Hawaii Students at Pipe Organ Encounter

During the week of August 2-8, two Hawaii students, Joey Fala and Jordan McCreary, attended the Pipe Organ Encounter hosted by the San Diego Chapter.

This letter was written to The American Organist magazine, which sums up Joey and Jordan's experience:

I am writing with immense gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Pipe Organ Encounters over the past years. As an aspiring young organist, these weeks have been a source of vigor, camaraderie, and incredible inspiration.

In a sometimes solitary pursuit, the POE draws together organists of varying backgrounds, and ages to share mutual interests and savor one another's talents. My lessons with distinguished instructors have immeasurably guided my techniques and interpretation. My peers have challenged me to greater devotion to our instrument and its divine repertoire. And I am forever thankful for the lasting friendships built from these times together. (Albert W. Tomasso, Farmington, CT)

The week includes group and private lessons, concerts by prominent organists, field trips to a number of different types of organ installations, and lots of fun meeting kids the same age with the same interests.

This group picture was taken on the last day, a concert by the POE students.

There was a field trip to the Blackinton organ factory.

POE students were treated to a theatre organ concert at the Balboa Theatre.

"Open Console" opportunities gave POE students a chance to try out different organs.

They even got a chance to see and hear a pedal harpsichord.