“Chris is both an authority figure that we can respect as a conductor but also a really good friend,” Glynias says.

As both authority figure and friend, his position is unique.

Glynias says that Lane’s presence at the church as a successful musician is comforting to her and other students pondering professional careers in music.

As a Lowell House tutor, Lane is known for organizing casual concerts for the enjoyment of House residents. For Eck and Austin, Lane is the apotheosis of the friend and mentor that tutors should be. “He’s very good with undergrads,” Eck says.

Jones echoes this sentiment, noting that Lane’s dedication and determination provides a good role model for young musicians involved in the church’s community.

Next year, Lane will leave Lowell House to tour across the country and abroad, but will remain in his position at Memorial Church.

Eck and Austin says they are sad that Lane will be leaving Lowell, though Austin noted that she wants Lane to have the freedom to accept traveling and recording offers.

“We’d like to clone him,” Austin says.

Lane is also saddened by his looming departure but feels that in order to realize his goal of reviving organ music, he must move outside Harvard’s somewhat insular community.

“It’s important to be engaged in my profession outside these walls,” Lane says.

—Staff writer Laura K. Reston can be reached at laurareston@college.harvard.edu.