Awards of Distinction

Dr. Joby Bell, university organist and professor in App State's Hayes School of Music, has been a faculty member at the university since 2004.

Bell teaches organ performance, music theory and church music studies, specializing in practice techniques, memorization, service playing and choral accompaniment. He also serves as the voice of the App State Marching Mountaineers.

As a musician, Bell is versatile in organ, piano and harpsichord. He has made 11 recordings, and his performance travels have taken him to 10 countries on three different continents, as well as 18 states and locally.

"Dr. Bell is truly a master at the content and style of the organ," said a nominator. "His knowledge of the field, his commitment to excellence in performance, his dedication to mentorship and his love of teaching blends together for an outstanding learning experience for the student, but more importantly for an example on creative artistry and scholarship."

Bell is an alumnus of App State's Hayes School of Music, graduating with a bachelor's degree in piano and organ performance in 1990. He holds a master's degree and doctorate in organ performance from Rice University.