Yesterday I hosted a luncheon for my former students who are home from college for Christmas vacation and although it was a smaller group from last year, what a joyful and high energy reunion it was! Because I just came home from the mainland on Monday, and because of my broken wrist, I wasn’t able… Read More Former students’ luncheon
“Kathy! What are you doing here?!” Those were the first words from organist Jonathan Dimmock, whose recital I attended this afternoon at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels in Los Angeles. Before going on this trip, I checked the internet to see if there were any good concerts to attend, and was absolutely delighted… Read More Surprise reunion — Surprise!!
Being an organist, I’m not used to playing with anyone except by myself. So playing a duet with someone is at the same time fun and challenging—fun because you hear sounds being played that are in addition to your own, and challenging because of ensemble problems (staying together), and figuring out who has the melody so… Read More Duet for the family
You’ve heard the expression, “A friend in need is a friend indeed”? There are two meanings to this proverb: A true friend is one who helps you when you are in need. If one of your friends is in need (of help), be a good friend to them and help them. At the end of… Read More A friend in need
I am trying to get used to only using one hand to maneuver around these days, since I broke my wrist in a fall shortly after I arrived in California. Having only one hand available is presenting many challenges — you never appreciate it until you don’t have it to use any more! Things like… Read More One-handed organist
Last Christmas, my sister Margo and I read through a few Christmas carol arrangements for two pianos and it was the greatest fun. Even though I stopped taking piano lessons eons ago and I consider myself a washed up pianist at best, I somehow was able to keep up with my sister who got… Read More A new holiday tradition
This past Sunday, I and about 400 other people were in St. Andrew’s Cathedral enjoying the Cathedral Choir’s superb Annual Carol Concert. If you remember, I designed the publicity poster and just in case you are wondering, the Madonna and child image was painted by Italian Renaissance artist, Masaccio, 1401-1428. According to Wikipedia, Masaccio (1401-1428)… Read More In case you are wondering …
There are two times of the year when I scour the ads in the newspaper — and that’s just before Christmas and Easter. I’m talking specifically about the church ads, when various churches around town advertise their services. Today was the day, and I looked at and read each one carefully. Yes, for years I… Read More The church ads
I just finished playing my last gig for the Christmas season, Iolani School’s Winter Concert at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Even though I have officially “retired” from playing daily chapels at the school, John Alexander invited me to play the Cathedral organ for the opening and closing numbers for the concert — I guess because the instrument… Read More Concerts, oboes and organs
You’ll never believe it, but our tradition of inviting all of our 35th floor neighbors to a holiday party began with the St. John Passion in 2004. Carl Crosier always liked to give a party after a big performance, and even though we had just moved into our building and didn’t have any area carpets… Read More It started with the St. John Passion