2024 Application
https://pccweb.ca/knox-goderich/files/2023/04/Dotterer-Scholarship-Application-2024.pdf
Lorne Herbert Dotterer
(1940 – 1996)
Lorne Dotterer was born and raised in Schenectady, New York. He began his study of the organ at the age of seven and was a student of Duncan Trotter Gelespie at St. George’s Church in Schenectady. Lorne began to play the organ professionally at the age of fourteen.
His later studies took him to Union College, Schenectady, where he received his Bachelor and Master degrees in music. Travel to England and study with Gavin Brown earned him a Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists.
Lorne came to Canada in 1961, serving first as organist and choir director of Knox Presbyterian Church in Regina, Saskatchewan. After a brief time in Ottawa, he moved to Goderich, Ontario. He received his teaching certificate from the Ontario Teachers’ College and began teaching in St. Mary’s. His happiest teaching years were spent at Mitchell District High School, where for fourteen years he maintained a Glee Club of 110 voices, 55 boys and 55 girls.
Lorne was well-known and respected as an organist and choir director serving several churches in the town of Goderich over the years, including St. George’s Anglican Church and North Street United Church. Most recently he was Director of Music at Knox Presbyterian Church. For more than 30 years, Lorne was a faithful accompanist and director of the Goderich Harbouraires Male Chorus.
Throughout his career Lorne did much recital work and private teaching, and was an active supporter of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, particularly as secretary to the Stratford Centre.
When not involved in musical matters, Lorne loved gardening and cooking. Of the many books that he liked to read, the stories of James Harriot were among his favourites. His several pets were his fondest and most constant companions throughout his life. Lorne is deeply missed by family, friends, students and colleagues. The Lorne Dotterer Scholarship perpetuates his encouragement and support of music students planning a career in church music.