I used to get so nervous when my students played a concert— my pulse would start racing and the palms of my hands would get clammy and perspire. I think I was more nervous than my students! And with every mistake they made? It was death by a thousand cuts! I wish I could switch… Read More Our biggest one yet!
I had planned to be away for this Diamond Jubilee birthday, so I booked a trip to Japan, to be able to take in the Bach Collegium Japan concert. As it turned out, however, I returned last Monday, several days before my actual birthday because I didn’t want to be gone longer than a week.… Read More Prehistoric!
My worlds collided this past week when I had two house guests, both visitors who performed in concerts this past weekend. I’m happy to report that both events were resounding successes! You may recall from my last post that Egija Claire, a friend of Scott Fikse from the Master’s program in Choral Conducting at the University… Read More Big weekend!
When I used to work in a CPA office, the one thing we could never escape was deadlines— that is, deadlines to file taxes, deadlines to pay estimated taxes, deadlines for payroll, etc. — the deadlines never stopped. No sooner would you file taxes for yourself or for a client, and you’d be faced with… Read More Deadline: Iceland!
Saturday’s concert by organ students has come and gone and it was a learning experience for both students and teacher alike! What I mean is that there were unexpected bumps in the road, and at other times, some exquisite moments. What was so great was hearing the wide range of experience in organ playing, from… Read More Another learning experience!
I eagerly thumbed through the latest issue of The American Organist, which contained a comprehensive review of the National Convention of the American Guild of Organists I attended, held in San Francisco this past summer. Here’s what I was looking for: In case you’re reading this on your phone, here’s what the review says: Joey… Read More So very proud!
It all started on Friday, with my alarm set for 5:00 am so I could get to the airport on time for an early morning flight to Kaua‘i — this after an intense rehearsal with the St. Mark’s Episcopal choir the night before. It’s now been four years since I have been flying monthly to… Read More Another crazy weekend!
The first event of the morning for me was Choral Matins in Grace Cathedral. You must know that this whole convention was about choices — in addition to Matins, you could also elect to go to an African-American worship service in a Baptist church or an organ and violin concert by a Chinese organist. There… Read More Last day of the convention
For the first time ever in my professional career (that’s almost six decades!), I am working in a parish which will formally recognize the efforts of its choir. In this week’s parish newsletter at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, The Rev. Paul Lillie wrote: … at the High Mass Aloha Hour there will be a reception… Read More Choir Recognition
Well, you’ll never guess where I am again—my home away from home, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu! This time I will take a very quick trip to California to celebrate my grandson’s 7th birthday. People at my two churches won’t even know that I’ll be gone—I’ll be back for Thursday choir rehearsal! At… Read More Land of Fire and Ice