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 5 (Mark Herman)

December 03, 2020 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 2 • Episode 2

Well, 2020 has been quite the year and a difficult and stressful time for many. We thought it'd be a great idea to shake things up and have a little fun on this last episode of the year. Whadda ya say? You'll certainly understand how in the opening seconds of this episode.

LA AGO member and renowned theatre organist Mark Herman is our guest this time on The LA AGO Podcast. Named the 2012 Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society (the youngest person ever to receive that honor), Mark will be playing for our LA AGO Virtual Holiday Party co-sponsored by LATOS (the Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society) on Monday, December 14th at 7pm from Bandrika Studios, the recording studio for film and television composer Nathan Barr which is home to the restored historic Fox Wurlitzer organ. This event will be streamed live via both the LA AGO YouTube channel and Facebook page (links below).

Mark talks with host Thompson Howell about his first exposure to the organ back in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana and the significance of the Embassy Theatre located there; the history of the theatre organ and the process of creating scores for silent films and the skills required to accompany them live; his interest in the silent-era films of Harold Lloyd; why he considers the theatre organ an "emotional instrument"; the legendary history of the Fox Wurlitzer organ which has been featured on many film soundtracks; his experience playing the organ parts at Bandrika for the soundtrack to the film The House with A Clock in Its Walls in 2018; and his recent appointment to the Adjunct Faculty of the University of Oklahoma's organ department teaching theatre organ classes to DMA students; and so much more!

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

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