This past weekend I played the Baccalaureate service at Iolani School, as I have done for the last 20 years. And every time I do, I can’t help but think back to my own high school baccalaureate which I played forty-six years ago. I’m sure that no one except me remembers it! Because, you see,… Read More Sisyphus
Perhaps you saw the article a few days ago, titled “Music professor retires after record-breaking 67 years.” The person who had the honor of serving the longest in the University of Michigan history was organist Marilyn Mason, who just retired after teaching there for 67 years. She apparently joined the faculty while still a student, and… Read More Longevity
On Saturday afternoon I attended the Honolulu Handbell Ensemble concert at LCH which featured all four members of the Stark Family in combination with handbells. Director Young Pak put together a most enjoyable program on the theme “Peace;” nearly all of the pieces had the word “peace” in the title. We heard handbell music in a solo… Read More Handbells plus The Stark Family
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering those who have died in the armed services. But it’s also used by families to remember loved ones — as I write this, my husband Carl Crosier is in the Northwest visiting family graves, and taking a day off from his executor responsibilities for… Read More Memorial Day musings
While I was in Seattle, I got a call from Manny Dayao whom I know from Iolani School, but who was calling in his capacity as Lay Associate for Worship and Music at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. “Kathy, are you available to play at St. Peter’s next Sunday?” meaning May 25th. Knowing that I would be… Read More Babe Ruth at the organ?
On Sunday afternoon at Peter Hallock’s funeral service, there was a special note in the program at the time of the offering: An offering of money is received. The offering will support the founding of the Hallock Institute, a shared ministry of the Compline Choir, Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and Diocese of Olympia, for which Peter… Read More The Hallock Institute
“The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.” So begins the ancient rite of Compline, the last monastic office of the day. Last night’s Compline at St. Mark’s Cathedral was in memory of its founder, Peter Rasmussen Hallock (Nov. 19, 1924-April 27, 2014) and the twenty regular members of the Compline… Read More A quiet night and a perfect end
Of course, there wouldn’t be a celebration honoring Peter Hallock without the magic ingredient: FOOD! and this weekend was as much about eating as it was about music. Here are more pictures of Saturday’s clean-out-the-Hallock-liquor-cabinet party, as well as photos from the reception following the Sunday afternoon service. … Read More Celebration Peter Hallock
On all accounts, Sunday’s funeral service for Peter Rasmussen Hallock (Nov. 19, 1924-April 27, 2014) was a church musician’s dream: absolutely sublime and beautiful music (performed to perfection), outstanding homily, liturgical actions done with beauty and care, and a full-capacity crowd of people who loved Peter, the man and his music. All of the music… Read More A numinous sendoff
People started arriving at 2:00 pm to help prepare for the Chez Hallock party which was slated for 4:00-7:00 pm in Peter’s home in Fall City, WA. As the invitation stated: In true Hallock style, we’re having a party at the house to celebrate Peter’s life, share stories, eat, drink, and be merry. Come for… Read More Chez Hallock Party