Dean’s Message – November 2019

I am extremely grateful for all those who sacrificed their time and energy to make our Pedals Pipes and Pizza event one of the best ever.   Thank you.  And thanks to all those who brought their piano students, organ students and other young people interested in an organ experience.

I brought three grandchildren.  They said “Thanks Grandpa – for the coolest day ever!”  How about that.  All of us worked hard to pull off a “Coolest Day Ever” event.   I agree with them.  It was the coolest day ever. 

It was cool because:

            My life was enriched by experiencing my grandchildren’s awe, amazement and glee in having a pipe organ encounter.  I watched the members of our chapter throughout the event and I know that all of our lives were enriched, as mine was, in experiencing the young people’s awe, amazement and glee.

It was cool because:

            We could see the ideas germinating in our young people’s minds to learn more about the organ, to play and to advance their skills. 

It was cool because:

            I saw a community of members within our Chapter who really work well together, who are fun to be around, and who are just exemplary human beings. 

It was cool because: 

            We advanced the mission our Chapter to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.  I saw passion in those of you who helped pull off this event as well as passion in the teachers, students and all the young people who attended. 

This is what our Chapter is about.   Thanks to all of you and have a Very Thankful Thanksgiving.  (And may your turkey taste like something other than chicken.) 

In closing, here is a handy excuse for you organists out there:   “Who put the Contra Bombarde toe piston next to the Swell pedal anyway?  Geez!”