Bethany Makes Music!

Affirming young people is so important in a time when society sometimes focuses more on the negative behavior of some than the positive achievements of most. As a mother, I value not only my own children --- who they are and what they do, but the achievements of children of my friends as well. In all actuality, I find it difficult not to cherish the accomplishments of all young people! Their generation is the hope for our future and they work diligently to achieve their goals and dreams.

The daughter of a sweet friend, Toshiko, graduated from university last week-end. Several days before commencement ceremonies, she gave a pipe organ recital in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelor of Music in Performance degree. It was an exceptional concert. Her poise and grace are testimony not only to her diligence in education, but to the wonderful parenting she has received. For over an hour she held the audience spell-bound and silent as they appreciated a range of musical voices coming from the organ pipes. Enthusiastic applause filled the sanctuary upon completion of her concert.

Program

Toccata and Fugue in F Major, BWV 540

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)

* * *

Sonata II
I. Lebhaft
II. Ruhig bewegt
III. Fuge: Ma&ig bewegt, heiter

Paul Hindemith
(1895 - 1963)

* * *

Chorale Fantasia: Nun komm, deer Heiden Heiland
(Nicolaus Bruhns
(1665 - 1697)

* * *

Prelude, Adagio et Choral Varie'
sur le theme du Veni Creator, Opus 4
I. Prelude
II. Adagio
III. Choral Varie'

Maurice Durufle'
(1902 - 1986)

A native of Kyoto, Japan, Bethany first came to America as a freshman four years ago. Although she spoke English when she arrived, the cultural and language differences were obvious to her. Instead of being overwhelmed, she studied diligently to achieve her goals. She began her studies on the keyboard at the age of seven. Home-schooled through grade twelve, her mother was instrumental in her education. During her growing up years she developed her musical skills through solo performances and choir accomplishments.

During her college career, Bethany has earned eight gold metals and in 2005, 2006, and 2007 won the Yvonne Goodwater award for organ performance at Musicfest Northwest. During the summer of 2005 she received a full scholarship to attend the Mount Royal College International Organ Academy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has played recitals in many cities. Additionally, she won the Pacific Northwest division of the American Guild of Organists Regional Competition for Young Organists in 2005 and represented Region VIII of the AGO at the Rising Stars Concert for the National AGO Convention in Chicago in July, 2006.

Congratulations, Bethany, for a job well done! Your family, teachers, and friends are so proud of you! Thank you for sharing your talent with us! Best of success in your future! I know wedding plans are now taking up much of your time now as you prepare for your wedding day in August. May God bless you with a happy marriage and career success. We are all proud of you!

*Scroll down the page for another picture of Bethany with home-school friends.