Pat took the time to answer these questions so we can know her just a bit better:
1. What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory of the organ is singing in the children’s choir from the seat next to the organ. I was totally mesmerized when Sister Mary Jane played the hymns for Mass – I couldn’t wait until I could play the organ in church.
2. What is your favorite music “go-to?”
My favorite music go-to is Caprice sur les grands jeux by Louis Nicols Clerambault. It’s easy, sounds big, and is so much fun to play!
3. What is your favorite piece of music you played for church this season?
My favorite piece this past season was “Quia Fecit Mihi Magna” from the Bach Magnificat. It was my favorite because my son, Leo, sang it live in church. Leo is a professional bass-baritone (and I am his proud mother). My favorite Christmas duet was “Duet Fantasy on Carol of the Bells” arr. Robert Vandale which I happily played with my husband. I have the privilege of playing many duets in church with my husband who is a professional pianist.
Leo singing Quia Fecit Mihi Magna 
2021 AGO Anniversary Event
4. What was your favorite event you attended in 2021?
My favorite event in 2021 was our AGO Anniversary concert at First United Methodist Church in Wilmette. Past NSAGO President, Andrea Handley offered her church and magnificent organ as the venue. It was both exciting and reassuring to be back together again to hear live organ with a wonderful and varied selection of organ works written by past and present AGO members and performed by several of our accomplished AGO members.
Speaking of favorites, I have conducted a “Messiah” concert for the past 22 years with chamber orchestra (including my husband on harpsichord) and soloists from the Ryan Opera Center along with ringers from the Lyric Chorus. We couldn’t continue this tradition the past two years due to COVID-19. I am hopeful for 2022!
5. What is the best advice given to you?
The best advice given to me was from my organ teacher Dr. Robert Lodine who said, “the slower you work on a piece the faster you’ll learn it”. This still goes through my head when I feel rushed to learn a new piece.
6. Did you have a near-perfect day in 2021?
The most exciting moment of 2021 was the delivery of our Anderson Dupree two manual harpsichord.
