The LA AGO Podcast

Remember that moment when you were first captivated by an organ? When the sounds and sensations drew you in and piqued your curiosity? When you saw an organ console up close for the first time and was overwhelmed by its complexity? When you just knew you wanted to learn how to play one? We all have memories like this and stories to tell about them. In each episode of The LA AGO Podcast, host Thompson Howell speaks with a different member of the Los Angeles Chapter, and occasional special guests, about their own love affair with the organ and how that passion informs their particular involvement with the organ world today. It's not just about what you've done; it's about why you do what you do. Whether you’re a church musician, a concert organist, a teacher, an organ builder or technician, a composer who writes for the organ or simply a fan of the organ and its music, you’ll enjoy hearing the stories of people who are passionate about the organ at every level.

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The LA AGO Podcast

Episode 19 (Dr. Linda West Brown)

May 05, 2022 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 3 • Episode 6

The final event of the LA Chapter's 2021-2022 season is our annual Guild Service on Monday, May 16th at San Marino Community Church. Check the latest LA Pipeline e-Newsletter or LAAGO.org for details. New Officers and Executive Committee members will be formally installed as we all enjoy a collaborative program featuring Chorale Bel Canto & Friends under the direction of Music Director, Dr. Linda West Brown.

In this episode, host Thompson Howell and Linda engage in a lively conversation about her career as both an educator and performer including the moment she knew she wanted to be an organist with a little nudge from Richard Strauss; her favorite part about teaching in the California public school system for 38 years; the continuing influence of her undergraduate organ professor at Whittier College, Orpha Ochse; how California's Imperial Valley was far from the cultural wasteland she assumed it would be; why music and the effects of group choral singing are important and the steps Chorale Bel Canto took to stay connected during the pandemic; an explanation of the Orgelkids pipe organ educational project; the real value and advantages of the different levels of AGO Certification exams; an update on the recently completed and very successful composition competition of the Ruth & Clarence Mader Memorial Scholarship Fund; and a run down of the program planned for May 16th. Plus a lot more!

Listen at LAAGO.org or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

LINKS:

Chorale Bel Canto
The Ruth & Clarence Mader Memorial Scholarship Fund
A flyer for Chorale Bel Canto's May 14th Ukranian Refugee Fundraiser
The LA AGO Facebook page
The LA AGO YouTube channel