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.

All Episodes

The LA AGO Podcast

Episode 6 (Dr. Emma Whitten)

January 03, 2021 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 2 • Episode 3

The LA AGO Podcast is back with its first episode of 2021!

Our first guest of the new year is Dr. Emma Whitten who will be playing for our next virtual event on Monday, January 18th at 7pm from Hollywood United Methodist Church with its grand 1929 Casavant organ. As with all our programs, this event will be streamed live via the LA AGO YouTube channel and Facebook page (links below).

Emma shares with host Thompson Howell her reflections on the past year with its challenges and opportunities; her formative years in the Knoxville, Tennessee area; how she landed her first church job at age 11 that paid her a whopping $25; her memories of her first teacher and the 4 rank organ she began taking organ lessons on; her love of puzzles and why she pursued a double degree in Music and Mathematics at the University of Notre Dame; the reason she pursued each of her graduate degrees at a different school; her thoughts on teaching and why she enjoys healthy, constructive arguments with her own teachers and adult students; her travel plans to the UK in 2021; a preview of her program on January 18th together with her impressions of the 1929 Casavant organ at Hollywood United Methodist Church; and much more!

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

LINKS:

Learn more and view some of Emma's performances at her website.
More information on the organ at Hollywood United Methodist Church
The LA AGO Facebook page
The LA AGO YouTube channel