Twenty three young musicians, ages 13 through 17, from seven states attended a Pipe Organ Encounter in Wichita, Kansas, on June 14-19, 2015. The event was centered at Wichita State University with housing in the new Shocker Hall residence facility with classes, performances and workshops at various locations around Wichita State. Each morning the campers traveled to area churches for their daily lessons and practice times on a variety of organs throughout the city. The afternoons were filled with faculty recitals and workshops, more practice time, tours and recreation. Each evening featured a performance by faculty members, including a hymn festival on Wednesday.
Faculty members included Tate Addis, recent Yale University graduate; Dr. Michael Bauer and Dr. James Higdon, the University of Kansas in Lawrence; Lynne Davis, Wichita State University, Dr. Ann Marie Rigler, William Jewel College in Liberty, MO; Michael Emmerich, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Houston TX; Laura Rau ,St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Leawood, KS,; Dr. Melody Turnquist-Steed, Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS; Donna Hetrick, Bethel College, Newton, KS , and Grace Presbyterian Church, Wichita; Shirley Wiebe, Church of the Magdelen, Wichita.
Highlights of the week included:
- An introduction to the Marcussen organ at Wiedemann Hall, WSU
- Opening recital by Lynne Davis on the Marcussen
- Noontime faculty recitals by Michael Bauer, Michael Emmerich and Laura Rau
- An evening faculty recital by Tate Addis, Ann Marie Rigler and James Higdon
- An evening concert the Little River Studio to hear Brett Valliant play the Wurlitzer theater organ
- A hymn festival led by Melody Steed and Laura Rau
- Open console time after each concert so the students could try the different organ
- Presentations on service music and classical music by Regional Councillor Marilyn Schempp
- Workshops on improvisation, practice, organ building, hymn playing, theory
- A panel discussion about career choices in music
- Field trips to Senseney Music and the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Society
- Recreation at the YMCA
- Pipes on the Plains organ tour to: Dobson Organ – Bethel College – Donna Hetrick, Recital; Andover Organ – Hesston Mennonite Church; Martin Ott Organ – Eden Mennonite Church; Jaeckel Organ – Bethany Lutheran; Reuter Organ – Bethany College
- Evening meal with AGO Chapter members, browse music from scholarship library and choose five free items
- Nighttime view of the Keeper of the Plains
- Final student recital at Wiedemann Hall on the Mighty Marcussen! Everyone played well!
