All this political talk of “low energy” is in sharp contrast to the weekend we had with organist Greg Zelek — definitely high energy! On Friday night, I invited the members of the AGO Executive Board for a “meet and greet” party and luckily I had nearly the whole day to prepare for it. The… Read More High energy Greg Zelek!
I’ve often written about the magical power of the organ — and no matter what your age or stature, the sense of might and power you feel when you play a chord on full organ. I’m sure it was the magnificent richness of sound which turned me on to the organ when I began playing in… Read More The power of the organ(ist)
When I described last weekend’s organ gigs, my sister said, “They should start calling you a Minuteman!” because I had so little notice before having to jump on the organ bench. I had forgotten what a Minuteman was, so here’s what I found: Minutemen were a small hand-picked elite force which were required to be highly mobile… Read More Minuteman Organist
Awhile back, I wrote a post about the problems of the Aeolian-Skinner organ at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and a few people have asked me about the progress of the restoration project. See “A friend in need” for more information. Well, here’s a way that you can help. This Sunday at 5:30 pm, a Choral Evensong will… Read More Well done, good and faithful servant
This has certainly been a week of parties — social events three days in a row with organists! Wednesday was the luncheon with my former organ students, then last night I had dinner with organist Bruce Bengtson from Madison, WI, then tonight was our Hawaii Chapter American Guild of Organists Dean’s Reception at the Pacific Club —… Read More My peeps!
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
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 …
Lately Facebook has offered a feature where you can re-share a post you did two, three, or five years ago, and the above picture from December 10, 2013 popped up. It was a picture of Carl Crosier stepping in to conduct the St. Andrew’s Priory Select Choir for Naomi Castro, who was sick at the… Read More Memories of Advents past
Many people think that because I spent thirty-five years of my life playing the Beckerath organ at the Lutheran Church Honolulu, I only play Bach and baroque music. That can’t be farther from the truth — I learned on a big Casavant organ at the Hollywood First Methodist Church and can push pistons and manipulate the… Read More Cortège et litanie
I thought by now I would be settling in to a nice retired life, watching soap operas and eating chocolate bon-bons, and scheduling only events like a few organ lessons, meals and naps, and then you know what happened — I received an email message from Miguel Felipe saying, “I’ve had you on my mind recently. . . ”… Read More Beware of lunch invitations!