The Brooklyn Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has been honoring a Person of the Year since 2004. Our goal is simple: to thank and honor someone who is not an organist for the support he or she gives to our profession.

Organists do not live and work in a vaccum, and while it is certainly admirable to recognize and reward excellence in musical performance, it is also important to recognize that we cannot function without the support of others.

Our first honoree, in 2004, Francesca Norsen Tate, has supported our work enthusiastically via her work as a Brooklyn journalist.

Our second honorees, in 2005, were Ed and Holly Odell of the J.H. and C.S. Odell organ firm. Their work as organ builders makes our work as organ players both possible and a sheer delight.

Our third honoree, in 2006, was the Reverend Angela Askew, Priest-in-Charge of the Church of Saint Ann and the Holy Trinity (Episcopal) in Brooklyn Heights. This church, home to a spectacular 5-manual Skinner organ, would not be the musical beacon it is without her wisdom and support.

Our fourth honoree, in 2007, was Keith Bigger, curator of the Steere organ in the Brooklyn Baptist Temple. His valiant volunteer work has kept this organ–a vital historical document as well as a delightful musical instrument–alive and well for many years. We honor and salute his dedication and devotion.

Our fifth honoree, in 2008, was Allan Dreyfuss, who has given of his talents so generously to keep church organs working throughout the Borough. Unsung generosity of the highest order from this local organ maintenance expert. As a Sunday school teacher in Flushing, he inspired generations of students with love of the King of Instruments.

Our sixth honoree, in 2009, was the late and beloved Hope Engelsen. For at least a quarter of a century, this devout Lutheran lady served as Secretary of the chapter…for no other reason than her love of sacred music and her commitment to service. Brooklyn simply is not the same without Hope, who passed away unexpectedly late in 2007. Her devotion to detail, her sweet sense of humor, her kindliness, will never be forgotten.

Journalists, organ builders, and clergyfolk are just three of the kinds of people on whom we “organ grinders” depend. We recognize and celebrate our interdependence with these skillful people. We respect their métiers, we thank them for their support, and we very much enjoy their companionship on the way. Bravo to them all.