In this episode, host Thompson Howell chats with Honorary Lifetime AGO Member and former LA Chapter Dean Dr. James Vail.
A native of Los Angeles with a long and distinguished career as a teacher and church musician spanning many decades, Jim shares his memories of his first exposure to the organ as a boy at First Baptist Church in Los Angeles and how he'd "practice" in the family car. He'll also talk about his desire early on to be a Minister; his time in Philadelphia attending the Curtis Institute of Music; his experience as a Chaplain's Assistant in the Army and accompanying the Brahms Requiem on a Hammond organ while stationed in Germany; his fondness for his tenure at St. John's Episcopal Church (now the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles) and his connection to the McFerrin family; his years teaching at the University of Southern California; his thoughts on what makes a good conductor; and memories of his 40 year tenure as Organist & Choirmaster at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. And more!
Listen at LAAGO.org or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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