David Spicer to WIHS radio

What a treat to hear such wonderfully prepared young organists at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in September! It speaks well of them developing their God-given talents, and of their excellent teachers. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the sixteenth annual festival, held at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition. We had some wonderful applicants who sent in outstanding CDs, and we thank Charles Callahan for serving as the screening judge for these applications. Judges for this year’s festival were Diane Meredith Belcher, Cherry Rhodes, and David Hurd.

On Friday evening, September 6, the traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by this writer: Andante Espressivo (Sonata in G Major, op. 28), Elgar; Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (Rock Harbor), (text by Hal M. Helms), tune by Alan MacMillan. 

At the Friday evening opening concert, each of the judges played selections of their own choosing on the Austin organ. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected a view of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections: Salix (from Plymouth Suite), Whitlock; Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, op. 7, no. 3, Dupré, played by Diane Meredith Belcher; Variations sur un Noël bourguignon, Fleury; Toccata in B Minor, Gigout, played by Cherry Rhodes; Arioso and Finale, Hurd, played by David Hurd.

Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire. At 2 p.m. the young professional division finalists were heard. All finalists were required to play the hymn tune St. Thomas (Williams).

The high school division finalists and the works they played were: 

Anna Pan—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Andante Sostenuto (from Symphonie Gothique); Demessieux, Te Deum, op. 11; hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

Bryan Dunnewald—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Widor, Adagio (from Symphony No. 2, op. 13); Duruflé, Fugue (from Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d’Alain, op. 7); hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

Alexander Pattavina—Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537; Hancock, Air for Organ; Widor, Meditation (from Symphony No. 1, op. 13); hymn tune, Ar Hyd Y Nos.

The Young Professional Division finalists and the works they played were: 

Alcée Chriss III—Bach, Trio Sonata No. II in C Minor, BWV 526; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Duruflé, Toccata (from Suite, op. 5); hymn tune, Slane.

Derek Remeš—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Langlais, Féte; hymn tune, Diademata.

Patrick Kreeger—Bach, Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540; Franck, Choral No. 3 in A Minor; Vierne, Finale (from Symphony No. 5); hymn tune, Slane.

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wethersfield.

On Sunday, September 8, the young professional finalists played portions of the 9 a.m. worship service. In addition, we thank Ezequiel Menéndez, who invited the finalists to play portions of the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. In Wethersfield at 1:30 p.m., a masterclass with the three judges was held. Many topics were covered, and awards were presented.

The judges’ decisions

High school division, first place, Bryan Dunnewald from Arvada, Colorado (Interlochen Center for the Arts), student of Thomas Bara; second place (tie): Anna Pan from Burlington, Connecticut, student of Joseph Ripka; and Alexander Pattavina from Stoughton, Massachusetts, student of Philip Jones.

Young professional division, first place, Alcée Chriss III from Oberlin, Ohio (Oberlin Conservatory), student of James David Christie; second place, Derek Remeš from Rochester, New York (Eastman School of Music), student of David Higgs; third place, Patrick Kreeger from New Haven, Connecticut (Yale University), previously a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music, and currently studying with Martin Jean.

We are grateful to Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D., for giving the young professional division first prize of $3,500; the young professional division second prize of $1,500 came from several individuals in the First Church family and others; our thanks to Evelyn Lee and Betty Standish for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division, and to Marilyn Austin and family for the high school division second place prize of $1,000. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award; $500 was given to high school division finalist Bryan Dunnewald and $500 to young professional division finalist Derek Remeš.  

Special thanks go to Bon Smith and Alex Belair of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who were on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer assistance, should the organ have needed it. (It did not!) We are also grateful to Bon Smith for his gracious gift of maintenance for this festival. Alex Belair and Michael Tanguay of Austin Organ Service Company are the regular curators of this instrument. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, 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 included Bethany Covenant Church, Berlin, Olga Ljungholm, minister of music; the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, director of music; Covenant Village of Cromwell, the Reverend Glen Halvorsen; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; First Congregational Church, Southington, John Parsons, minister of music; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, Father Scott Lee, rector.

Our 2013 first-place winners, Bryan Dunnewald and Alcée Chriss III, will perform in recital on Sunday, March 23, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Plans are underway for the 2014 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, including the opening concert of the festival on Friday evening, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. 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. 

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.

David Spicer is Minister of Music and the Arts at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut and is chair and co-founder of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival/USA. He is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been a member of the music faculty at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut and is House Organist at Hartford's Bushnell Memorial Arts Center.

The organ, IV/62 Austin, Opus 2403, is capable of playing a wide range of literature.

Tapes were sent in by June 1, and from these were selected two high school and four college finalists. Judges for the 2001 Festival were John Walker,  Cherry Rhodes, and Frederick Hohman.

Friday morning featured a tour of the Austin Organ Company in nearby Hartford. Special thanks to Kimberlee Austin, president, and her wonderful staff. Friday evening, the three judges joined with David Spicer, Minister of Music and the Arts at First Church of Christ and co-founder of the ASOF/ USA, in a celebration concert. Rev. T. Michael McDowell, Associate Minister, welcomed all to this fourth ASOF/USA. Opening the concert was the hymn tune Rock Harbor: "Let Heaven Rejoice." A new anthem, Psalm 150, by Connecticut composer Thomas Schmutzler, was presented by the Festival Choir. Words of welcome from Donald Croteau, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Albert Schweitzer Institute were followed by the anthem Neighbors, a melody from Ghana arranged by Austin C. Lovelace, with African drumming.

That anthem was in marked contrast to the new composition by another Connecticut composer, Elizabeth R. Austin, whose work for brass quintet and organ entitled A Triadic Tribute is based on several hymns that begin with do-mi-sol relationships. At one point, the brass players are called to leave their positions and roam around the hall while playing bits and pieces of the various hymn tunes. They then come together again and after a full organ hint of Wachet auf! the piece subsides to the quietest tones of the ensemble. The Thread City Brass Quintet joined David Spicer for this new work.

Following the Austin selection (no relation to the organ company!) the three judges were introduced. Then Cherry Rhodes played Four piezas para la Misa by José Lidón (1748-1827): Cantabile para organo al alzar en la Misa - Ofertorio - Elevación - Allegro.

The introduction of the six finalists and ASOF/USA sponsors followed, as did an introduction of guest dignitaries Roberta Bitgood, past national president of the American Guild of Organists, along with her daughter Grace and son-in-law Stuart; John Anthony, former district convener for Connecticut, Rhodes Island and Argentina for the New England Region AGO; Curt Hawkes, factory representative from Austin Organs, Inc.; Renée Louprette, Dean of the Hartford AGO Chapter; and David Harper, AGO treasurer and producer of the local organ radio program "The King of Instruments."

After these introductions, Judge Frederick Hohman played his own composition The Homecoming. Then an offertory anthem He Comes to Us by Jane Marshall and text by Albert Schweitzer was sung by the Festival Choir. For the postlude (all remained seated) John Walker played the Chorale with Variations on Nun danket alle Gott by Ronald Arnatt (written for John Walker). After this rousing finale, all were treated to a reception sponsored by the Albert Schweitzer Committee and the First Church Choir. On display were pictures of Albert Schweitzer in his Lamberane, Africa hospital, and also on display was the harmonium that he played there. These were on loan from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, which houses the Albert Schweitzer Institute. In addition, Austin Organs, Inc. had a display of recent installations and pipe organ mechanisms.

Saturday morning is the time traditionally reserved for the high school division competition. However, be-cause one finalist observed Sabbath beginning at sundown on Friday, the judges were able to adjudicate this finalist late Friday afternoon and the other finalist on Saturday. In the high school division first place went to Christopher Johnson of Dickinson, Texas (a student of Marjorie Rasche). He received an award of $1000 sponsored by Fleet Bank of Hartford; second place, Tamara Logan of Fresno, California (a student of Aran Vartanian), received an award of $500 sponsored by Anne and Walter Kelly of Glastonbury, CT.

The college division competition on Saturday was held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. First place went to Thomas Schuster of Leonard, Michigan (a student of Ray Ferguson, Wayne State University), the Austin Grand Prize of $2000 sponsored by Austin Organs, Inc. of Hartford. Second place, Hyo Kun Kang of Palisades Park, New Jersey (a student of John Weaver, the Juilliard School), $1000 sponsored by Dutch Point Credit Union, Wethersfield; third place, Stephen Scarlato of Ellington, Connecticut (a student of Larry Allen, the Hartt School at the University of Harford), $500 by the Hartford AGO Chapter; honorable mention, Joshua Hearn of Denver, Iowa (a student of Marilou Kratzenstein, University of Northern Iowa), $300 sponsored in part by the Wethersfield Committee on Culture and the Arts.

After this very long day, the judges and finalists and members of the ASOF/USA Committee were treated to a marvelous dinner by Dana Spicer at Wethersfield's "Mainly Tea." Mrs. Spicer is co-owner of this establishment.

Sunday morning, preludes and postludes were presented by the finalists at the services of worship at the First Church of Christ. At the 8:00 a.m. service, Hyo Kun Kang played Prelude in a minor by J.S. Bach for the prelude and the Fugue (BWV 543) for the postlude. Tamara Logan played "The Peace May Be Exchanged" from Rubrics by Dan Locklair for the offertory.

At the 9:15 a.m. service, Tamara Logan played Prelude in G Major by J.S. Bach for the prelude and the Fugue in G Major (BWV 541) for the postlude. At the 11:00 a.m. service Stephen Scarlato played Dan Locklair's Jubilo: A Prelude for Organ for the prelude and Joshua Hearn played J. S. Bach's Fugue in G minor (BWV 542) for the postlude. Associate organist Bruce Henley played the service music at 8:00 a.m. and David Spicer the service music at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m.

The winner's recital was held on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. During this time awards were presented to the finalists by the sponsors and to the host families. The first place winners in both divisions were featured in recital. Christopher Johnson opened the program with the hymn tune St. Thomas (a theme of this festival) and then played Concerto in a minor, Vivaldi/Bach (BWV 593); Pange Lingua, Verbum Caro and Tantum Ergo (from Pange Lingua), Hakim; and Andante Sostenuto (from Gothic Symphony), Widor. Thomas Schuster played Choral No. 1, Franck, then all in attendance joined as he led in the singing of the hymn tune Coronation. He ended the recital with a brilliant rendition of Anton Heiller's Tanz-Toccata.

We wish to thank Nancy Andersen, the festival coordinator, for her many areas of expertise and hard work. Also, we give a special "thank you" to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut for the gift of tuning and maintenance of the Austin organ used in this festival. We wish to thank the following for the use of their instruments for additional practice: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Wethersfield, Rev. Hugh Haffenneffer, pastor and Melissa Cheney, organist; and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Wethersfield, Father Thomas Campion, pastor, Deacon Seth English and Thaddeus Terzo, organist. Curt Hawkes and Gordon Auchincloss of the Austin Organ Company deserve a note of appreciation for their assistance with this festival.

Our emotions, so high from this time of music making, plummeted to the depths two days later on September 11, with the terrorists' attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. We praise God that all finalists, their families and our judges arrived home safely. Albert Schweitzer's philosophy of "Reverence for Life" never seemed so germane.

Next year's ASOF/USA dates are September 6-8, 2002. Entry deadline is June 1.

September 5–7, 2014

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

To encourage young organists—this has been our raison d’être for the past seventeen years of the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival, something with which all of us in the profession agree.

It was indeed a treat to hear such wonderfully prepared young organists at the Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival in September! One can marvel at these students developing their talents and be grateful for their excellent teachers. That, combined with wonderful organ music, set the stage for the seventeenth annual festival. We are grateful to be able to encourage young organists with this competition. We had some wonderful applicants who sent in outstanding CDs. Judges for this year’s festival were Diane Meredith Belcher, Charles Callahan, and Ken Cowan.

On Friday evening, September 5, our traditional opening concert was held. The service/choral portions were played by the author: Andante (Grand Pièce Symphonique, op. 17), Psalm 150, Franck; Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation (Christ Church), Dirksen; Kyrie (from Messe Solennelle, op. 16), Vierne; He Comes to Us (text by Albert Schweitzer), Marshall; Go Ye Into All the World, Wetzler; Let Heaven Rejoice (text by Hal M. Helms; tune, Rock Harbor, by Alan MacMillan).

Each of the judges played selections of their own choosing on the Austin organ at the opening event. A video camera, via closed-circuit television, projected a view of the organists in the balcony onto a screen downstairs. The selections were: Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr, BWV 662, Bach, and Passacaglia on a Theme by Dunstable, Weaver, played by Diane Meredith Belcher; Lyric Prelude and Fugue, Callahan, and Risoluto, op. 68, Parker, played by Charles Callahan; Fantasie in F Minor, K. 608, Mozart, played by Ken Cowan.

Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, the high school division finalists played the required repertoire; at 2 p.m. the young professional division finalists were heard. All finalists were required to play the hymn tune St. Thomas (Williams).

The high school division finalists and the works they played were:

Clara Gerdes—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 543; Widor, Adagio (from Symphony No. 5); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Coronation.

Alexander Pattavina—Bach, Fantasia and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537; Widor, Meditation (from Symphony No. 1); Langlais, Fête; hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Richard Gress—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 541; Widor, Andante Cantabile (from Symphony No. 5 in F Minor); Messiaen, Transports de Joie (from L’Ascension); hymn, Veni Creator (1940 Hymnal #217).

The young professional division finalists and the works they played were:

Evan Cogswell—Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Communion (from Messe de la Pentecôte); Bach, Fantasy and Fugue in G Minor, BWV 542; hymn, Slane.

Brian Glikes—Bach, Trio Sonata No. 5, BWV 529; Franck, Choral No. 2 in B Minor; Messiaen, Offrande et Alléluia final; hymn, Diademata.

Nicholas Quardokus—Bach, Prelude and Fugue in D Major, BWV 532; Franck, Choral No. 1 in E Major; Vierne, Finale (from Symphonie VI); hymn, Ein’ Feste Burg.

Later that evening, all finalists and judges had a chance for interaction and discussion over a delicious meal provided by Dana Spicer at the Solomon Welles House in Wethersfield.

On Sunday, September 7, the young professional finalists played portions of the 8:45 a.m. worship service. In addition, we thank Ezequiel Menéndez, who invited the finalists to play portions of the 11 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. In Wethersfield at 1:30 p.m., 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, Clara Gerdes from Davidson, North Carolina, a student of Alan Morrison at the Curtis Institute of Music; second place, Alexander Pattavina from Stoughton, Massachusetts, a student of Paul Jacobs at the Juilliard School of Music; third place, Richard Gress from Newmarket, New Hampshire, student of Bruce Adami.

Young professional division: first place, Nicholas Quardokus from Bridgeman, Michigan, student of Janette Fishell at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University; second place, Brian Glikes from Rochester, New York, student of David Higgs at the Eastman School of Music; third place, Evan Cogswell from Glastonbury, Connecticut, student of Patricia Snyder, and a recent graduate of the Hartt School of Music.

We are grateful to Robert Bausmith and Jill Peters-Gee, M.D. for giving the young professional division first prize of $3,500; the young professional division second prize of $1,500 came from several individuals in the First Church of Christ community and others. Our thanks to the Helen L. Reinfrank Music Fund for the $2,000 award for first prize in the high school division and to Marilyn Austin and family for the high school division second place prize of $1,000. Thanks go to John Gorton and Richard Pilch for providing $1,000 for the David Spicer Hymn Playing Award, which was given to young professional division finalist Nicholas Quardokus.

Special thanks go to Bon Smith of Austin Organ Service Company of Avon, Connecticut, who was on hand throughout the Saturday competition to offer volunteer assistance, should the organ have needed it. Thanks to Linda Henderson, festival coordinator and associate, 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 included the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Hartford, Ezequiel Menéndez, director of music; First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, Angela Salcedo, director of music ministries; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Wethersfield, the Reverend Lois Keen, interim rector.

We are taking steps to move this festival to a more community-based organization. Robert Bausmith is the chairperson, and a board of directors has been formed; I will remain as the artistic director. We are looking forward to having this wonderful event at alternate sites in the future. In our efforts to make this happen, the two first-place winners, Clara Gerdes (high school division) and Nicholas Quardokus (young professional division) will return to play their recitals at Trinity College Chapel, Hartford, Connecticut, on June 14, 2015, at 7 p.m.

Plans are underway for the 2015 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival September 11–13, 2015. Information about the festival and current competition requirements are available by telephone at 860/529-1575, ext. 209, by e-mail at [email protected], or at the ASOF website: www.firstchurch.org/ASOF. 

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.