Music at St. Peter's again presents the annual Young Organist Concert, sponsored by the Wheeler Endowment. Each Young Organists Concert features a talented newcomer to the organ music scene. This year, St. Peter's presents Benjamin Straley, who currently serves as Assistant Organist/Organ Scholar at Trinity Church in New Haven, Connecticut.
A native of central Ohio, Ben (MM-Organ ’10 at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music) graduated with a BM in organ performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied with Dr. Marilyn J. Keiser. “During my time there, my passion for hymnody and Anglican liturgy grew immensely, and it is that love of sacred music which I hope to further nurture and expand upon while at the Institute.”
He writes about his work at Trinity Church that “My primary duties involve assisting the Director of Music and Assistant Organist & Choirmaster in rehearsals and during the liturgies. I accompany or occasionally conduct one of the choirs and play the organ during Sunday services. I also help maintain Trinity's vast music library. Another focus of my job is learning: the Organ Scholar is intended as a student training position. While serving part-time at Trinity, I am also a full time student at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. By observing and working with the Director of Music and Assistant, I gain valuable and practical experience not available in school, that will better equip me with the knowledge and skills needed when I go to serve other churches.”
The March 21st concert starts at 3 p.m.; a reception will follow. Suggested donation is $15; $10 for students and seniors. St. Peter's is at the corner of South Street and Miller Road in Morristown and is wheelchair-accessible.
