When: Saturday, October 12 from 9am-3pm
Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church (355 St. John’s Circle Phoenixville PA 19460)
Contact: Tom Snyder (Email)
Register to attend to this workshop featuring Felix Hell, internationally acclaimed concert organist and teacher. Music is about communication and organists will especially benefit from this day’s sessions as they seek to communicate with parishioners during worship. Whether it’s communicating to parishioners during hymns, choristers during anthems, or to all in the room for solo organ music, Felix will share from his experience and others will have the chance to bring their voices to the table. Speaking of voicing, Emery Brothers will be at this workshop to talk about topics related to organ maintenance, an essential aspect of being able to communicate well from the organ bench. Erik Meyer will share some repertoire suggestions as you plan for the coming seasons.
Workshop: Mastering Musical Communication – Making Your Choices Count
In this workshop for organists, we delve into the art of effective musical communication, examining the profound impact of our musical choices on the listener. It’s not just about the abstract influence of music, it’s about understanding its tangible effects on those who experience it. Through interactive discussions, experiments and practical examples, we’ll explore why certain decisions resonate more deeply with audiences and what musicians should prioritize when preparing for performances, whether for concerts or worship services. This session is designed to empower musicians by highlighting the significance of their artistic choices and their lasting impressions on listeners. The presentation last about 60 minutes and is followed by a dedicated Q&A segment where attendees can bring questions and experiences to the table.
Masterclass: Practical Insights through Performance
This masterclass focuses on themes from the aforementioned workshop on effective musical communication, prioritizing practical application over theoretical discussion. We’ll dive deep into specific music of the participants’ choice, and explore how every choice we make as musicians impacts our audience. This hands-on session provides the opportunity for participants to gain direct feedback and advice on their performance, fostering a deeper understanding of musical expression and audience engagement.
Rough Schedule
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Welcome and Devotion
Workshop Session
Lunch – included with registration
Workshop Session