Young organist invited to play at BYU-I
- posted: 12 June 2007
- scrollarts@byui.edu
Cory Whittier, the winner of the Regional Competition for Young Organists for the American Guild of Organists will perform in the Barrus Concert Hall on June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Whittier, a soon-to-be senior at Idaho Falls High School, will perform numerous pieces from composers such as Bach, Mendelssohn and Mushel. Whittier will also perform more modern pieces.
“I really like modern contemporary music. It’s fun to enlighten people and expose them to something not often heard,” Whittier said.
Whittier, 17, is the son of Dee and Amy Whittier of Idaho Falls and has been trained under the direction of BYU-Idaho professor Rebecca Parkinson since 2004.
“He’s one of the most remarkable talents I’ve ever worked with. He’s teachable, [and] willing to try and do things, which makes a difference,” Parkinson said.
Whittier has been playing the organ for three years. The high school student decided to begin playing the organ because he “was bored with piano” and “was ready to get into something more exciting.”
The competition for the American Guild of Organists was something new for Whittier.
“I haven’t really done any competitions until this one,” Whittier said.
The regional competition was located in Boise, at the end of March.
“He wowed them; it was awesome. They gave him suggestions and also encouragement. They were impressed with him at his age. I’m proud of him and excited to see how far he goes,” Parkinson said.
In addition to playing the organ and piano, Whittier is a member of his high school’s choir. After high school, Whittier plans on attending one semester at BYU-I, “then a mission, and I don’t know after that,” Whittier said.
In July, Whittier will compete in the American Guild of Organist’s regional Convention in Portland, Ore. 
