St. John's
  • About St. John's
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      • Scott Denman
      • Kathleen Moore
      • Ben Riggs
      • Lori Robinson
      • Siv Ricketts
      • Kathy Araujo
      • Fran Toy
      • John Dwyer
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Dr. Ben Riggs
Music Director
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Email Dr. Ben Riggs
Ben joined St. John’s in 2018 as Minister of Music, where he directs adult, children, and youth choruses and accompanies worship services on piano and organ. Ben was recently interim Director of Chapel (2021-22) at Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CA), where he also taught Church Music & Liturgical Singing.

For nearly two decades Ben has conducted large Tenor-Bass choruses as Artistic Director of Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (CO), Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus (MN), and Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus (CA). Equally proficient in conducting SATB choruses, Ben recently concluded a six-year tenure as Artistic Director of Resound Ensemble (CA).

Ben is a founding member of the Firesign Vocal Quartet, a Denver-based professional vocal quartet. Ben recorded two albums with Firesign: William Byrd & Terry Schlenker: Masses for Four Voices (2011) and Follow We This Joyful Birth (2012). While in Minnesota, Ben performed with The Singers – Minnesota Chorale Artists, a professional choral ensemble under the direction of Matthew Culloton.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Music in piano from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Literature and Performance from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Ben lives in Oakland, CA, with his husband, the Rev. John F. Dwyer, and their 3-year-old Bernedoodle, Hudson.
St. John's Episcopal Church, Oakland

Location

Contact Us

1707 Gouldin Road
Oakland, CA 94611

(510) 339-2200
[email protected]

Service Times
Sunday 7:45 am
​Sunday 10:00 am (Livestreaming available)
​

LGBTQ+ Affirming

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​​St. John's is an LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming congregation.

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  • About St. John's
    • Welcome
    • Mission
    • Directions
    • History
    • Staff >
      • Scott Denman
      • Kathleen Moore
      • Ben Riggs
      • Lori Robinson
      • Siv Ricketts
      • Kathy Araujo
      • Fran Toy
      • John Dwyer
  • WORSHIP
    • Services >
      • Worship Ministries
      • LiveStreaming
    • Spiritual Practices >
      • Practicing Mindfulness
      • Centering Prayer
    • Religious Rites >
      • Baptisms
      • Confirmation
      • Memorials
    • Hearing Loop
  • Parish Life
    • Children & Youth >
      • Children
      • Youth
    • Adults
    • Action & Justice >
      • Commitment to Racial Justice
    • Group Activities
    • Softball
    • Committees
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Vestry
    • Ministry Catalysts
    • Deanery Delegates >
      • Executive Council Meetings
  • INFORM
    • News
    • The Mouse
    • Sermons
    • Parish Business
  • GIVE
    • 2025 Pledge Drive
    • Gateway - The Capital Campaign
    • Giving >
      • Year-round Stewardship
      • Planned Giving
  • SCHEDULE
    • Parish Calendar