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
At Christmas time I stayed two nights on the island of Kauai, where I played a concert with the Kauai Chorale, under the leadership of Shane Morris Wise. I told you about my rude awakening at 3 am in the morning when roosters began crowing. Go back and read my post, “No paltry amount of… Read More As if on cue …
Prizewinning organist, James Kealey, is in Hawaii to present a couple of concerts for the Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists and was interviewed by Gene Schiller this morning at Hawaii Public Radio. James said that when he was growing up, he wanted to be an airline pilot, and even started studying geography in preparation… Read More James Kealey in Hawaii
Yesterday I woke up to a text on my phone that our dear friend, organist and harpist Nyle Hallman, had passed away. That was confirmed in a phone call with her daughter, Kathy Hallman, who was her mother’s constant companion, page turner and harp mover. We send our deepest condolences to the Hallman family at… Read More Rest in peace, Nyle