and serves as project manager, service technician, and voicer.
Dylan earned his graduate degree (MM) at Oklahoma City University where he studied Harpsichord Performance with Professor Anastasia Abu Bakar and Professor Joseph Ripka as well as having completed his Orchestral Conducting degree with Professor Jeffrey Grogan.
Dylan has had success as a conductor and is known for his unique “vignette-style” programming where he is able to masterfully capture the essence of a given time and place. He currently serves as Artistic Director of the Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra and Music Director of the Vitam Musica Foundation. After founding Vitam Musica and the Vitam Musica Chamber Orchestra, Dylan has collaborated with numerous musicians and artists across Oklahoma. In partial collaboration with the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, Dylan premiered the original ballet, “Bloch to Bach—A Tour de Force”, at Vitam Musica’s debut performance in Spring 2019. Since then, he has led the Vitam Musica Chamber Orchestra and Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra in numerous concerts featuring a wide range of soloists and repertoire.
From fall 2020-spring 2022, Dylan served as an Apprentice Conductor at the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and an Assistant Conductor at Oklahoma Youth Orchestras. In the summer of 2021 and 2022, Dylan had the opportunity to conduct and work with the Boise Baroque Orchestra and Maestro Robert Franz during their workshop and festival and has performed as guest principal harpsichordist since during their normal concert.
Dylan has played continuo in Oklahoma City University’s Early Music Ensemble, the Boise Baroque Orchestra, University of Oklahoma Collegium Musicum, Tactus Chamber & Vocal Ensemble, and various other recital and concert settings. While Dylan does not consider himself an organist, he has found joy in instrument repairs and in his work as a Pipe Organ Technician at the Red River Pipe Organ Co..
Nathaniel is a life-long musician, playing trumpet. He recently graduated from OU with a Bachelor of Science in environmental sustainability. Nathaniel started working at Red River in 2024 and is particularly interested in woodworking and service calls.
