Greetings from the Organ World!

[Mark DeAlba]

Hello, my name is Mark DeAlba, and I am a 17 year old organ student in Lexington, KY USA. I have an older account on this site, but I haven't been on for quite a while and also wanted to change my username, so here I am again. Let me tell you a little bit about myself, if you didn't already know from before. I am pursuing a degree in organ performance at the University of Kentucky, beginning this coming fall. I enjoy playing for church services, but the eventual goal is to become a concert organist. Currently, I play regularly on Sundays at Stanford Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the town of Stanford, south of here. It's not a large congregation (~100 per week), but we do lots of traditional hymns and have, in my opinion, good music for a church of its size. I gave my first solo recital last year at Campbellsville University, and actively participate in local AGO (American Guild of Organists) chapter functions, including the annual "Bach Marathon" the weekend after his birthday. My degree plan for college includes I believe 3 recitals each year, so there will be plenty of opportunity to perform and progress in the coming years.

If there's anything else you'd like to know, feel free to ask. I look forward to many great conversations here at MIMF.

[Krummhorn]

Welcome back, Mark

Congratulations on wanting to pursue your further education. Sounds like you have your work but out for you in doing 3 concerts each year.

[Mark DeAlba]

Thank you Lars! I'm not exactly sure how it works, I think they become more numerous during junior and senior year. I love performing though, it's a real rush and fulfilling too so long as I've prepared well. I do know for a fact there is a jury at the end of each semester, regardless of year.