Christmas Music Exchange

Members and visitors enjoyed a Christmas Music Exchange, graciously hosted by Joyce Rhodes. Members who introduced their favorite pieces were:
Margaret Kvamme, who played A Wreath of Carols by Margaret Vardell Sandresky and then introduced us to the Christmas hymn "Welcome" by Daniel Hooper, which we all enjoyed singing;
Elena Paradies, who played a pasatorale "The Infant Jesus" by Pietro A. Yon;
Joyce Rhodes, who played "Meditation" from "Meditation and Toccata on 'HYFRYDOL' for Organ" by J. Christopher Pardini;
Vlada Moran, who performed Dale Wood's playful arrangement of "Cold December Flies Away", based on the Catalonian carol "Lo Desembre Congelat"; and
Colin Whitby-Strevens, who improvised on the hymn “Welcome” (introduced to us earlier in the event by Margaret Kvamme) and then played Toccata on Joy to the World, by Gordon Young.

Joyce then hosted an open console, at which several of the audience tried their hand at playing the organ.

Members shared a plentiful supply of seasonal organ music, for others to take as they were interested.

Several members contributed delicious sandwiches and cookies.

All in all, a great way to start the festive season!

Thank you to Joyce Rhodes for hosting the event and to Los Gatos United Methodist Church for allowing us to use the organ.

Colin Whitby-Strevens, Margaret Kvamme, Vlada Moran, Elena Paradies and Joyce Rhodes, who entertained us with their seasonal music selections.

A visitor tries his hand at playing the organ during the open console session