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 20 (Dr. James Calhoun)

January 12, 2023 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 4 • Episode 1

The LA AGO Podcast is back - and our first event of 2023 is a Member Recital on Monday, January 16th featuring Dr. James Calhoun playing the largest church organ in the world at First Congregational Church, Los Angeles. Complete details about this Chapter event can be found at LAAGO.org. The recital begins at 8pm and is open to the public.

A Los Angeles native, growing up in the Watts area of the city, James currently does "God's Work" through music at Community United Methodist Church in Huntington Beach and University Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He is also director of the Don Lee White Community Chorale.

With his hearty, gregarious laugh, James talks about his journey from piano lessons at a young age to the youth choir at Macedonia Baptist Church and, eventually, onto the University of Southern California for multiple degrees in organ performance and sacred music. James also shares with host Thompson Howell the person who really sparked the idea to study organ more seriously; the importance to him of figuring out "What am I gonna do?"; the influence of current LA Chapter Executive Committee member Dr. James Hurd; the mission of the Don Lee White Community Chorale and his thoughts on the overall state of music in primarily African-American churches today; a preview of his eclectic and fun program for January 16th; a few thoughts on life, loss...and brain surgery; and a whole lot more!

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

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