Jill S. Hunt has been playing the organ for most of her life—her formal training began at age seven on the piano and age twelve on the organ. Throughout her career she has traveled extensively in the U.S and Europe playing organs and has played some of Europe’s most historic and famous organs, including Cavaille-Coll’s masterpieces in St. Sulpice, Paris, and St. Ouen, Rouen, France. She has presented organ recitals at a number of Chicago area churches. But, she will tell you that her favorite instrument is right here at Winnetka Congregational Church—our Pasi Organ.
Jill’s career as a church organist began at age 16 at First Christian Church in Midwest City, OK. In the decades since, she has served as director of music, children’s and adult choir director, handbell director, and organist for seven churches throughout Chicagoland. She “retired” in 2015 after a 20-year tenure at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest. She is a former Dean and has been active for many years in the North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
A graduate of Oklahoma City University with a double major in piano and organ, Jill also holds a Masters Degree in Organ Performance from Northwestern University.