John Boyd is a familiar presence around Ojai in several artistic capacities. Nine months of the year he teaches music and  photography at the Ojai Valley School where he also conducts the band at its annual musical production. As a graphic artist, John designs advertising materials for school events and is the designer for all Ojai Community Chorus advertising and programs.

John serves as a multi-instrumentalist at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church where he also is a Christmas and Easter cantor. For the past 28 years, John has played in orchestras for musical productions at The Thacher School, Villanova Preparatory School, Nordhoff High School, the Ojai Art Center, and the Music Theater at St. Norbert College in Green Bay, Wis. Some of John’s favorite musical productions have been “Guys and Dolls”, “Into the Woods”, “Evita”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “South Pacific”, “Grease”, “Hello Dolly” and “Godspell”.

John has sung baritone with the Ventura County Master Chorale, where he also played guitar, bass and piano.  A few years ago, he and his wife, Lisa, were commissioned by the director of the chorale to write a Christmas carol. They  wrote and arranged “When Christ was Born”, which debuted with the chorale and the following year with the Ojai Community Chorus.

John played bass with the Ulysses Jazz Band, regularly entertaining at the James Joyce on State St. in Santa Barbara. He and wife Lisa have also provided entertainment at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, the Jester, and as part of various musical events in the Ojai area.

John is a regular in the Ojai Community Chorus combo band as bass and guitar player. He  has also been a soloist with the chorus. His versatility as musician, performer, composer and all round “nice guy”, makes him a favorite with our chorus.