Just ask Herman Taylor. His talents, however, reflect those only obtained through decades of practice and dedication. In celebration of Taylor's half-century of organ music, he plans a Golden Anniversary Organ Recital. The event, set to take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, in EIU's Dvorak Concert Hall, will feature the works of J. S. Bach, P. D. Q. Bach, Couperin, Franck, Simpson and Vierne. Taylor will be assisted by Alice Jayne Swickard, also on the organ.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Taylor began learning to play the piano at the age of six but, although he enjoyed the piano very much, it was the organ which really caught his interest. Only weeks later at the age of 13 he was named official organist at the church after his predecessor was drafted into the U.S. Army. Between his training and experience, Taylor was well-prepared when he entered Roosevelt University's Chicago Musical College in the fall of 1954. After completing his bachelor's of music degree in organ performance, studying with Robert Reuter, he earned both his master's degree and doctorate from the University of Michigan, studying with the renowned pedagogue, Marilyn Mason. While at Michigan, Taylor served as organist at three churches and accompanied the University Chamber Singers, University Choir, Michigan Glee Club and Ann Arbor Cantata Singers.