David Spicer died January 18

Nunc Dimittis

David Spicer died January 18 in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Since 1986, he was minister of music and arts for the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was also adjunct professor of music for Tunxis Community College, Farmington, Connecticut, and host of the radio broadcast, “Glory, Praise & Song” on station WIHS, Middletown, Connecticut. Prior to coming to Connecticut, Spicer was director of music for the First Presbyterian Church of Lincoln, Nebraska, and taught church music at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He had also served as organist and choir director for the Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, Pennsylvania. A native of Austin, Texas, he began organ studies at age eight. He was a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he studied organ with Alexander McCurdy, and completed graduate studies at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, also of Philadelphia. He also studied organ with Robert Elmore. Spicer was house organist for the Bushnell Auditorium of Hartford, Connecticut, and taught at Central Connecticut State University. In 1997, Spicer co-founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford, a national competition for high school and young professional organists. A memorial service was held February 11 at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield.

David Spicer is survived by his wife, Dana Spicer, seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival Hartford, 31 Church Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109.

A Tribute by David Spicer

On February 2, 2000, the life of a great Christian organist came to an end. Esma Beth Clark, 74 years old, died after a prolonged struggle with multiple sclerosis.

I was blessed to have studied with Esma Beth during my junior high and senior high school years. I was also blessed to be the organist at the First Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, during my last two years of high school where Minister of Music G. Robert Downer encouraged me to audition for the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Esma Beth worked with me to prepare the required audition material. After meeting the legendary Alexander McCurdy and playing for him, he asked who was my teacher. I replied "Esma Beth Clark." He then said, in that unforgettable timbre, "What a teacher!"

Esma Beth was born February 20, 1925, in Nocona, Texas, to Bascom E. and Beulah P. Anderson. She attended the University of Texas in Austin and studied organ under E. William Doty. In 1946 she was the very first student to graduate from that institution with a degree in organ! After marrying Jimmy Clark, who would be her loving husband for 53 years, Esma Beth  studied under Palmer Christian and Claire Coci at the University of Michigan.

In 1948 she began a part-time career at Austin's University Presbyterian Church, a position she would hold for 45 years! She also served as children's choir director, as well as the music director when needed. On her retirement Sunday, October 31, 1993, Bruce Todd, then Mayor of Austin, declared that special Sunday to be "Esma Beth Clark" day in Austin. The session of the University Presbyterian Church voted her as Organist Emerita. The Rev. Woody Berry said of Esma Beth, "You have made the organ sing. You have led us with your heart. You have never seen your work as a job, but instead, as a calling to serve God for 45 years."

Esma Beth's retirement was hastened by the loss of sight brought on by multiple sclerosis, which she battled courageously until her death.

Gerre Hancock, Organist and Master of Choristers at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City, writes:

Esma Beth was far too modest to realize how profoundly much she meant to legions of her fans and friends! Esma Beth was a musician of legendary prowess and accomplishment, one about whom one heard first from her fabled teacher, E. William Doty. How we admired her! Through the years, in her humble and quiet way, she has encouraged countless other musicians of all ages in pursuing their craft and art. Generous to a fault, Esma Beth heaped blessing upon blessing on so many of us through her unfailing help.

As an undergraduate student at The University of Texas in Austin, I got to know her and her devoted husband, Jimmy. They constituted an extraordinary pair, living out their Christian lives of commitment with exemplary dedication to their colleagues.

Our gratitude for Esma Beth only seemed to grow with each passing year. We are deeply, deeply grateful for her and her life and her example. All hail!

Betty R. Pursley, Minister of Music at the United Church of Marco Island, Florida, writes of Esma Beth:

Her greatest gift to me was channeling my natural ability and love for music into a methodical, disciplined approach. She was my role model. Mrs. Clark's great devotion to both the church and her musical work were very positive influences during my adolescence.

A service of Remembrance and Celebration was held on Sunday, February 27, 2000, at the University Presbyterian Church, in Austin. The new III/47 Garland Pipe Organ was used. The harp stop and the chimes were memorial gifts given in Esma Beth's memory. Special piano music was played by William Chapman Nyaho. The congregational hymns were "Holy, Holy, Holy" (Nicaea), "Take My Life and Let It Be" (Hendon), and "To God Be The Glory." Choral music included "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" by Johannes Brahms; "Shall We Gather At The River" arranged by Hal Hopson (Carroll Gonzo, choir director; Faythe Freese, accompanist); "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" by Peter Lutkin (directed by Cheryl Clark Crews, daughter); several secular choral selections by the GBATTS (Getting Better All The Time Singers); and a hymn medley: "Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound," "There's Something About That Name," "Jesus Loves Me," and "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" (Mary Ann Parker, soprano, and Carol Koock, accompanist). Organ music was "Fugue in E-Flat," (St. Anne) by J.S. Bach; a choral prelude on "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms" featuring the memorial harp stop and chimes punctuating Esma Beth's initials E, B, A, C; "Unforgettable" by Irving Gordon; and "Toccata" from Symphony No. 5 by Widor (David Spicer, organist).

The eulogy was given by the Rev. James P. Crews (son-in-law), reflections and a blessing by the Rev. Jimmy Earl Clark (son), and "the family says thanks" by Jeff Clark (son). Other participants were the Rev. San Williams, Minister at the University Presbyterian Church; the Rev. Larry Bethune, Minister of the University Baptist Church; cousin Rev. Dr. Jase Jones, as well as local radio/television personality and family friend Cactus Pryor. The capacity crowd gave a fitting tribute to the life of this wonderful woman.

I, like Betty Pursley, can reflect on Esma Beth's pedagogical skills, and two things stand out: her faith and commitment to serving Jesus Christ through her music, which spilled  over into her teaching, and her insistence that music must be played with feeling.

Her death was on February 2, which is recognized by those who follow the liturgical calendar as Candlemas, celebrating Christ as the true Light of the world. What a fitting day for a Christian musician to enter eternal life and to experience first hand, Christ the Light of the world!

Esma Beth Anderson Clark is survived by her husband, J.E. "Jimmy" Clark; daughters, Cheryl Crews and husband, Jim, of Japan, Kerre Shipp and husband, David, of Raleigh, North Carolina; sons, Jimmy E. Clark and wife, Kay, of Bonham, Texas, Jeffrey B. Clark and wife, Teresa, of Austin; brothers and sister-in-law, James E. Anderson and Julia of Arlington, Texas, Thomas W. Anderson and Norma Jean of Austin, Texas, David E. Anderson and Susanna of Bangor, Maine, and Kenneth D. Anderson and Linda of Houston; eight grandchildren, Clark and Chris Crews, Lori and David Shipp Jr., Wesley and Kelley Clark, Kevin and Jamie Clark.

Soli Deo Gloria! Her works do follow after her.

David Spicer is Minister of Music at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut and is a co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in the USA. He also is on the music faculty of Central Connecticut State University, and is House Organist at Hartford'sBushnell Memorial. He attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Curtis Institute of Music. Early musical instruction was from his parents as well as from Florence Castle. His early instruction in organ was from his father, David Spicer, Sr., Donald Firnhaber, Henri Pantillone, Eleanor Page, and Esma Beth Clark.

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2006, six young organists began arriving in Wethersfield, Connecticut, to participate in the Ninth Annual Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. This year the caliber of playing was especially high. All who heard were greatly encouraged about the future of organ playing in our country.

We are grateful to the following churches for allowing these six finalists to practice on their organs: Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, Charles Miller, organist and associate minister of Music; Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) Hartford, Canon James Barry, organist and choirmaster; Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of Music; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, organist-choirmaster.
Friday morning, the finalists were treated to a tour of the Austin organ factory in Hartford. Finalists were able to experience this institution, now in its 114th year, and were able to see pipe metal being cast as well as the many unique machines used in the process of making a pipe organ.

Friday evening, September 9, a concert was held in the historic Meetinghouse of the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield. The prelude was Andante Espressivo (from Sonata in G Major, op. 28) by Elgar. The Festival Choir sang Psalm 150 by Franck. All in attendance sang “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” (tune Christ Church by Richard Dirksen). The choir then sang Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16) by Vierne. David Spicer served as organist-choirmaster for this portion of the concert.

Music from West Africa was presented by St. Mary’s Ghanaian Catholic Ministry Choir from East Hartford. The choir, dressed in ceremonial garb, was directed by Rev. Fr. Savino-Gyimah and Joachim Pennin. Music sung in the Ghanaian tongue was a reminder of Albert Schweitzer’s great missionary work in Africa. Next, the three judges for the competition played on the Austin IV/62. Marilyn Mason played March on a Theme of Handel by Guilmant and Amazing Grace (from Gospel Preludes, Book IV) by William Bolcom, which was commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Mason. Following this, Frederick Hohman played two excerpts by Widor: Meditation (Symphony No. 1 in C minor, op. 3), and Intermezzo (Symphony No. 6 in G, op. 42). Thomas Heywood ended the judges’ recital portion with his own composition: Humoresque for Pedal Trombone.

Anthems He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall (with text by Albert Schweitzer) and Go Ye Into All the World by Robert Wetzler were sung by the Festival Choir. These anthems reinforced the idea of the missionary work that was so much a part of Dr. Schweitzer’s life. The concluding hymn was “Let Heaven Rejoice” (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan, and text by Hal M. Helms), which has become a tradition at these opening concerts.

Saturday morning, September 9, the High School Division competition was held 9–noon. The Young Professional Division finalists competed 1–4 pm.

High School finalists were Caroline Judith Robinson from Greenville, South Carolina (third prize), who studies with Adam Pajan; Malcolm Ross Matthews from Knoxville, Tennessee (second prize), who studies with Professor John Brock; and Samuel Kohei Gaskin from Beaumont, Texas (first prize), who studies with Marjorie Rasche and Christina Harmon. Gaskin also was the judges’ choice for the most creative hymn playing in this festival.

The Young Professional Division finalists were Ahreum Han, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (third prize), a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; Mark Edwards from Ontario, Canada (second prize), a student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; and Brenda Portman, from Flint, Michigan (first prize), a graduate of Wheaton College and Northwestern University.

Sunday morning, September 10, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15 and 11 am worship services. At 3 pm awards were presented and first-place winners Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman were heard in recital.

Frederick Hohman remarked that “It has been a privilege to have served as permanent juror at ASOF/USA for the first nine years. All recent contestants chosen for the finals have shown remarkable levels of technical achievement. The technical ability and secure memory shown by High School and Young Professional contestants is at a higher level than I can recall in any previous generation. ASOF/USA recognizes and encourages this devotion and achievement in organ-playing with cash prizes; however, equally valuable is the exposure that the festival provides young organists with regard to inspired leadership in hymn-playing, and the detailed, honest, and at times tough and frank feedback of the jurors.”

The total combined repertoire represented by these six finalists included Bach: Trio Sonatas No. 3, BWV 527, No. 5, BWV 529, and No. 6, BWV 530; Concerto in d minor, BWV 596 (Vivaldi); Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545; from Dupré’s Opus 7: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in B Major and Prelude and Fugue No. 3 in g minor; Widor: Adagio from Symphony No. 2; Adagio from Symphony No. 5, Cantabile from Symphony No. 6, Andante Sostenuto from Symphonie Gothique; Franck: Choral No. 1 in E Major, Choral No. 2 in b minor, and Choral No. 3 in a minor; Hindemith: Sonata II (first movement); Persichetti: Sonata for Organ (Vivace, movement III); Demessieux: Te Deum; hymn tunes: Coronation, Diademata, Eventide, and St. Thomas.

We are grateful to Ahlborn-Galanti Organs for the $2000 award for first prize in the High School Division. The Young Professional Division first prize of $3500 was shared by the Helen L. Reinfrank fund, which provided $2000, and J.H. and C.S. Odell Organ Builders, which provided $1500. Bank of America, Hartford, provided $1500 for the second prize Young Professional Division. Austin Organs, Inc. provided a tour of their facilities and a gift for the judges’ awards. The Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund provided $500 for the most creative hymn playing. In addition, several local residents gave gifts to this festival, which are most appreciated.

Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.

Our thanks to Nancy Andersen, festival manager; Karen Franzen, administrative assistant; Betty Standish and Laurie Allen, ASOF/USA Chair, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently. A special note of thanks to Dana Spicer and Mainly Tea of Wethersfield, which provided a reception for the three judges on Friday evening, and a wonderful dinner for finalists and judges on Saturday evening.

At this moment, the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival committee is preparing for our tenth ASOF/USA, to be held in Wethersfield, Connecticut, September 7–9, 2007. Organists Paul Jacobs and Diane Meredith Belcher will join Frederick Hohman as this year’s guest artists/judges. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 7 at 7:30 pm. The committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 8.

Samuel Kohei Gaskin and Brenda Portman will perform in recital on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at 7:00 pm.


Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone: 860/529-1575 ext. 209; e-mail: or by viewing the ASOF/USA website: , click “Ministries,” then click “Music” and go to the ASOF/USA link.

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It hardly seems possible that ten years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants who reflected superb teaching, wonderful adjudicators, and a high level of music making. Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival. On Friday evening, September 7, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:
Prelude: Benedictus (op. 59, no. 9), Max Reger (played at the first festival)
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Tune: Christ Church, Richard W. Dirksen)
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne
He Comes to Us (with text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (text by Hal M. Helms) (tune: Rock Harbor by Alan MacMillan)
The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played Comes Autumn Time by Sowerby. Diane Meredith Belcher played her transcription of the Largo ma non tanto (from the Concerto for Two Violins, BWV 1043) by Bach, and the Toccata in B-flat minor (from Pièces de fantaisie, op. 53, no. 6) by Vierne. Paul Jacobs then played the Fugue (from Fantasy and Fugue on B-A-C-H, op. 46) by Max Reger.
Paul Jacobs returned as a judge to the competition in which he had won first prize ten years ago! At that competition, his mother and grandmother flew from Pennsylvania to be present at his winner’s recital. They both returned again this time, to be present as Paul served as a judge.
Saturday morning the three High School Division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2:00 pm the Young Professional Division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included: hymn tunes St. Thomas (Williams), Coronation, Ein’ Feste Burg, Diademata, and Veni Creator; J. S. Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Prelude and Fugue in C, BWV 531; Fantasia and Fugue in G minor, BWV 542; Trio Sonata No. 1, BWV 525, and Trio Sonata No. 6, BWV 530; Charles-Marie Widor, Adagio (Symphony No. 3), Adagio (Symphony No. 5), and Cantabile (Symphony No. 6); Simon Preston, Fantasia, The Christmas Light; Jehan Alain, Litanies; Dan Locklair: “The people respond, Amen!” (Rubrics); and Franck: Chorals nos. 1, 2, and 3.
Immediately after the competition, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at her restaurant, Mainly Tea, directly across the street from the Meetinghouse. On Sunday, September 9, all finalists played portions of the 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented.
The judges’ decisions
High School Division: first place, Benton Blasingame from Collinsville, Illinois, former student of Dr. John Romeri and currently studying with Thomas Bara at the Interlochen Arts Camp; second place, Wesley Hall from Spencer, Massachusetts, student of Patricia Snyder and currently studying with William Ness; third place, Chelsea Barton from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, student of Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman, a professor at Lebanon Valley College.
Young Professional Division: first place, Ahreum Han from New Haven, Connecticut, student of Ken Cowan at Westminster Choir College, of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music, and currently at Yale with Thomas Murray; second place, Christopher J. Howerter, SPC, from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, student of Stephen Williams, Michael Krentz, and currently with James David Christie at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music; third place, John Alexander from Greensboro, North Carolina, student of Robert Burns King at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
We are very grateful to Paul Fejko for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants. We are also grateful to Ahlborn-Galanti Organs for the $2000 award for first prize in the High School Division, and to the Austin family, who provided the second prize of $1000 in loving memory of Donald B. Austin. The Young Professional Division first prize of $3500 was shared by J.H. & C.S. Odell Pipe Organ Builders, which provided $1500; the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund, which provided $1000; and Dr. Marilyn Mason, who also gave $1000. The Reinfrank Fund also made possible the $500 Creative Hymn Playing Award, while the Music Committee of First Church of Christ contributed the $500 Improvisational Hymn Playing Award, both of which went to Benton Blasingame. Bank of America provided the Judges’ Award, totaling $1500. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the High School Division third prize of $500 and the Young Professional Division third prize of $750—came from Austin Organs, Inc., Connecticut River Community Bank, Patrick J. Murphy and Associates, and several individuals in the First Church family.
Special thanks go to Gordon Auchincloss, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance should the organ need it, and to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who graciously gave the gift of tuning for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay. Thanks to Betty Standish, Music Committee Chair; Leslie Vliet, ASOF Chair; Dave Gilbert, administrative assistant; and Laurie Allen, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice include Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; St. James’ Episcopal Church, also in West Hartford, Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster; and First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries.
We are pleased to announce that the 2008 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Gerre Hancock, Marilyn Mason, and Frederick Hohman. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday, September 5, at 7:30 pm. The ASOF Committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 6.
The 2007 first-place winners, Ahreum Han and Benton Blasingame, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 7:00 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 ext. 209, by e-mail at <[email protected]>, or by viewing the ASOF website: <www.firstchurch.org/ASOF&gt;.
Photos by Scott Jensen

David Spicer began as Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1986. In 1996 he and Harold Robles founded the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. Spicer is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Alexander McCurdy, and is a graduate of the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

It hardly seems possible that twelve years have gone by since we began the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival! We have experienced outstanding applicants, who reflected wonderful, superb teaching, outstanding adjudicators, and a remarkable and consistently high level of music making.
Beautiful New England weather gave an idyllic setting for the festival. On Friday evening, September 10, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the writer:

Prelude: Benedictus, op. 59, no. 9, Max Reger (played also at the first annual festival)
Psalm 150, César Franck
Hymn: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (tune: Christ Church), Richard W. Dirksen
Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Louis Vierne
He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Jane Marshall
Go Ye into All the World, Robert Wetzler
Hymn: Let Heaven Rejoice (tune: Rock Harbor) (text by Hal M. Helms), Alan MacMillan

The three judges were each invited to play a selection of their own choosing. The artists’ playing from the balcony was projected onto a screen downstairs in the historic Meetinghouse. Frederick Hohman played his arrangement of Arioso (Suite No. 3 in D) by J. S. Bach. Wilma Jensen played Méditation à Ste. Clothilde by Philip James. John Weaver then played Chorale Prelude on Ellers followed by Fantasy on Sine Nomine, both his own compositions.
Saturday morning, from 9 to noon, the three high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 pm the young professional division finalists were heard. The combined repertoire of these six finalists included hymn tunes: St. Thomas (Williams), Coronation, Ein’ Feste Burg, Diademata, Slane, and Veni Creator; Bach: Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543, Prelude and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 539, Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525, and Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529; Widor: Cantabile (from Symphony No. 6 in G Minor), Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 4 in F), and Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie Gothique); Franck: Choral No. 2 in B Minor and Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Eben: Moto Ostinato (from Sunday Music); Jongen: Sonata Eroïca, op. 94; Jehan Alain: Aria; Duruflé: Scherzo, op. 2; Messiaen: Dieu parmi nous (Nativité du Seigneur, IX).
Immediately afterwards, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at Mainly Tea, directly across the street from the Meetinghouse.
On Sunday, September 12, all finalists played portions of the 8, 9:15, and 11 am worship services. At 1:30 pm, a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many important topics were covered, and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions
High School Division: first place, Bryan Anderson from Stockbridge, Georgia, a student of Sarah L. Martin; second place, Deniz Uz from Longwood, Florida, a student of Terry Yount and currently with Thomas Bara at the Interlochen Arts Academy; third place, Clarence Chaisson from South Lancaster, Massachusetts, a student of Christa Rakich.
Young Professional Division: first place, Adam Pajan from New Haven, Connecticut, formerly a student of Charles Boyd Tompkins at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and currently with Martin Jean at Yale University; second place, Clayton Roberts from Houston, Texas, a student of Robert Bates at the University of Houston; third place: Jonathan Hehn from South Bend, Indiana, a student of Craig Cramer at the University of Notre Dame.
We are very grateful to Charles Callahan for serving as the screening judge for initial recorded examples of these organists and other applicants.
We are also grateful to Leigh and Betty Standish for the $2000 award for first prize in the high school division. The young professional division first prize of $3500 was given by Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $750 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was awarded to high school division finalist Bryan Anderson. Other prizes and gifts toward the festival—including the high school division second prize of $1000 and the young professional division second prize of $1500—came from Austin Organs, Inc., Marilyn Austin & the Austin family, and several individuals in the First Church family. We also thank Dr. Paul Bender for his gift to this festival.
Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ need it, as well as his gracious gift of tuning and maintenance for this festival. Austin Organ Service Company is the regular curator of this instrument, serviced by Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay.
Our thanks to William Dean, music committee chair; Andrea Volpe, ASOF chair; and Linda Henderson, assistant, for so ably performing the organizational work that made the festival run smoothly and efficiently.
Churches that allowed their instruments to be used for additional practice include Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Bruce Henley, organist-choirmaster; St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, Ralph Valentine, organist-choirmaster; St. James’ Episcopal Church, also in West Hartford, Jason Roberts, organist-choirmaster; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, music director; and Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of music.
The 2009 first-place winners, Bryan Anderson and Adam Pajan, will perform in recital on Sunday, June 13, 2010, at 7 pm at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.
The 2010 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival will have the following judges for the competition: Joyce Jones, Charles Callahan, and Frederick Hohman. Plans are underway to feature these organists in the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 10, at 7:30 pm. The ASOF committee is hoping to invite six qualified young organists to compete in the two divisions on Saturday, September 11. Information about the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival and current requirements for the competition are available by telephone at 860/529-1575 ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or by viewing the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF.