Clergy Appreciation Dinner

On November 17, 2008, members of the Hawaii Chapter invited their clergy to an Appreciation Dinner at Central Union Church. The menu was Greek salad, spinach in phyllo pastry (spanikopita), rolls and Greek desserts (baklava), all thoroughly delicious.

After dinner, we were entertained by the beautiful young ladies of St. Andrew's Priory's Advanced Intermediate and Chamber Choirs. Directed by Deanna Turner, with accompanist David Hicken, the girls' exquisite choral tone and polished performance made for a superb evening, enjoyed by all.

John McCreary and The Hunchback of Notre Dame

John McCreary accompanied the silent movie, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," on Halloween night, October 31, 2008 at the Hawaii Theatre. Read an interview with John here.

Frederick Swann Birthday Greetings to Nyle Hallman

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear friend, Nyle Hallman, and congratulations on her long and distinguished career as a consummate musician.

Nyle has been my personal and professional friend for more than half of her life. Scary, isn't it, Nyle! From New York to Tulsa to Honolulu, Nyle and her wonderful husband, Roy, and I have enjoyed a unique and warm friendship which I will always treasure. The musical and personal times we have enjoyed are legion.

I dare say that all of you hearing these words this evening have been moved by Nyle's organ and harp performances on many and varied occasions in church, concert hall, and elsewhere. Further, many of you know first hand, her wonderful, warm, cheerful and generous spirit.

Nyle's indefatigable amount of energy and willingness to go the extra mile in every situation continues to amaze us all. She probably realizes, as I do, that the day may come when she has to sit home and rock. But until then she will undoubtedly continue to bless us all with her performances.

I'm sure that all of you join me in wishing Nyle an especially happy time on the occasion of this milestone birthday, and for all her years to come.

Fred Swann

More Organ Spectacular

Margaret Lloyd and Nyle Hallman played an organ duet.

Nyle Hallman is flanked by Kathy and Carl Crosier, wearing Organ Spectacular T-Shirts.

Nyle Hallman with Pastor Fritz Fritschel, author of "Hymn Hallman."

Margaret Lloyd (left) and Nyle Hallman

Nyle Hallman, harpist, is joined by Constance Uejio, Principal Harpist of the Honolulu Symphony, with Margaret Lloyd at the Organ.

Nyle Hallman Proclamation

Karl Bachman presented Nyle Hallman with a Proclamation from the City naming October 19, 2008 at Nyle Hallman Day in Honolulu. The Proclamation reads:

WHEREAS, the Hawaii Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will join more than 300 other chapters in honoring the King of Instruments during its celebration of the International Year of the Organ; and

WHEREAS, Nyle Hallman is an outstanding performer of organ music and nationally recognized as an Associate of the American Guild of Organists, and

WHEREAS, the visitor industry of Hawaii has recognized Nyle Hallman as a premier talent in Waikiki for her harp accompaniment of both Emma Veary and Don Ho, and

WHEREAS, she and her husband co-founded and led the Honolulu Boy Choir for an entire generation, and

WHEREAS, continues to make important contributions to the musical life of our community as second chair harpist with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and as a member of Flute a la Harpe, which performs for weddings, receptions, and other musical events.

NOW THEREFORE, I MUFI HANNEMANN, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, do hereby proclaim October 19, 2008 , to be NYLE HALLMAN DAY in the City and County of Honolulu, in honor of her musical talent and efforts that bring excellence to culture and the arts of our city and touch the hearts of our people.

Done this 19th day of October, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii

MUFI HANNEMANN