Fresno pipe organ academy....

[KB7DQH]

http://agoregionixblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/fresno-pipe-organ-academy.html

Fresno Pipe Organ Academy
From Laurell Huber, San Joaquin Valley AGO:

August 27, 2011

The Fresno Pipe Organ Academy exists to promote the awareness and appreciation of the pipe organ. It provides opportunities for all ages toward the growth of organ playing and improvisational skills in performance.

The Academy is an outgrowth of the "Pedal Pushers." The latter was initiated around the year 2000 as a way to to introduce young pianists (age 4, even) to the pipe organ --- hands-on.

The idea began in two piano teaching studios. The combined students, mostly elementary school age, met several times a year for a Saturday workshop followed by a concert for family and friends. Certificates of participation plus a bag of cookies were received by each young organist. The events were held in the organ loft at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church on a two-manual Casavant.

Basically, students play a prepared piano piece to which they assist each other pulling stops and usually add two or three pedal notes (shoes off!). Improvisation skills are added in.

They learn basic organ terminology, crawl through chambers, and hear featured advanced students perform.

The concept has gradually added field trips to organs in other churches and homes, and to Warnors Theatre organ -- a BIG draw.

Last spring included a day trip, "Paso (Paso Robles), Pipes & Ponies and "8 Guys & a Doll" Concert of High School and College organists.

The coming September 24th workshop will combine Orff instruments with organ pieces in an improvisation experience.

FPOA Founders and Co-Directors are Laurell Huber and Helga Medd, members of AGO. One third of the Board of Directors are college age, bringing us into the tech era.
Expenses thus far have been covered by generous patrons.

The FPOA, past, present, and future is firmly anchored to the San Joaquin Valley Chapter, AGO, Fresno County Music Teachers, and families of the students.


Laurell Huber, AAGO
laurellhuber@yahoo.com

Eric
KB7DQH