FROM STAFF REPORTS

NORTH SHELBY – Asbury United Methodist Church invites music lovers everywhere to a free organ workshop and concert hosted by world-renowned organist Dan Miller on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon and Sunday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.

An organist since the age of 15, Miller holds a Church Music Diploma from Moody Bible Institute. He majored in organ performance at the American Conservatory of Music, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Winthrop University.

Miller has published and taught music, conducted choirs and orchestras, and has both performed in and managed large productions and music conferences around the world.

When it comes to explaining the power of an organ, there’s none better.

“Dan is the best story teller at an organ that exists,” said Thomas Magee of Classic Organs of Indiana. “Many organs today have pipe and orchestral sounds built in but organists don’t know how to make the best use of them. Dan does.”

On Oct. 13-14, musicians will feel the power of 398 ranks of pipes that come from Asbury United Methodist Church’s state-of-the-art Rogers Infinity Organ.

While not a traditional pipe organ, the electronic instrument produces sounds acquired from some of the finest pipe organs in the world. It also offers four manuals and a pedalboard to faithfully recreate the feel and sound of a large pipe organ.

In March 2018, Asbury United Methodist Church opened its 50,000-square foot addition and new sanctuary complete with the state-of-the-art organ. On Oct. 13, Miller will offer an overview of the instrument and explain how it can be used in a variety of worship settings, from contemporary to traditional.

On Oct. 14, Miller will be the guest organist in morning worship (Traditions) at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and will also host a concert at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary featuring music requests submitted by Asbury UMC’s congregation.

For questions or more information about the workshop and concert, contact Asbury UMC Communications Coordinator Amy Gonzalez at 271-9909 or agonzalez@asburyonline.org.