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
Last night Central Union Church and the Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists honored Nyle Hallman on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Ten organists performed, including the birthday girl herself, who was rewarded with a sustained standing ovation. All three of her children were in attendance, plus Nyle’s sister and other family members who… Read More Nyle’s night
Guiding Spirit, comfort us who grieve the death of Fritz. As he remains fresh in our love and memories, assure us that he lives, and will continue, in the heart and mind of God. Fritz’s devotions were many: to the earth and all its creatures, to the poor and vulnerable, to the arts and good… Read More A full house for Fritz
In spite of only coming back to Hawaii on Tuesday, I’ve had to hit the ground running and will be playing several different organs within the week. Next weekend will especially be busy because of a Friday night rehearsal and Sunday concert at St. John Vianney, playing the prelude for Pastor Fritz Fritschel‘s funeral service… Read More Planning ahead for a busy week
If ever the Lutheran Church of Honolulu were to name a poet laureate, hands down it would be Pastor Fritz Fritschel. He was for many years the Assisting Pastor and was known for his use of frog puppets—all with names starting with F—during the children’s sermon. I won’t ever hear the names Felix, Fergus, Franklin,… Read More Our beloved poet laureate
I know it’s been awhile since I have written a post on this blog, and it is because I’m up to my eyeballs getting ready for my trip to Connecticut next week. I am going to hear Joey Fala play the first of his four graduate organ recitals at Yale. By “getting ready,” I mean that I’ve spent… Read More Cheese contrafacta
Some people have asked that I share with you a poem by Fritz Fritschel, written for last Sunday’s celebration of my thirty-five years as Organist at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu, so here it is: On a Day of Celebration Those little black marks on the page Neither move nor make sound, Lying dormant, locked… Read More Those little black marks!
About ten days ago, a crazy thought occurred to me, so I wrote Carol Langner about closing the celebration program with everyone singing (and me playing) a hymn. I requested When in our music God is glorified, sung to the tune ENGELBERG, and composed by Charles Villiers Stanford. It has a great text and a… Read More When in our music . . .
Today a reminder email was sent to the parishioners of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu about the shindig to celebrate my 35 years as organist — a party on Sunday, April 14th from 12:00 to 2:30 pm. If you look closely, you’ll see that there was a reference to this blog: Another Year of Inanity! (sic) Same… Read More Don’t rain on our parade!
Yesterday was New Year’s Day, and Carl Crosier and I attended the German Vespers service at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. People were genuinely surprised to see us — for we had just said goodbye on Christmas Day. I must admit it was pretty strange seeing and hearing the service from a completely different vantage… Read More A different vantage point