When I opened my email this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I’ve been invited to be a judge at an organ competition! It will be the AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists for Region IX, which encompasses the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah plus Korea, Singapore, Sydney and Taiwan. (Yes, the American Guild of Organists has members in foreign countries, too!)

This is the first time in my memory that I’ve been invited to be a judge for anything, and never for an organ competition. Of course I’ve been disqualified to be the judge for anything local especially since often my students have been involved. However, this competition will be held in Bakersfield, CA where the regional convention will be held, June 22-26, 2013 and also where I will be presenting a workshop on teaching the organ to young children without previous keyboard experience.

This weekend will also mark my first time to substitute at a Sunday service at neighboring St. Clement’s Episcopal Church, where I will also play for a funeral.

P.S. Of course, I said ‘yes!’ to being a judge for the organ competition (and I don’t have any students participating.)

I’m terribly honored!