Resources: Local Musicians: Russ Rentler
multi-instrumental string master
Russ started playing stringed instruments in 5th grade on a ukelele purchased with S+H Green Stamps. In high school, he learned to play guitar and mandolin. And, in college, met fellow student, John Gorka, at an open mic. They soon formed a band that performed often at Godfrey Daniel's and the south side of Bethlehem (Russ- mandolin, John- banjo, Doug Anderson-rhythm guitar and Rich Shindell-lead guitar). After college, Russ became a physician, Doug earned a Ph.D., and John and Rich went on to well-deserved fame in the folk music world. Russ learned to play hammer and mountain dulcimer, fiddle, dobro, autoharp and bouzouki, and performed at local bookstores, churches, open mics and music festivals. On several of Gorka's visits to the area, Russ has joined him on stage.Russ recently closed his medical practice to pursue his musical passion, most often performing as a soloist, but sometimes with his brother. Russ is now adding teaching to his musical endeavors– relying on the time-honored aural tradition and fluent use of music theory as his primary teaching methods. We are excited to have Russ offer his talents at Meadowood.