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 10 (Dr. Jeffrey Parola)

May 07, 2021 • Host: Thompson Howell • Season 2 • Episode 7

The LA AGO's season of events comes to a close on Monday, May 24th at 7pm with our annual Guild Service in which we celebrate another year of fellowship and fine performances. This year's service will be broadcast virtually from St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood (Episcopal) and hosted by the parish's Rector, The Rev. Canon Ian Elliott Davies, and Organist & Master of the Music, Dr. Jeffrey Parola. As with all of our events, the Guild Service will be streamed live via the LA AGO YouTube channel and Facebook page (links below).

In this episode, Jeffrey shares with host Thompson Howell his thoughts on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted his own life; growing up in what he describes as an "organ desert" in Salinas, California; taking on the duties of coordinating and producing the livestream of all Masses from St. Thomas the Apostle in real time from his home; how he was first exposed to classical music by his neighbors; the early development of his interest in composition; his lack of formal training as an organist and his reliance primarily on studying as an autodidact (a self-taught person); his favorite composer and that he tries not to idolize any composer as a person; the rules of music and how they evolved over time with slow growth towards complexity; his work with the Choral Chameleon Institute; whether or not he's found his own voice as a composer; his newly found passion for pasta; and a whole lot more!

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

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