John Scott Lorge

John Scott Lorge passed peacefully away in his home on May 13, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born February 4, 1956 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The youngest of three boys, John began piano lessons at age three. In sixth grade John wanted to play tuba but his band director was in need of a French horn. During his High School years in addition to being a budding composer and great horn player, he also developed a splendid singing voice. John majored in music at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. John was eternally grateful to the horn teachers and mentors in his life. In 1978 John moved to San Diego to begin his career with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra where he was principal horn of both the San Diego Symphony and San Diego Opera 1987-2007, principal with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra (NOVA), Opera NEO Symphony Orchestra and Opera. He performed with Arioso, Westwind Brass, Praxum Brass, Presidio Brass, Big Jewish Band, California Ballet, City Ballet, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, St Paul Chamber Orchestra and numerous other ensembles. John participated in many recording sessions for TV and Motion Pictures, and for artists including Barry Manilow, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Sammy Nestico, Harry Connick Jr. and Christina Aguilerra. He was principal horn in the Emmy Awards for eleven years.
John was a prodigious composer whose compositions for the San Diego Symphony, Coastal Community Band, Arioso, Camarada, La Jolla Presbyterian Brass, San Diego Hornswoggle, Oshkosh Community Band, Orchesta de Baja California, Indiana University Orchestra, San Diego State University, Florida State University and many other chamber ensembles and for student recitals across the nation have been received with critical acclaim. His compositions for the San Diego Symphony Orchestra include (but not limited to), “Ginan Nishnabe,” "Tuba Concerto,” “Jubilations for Orchestra” and “Homage.”
John’s most recent posts were as conductor, composer and arranger of La Jolla Presbyterian Brass and San Diego Hornswoggle and, as many of his friends will attest he was a very fine carpenter and handyman. John enjoyed crossword puzzles, his home’s hobby farm filled with fur and feather creatures, helping at church with carpentry challenges, writing music, and so much more. He used his giftedness to reach above and beyond what was expected in every situation.
John changed lives by believing in the integrity of each individual. He carried on the family wisdom of his grandfather, Jack (John) Lorge who believed in “everyone finding their own dignity.” He was an extraordinary musician who was deeply inspired by great composers and their music. John had tremendous respect and serious sensitivity for a composer’s musical intent. The students that passed through the doors of the Lorge home hold fond memories of John’s musical expertise. Many lives are forever touched by John’s passion, modesty, charm, humor, compassion, love, linguistics, amazing aural competence, a sensitive soul reaching horn sound, his deep love of God and his unending devotion to his family, friends and colleagues. Under his baton John’s hand would float to cover his heart in deep appreciation to each performer.
John was preceded in death by his parents Neil E Lorge and Betty (Elizabeth) J Lorge, his aunt Vivian March, sister in law, Joan Lorge, and cousins, Nancy Risk and Susan Loken.
John is survived by his wife Rebecca (Vogt) Lorge, their children, Patrick (Julia Amonette) Hinke and Gregory Hinke, his brothers Tom (Gail ) Lorge, Steven Lorge, cousin Dan (Jean) March, sister in laws, Deborah Vogt, Susan Arnold, Kathryn Killilea, Pam Bentzien, mother in law, Donna Hay, nephew, Chad Lorge, nieces, Kristin (Brian) Boulter and Heather Lorge-Jenkins, grand nieces and nephews, step siblings, nieces through marriage, Tamara Pulford and Heather (Brian) Kinney, and the many others that John loved as family.

Celebration of John’s life will be held 11am Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Sonrise Community Church, 8805 N Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071