| C. Anthony Pessarra 14703 Sugarplum Ln., Houston, TX 77062 Ph: 281-488-2055 Fax: +1(281)249-5366 Email: Anthony CLICK FOR ADDITIONAL INFO |
PERSONAL BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT
for over 900 years and in Texas for over 100 years, Anthony was inspired from an early age by music
and family members with musical talents. There were many examples including kapellmeisters and
organists as well as fiddle players, folk and country singers, accountants and lawyers.
Early musical studies started at age 3 1/2. Recognizing a prodigious talent at 5, he was accepted as a
student by Ethel Clark, a Julliard trained pianist and organist, and at age 9 began playing for local
churches. As organist for St. Paul's Episcopal church in Freeport, he was immersed in the Merbeck
liturgy and plain chant. Concurrently serving as organist at First Presbyterian Church, it was common
that he ran three blocks from St. Paul to First Presbyterian for the 11: 15 service.
These early years of church playing provided contact with the great music of the church including Bach,
Handel, Beethoven, Brahms, et al. Additionally, through association with music directors in church and
school settings, he became familiar with many fine examples of choral and solo literature from
Palestrina to contemporary. From this individual attention and direction there developed a solid
musical and technical foundation of practice habits approaching 4 hours daily setting musical and
performance standards that remain to this day.
He was fortunate at this age to be encouraged by Fr. Stanley Wilson, an Episcopal priest, to attend
church music seminars at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, where he associated with many
outstanding musicians of national stature. This early exposure contributed significantly to the
introduction to and appreciation of the high professional standards that would serve as models for his
own dedication to excellence.
In addition to organ studies, several hours each day were devoted to piano practice and quickly lead to
opportunities as an accompanist for many different community musical events. At 14, he was exposed
to performances of Prof. Michael Schneider playing J. S. Bach on the St.-Johannis-Kirche organ in
Luneberg, Germany. Three of these works, the Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, Toccata in F
major, and the famous D minor Toccata and Fugue, particularly inspired and motivated study and
practice despite his music instructor's concern about their level of difficulty. The audition performance
of these three pieces eventually led directly to the award of a full four year music scholarship.
For variety and fun during the teen years, he also played piano and guitar in a rock band, a jazz
ensemble and played various popular music styles and venues of the day including "battle of the
bands", proms, dances, weddings, parties, etc.- again, over the occasional criticism and raised
eyebrows of his music teacher!
The unavoidable approach of graduation forced considerations of the future options. In the senior year
he ceased lessons in piano and organ for about six months (for what was a well deserved rest from
formal training). However, he continued to play professionally for various churches and events as well
as maintaining a daily four hour practice schedule. After this hiatus and time to consider all the
available careers the decision was made to pursue a career in piano and organ performance. That
pursuit is an ongoing story and a never ending quest…..
EDUCATION AND CHRONOLOGICAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1946 Piano and organ lessons- Ethel Clark (Julliard).
1949 Organist, Fjrst Presbyterian and St. Pauls Episcopal Churches (weddings, funerals).
1954 Accompanist acappella choir, intermediate school/high school and UIL.
1955 Seminars at Seminary of the Southwest, Austin - first performance of Handle Messiah, Bach's
ltalian Concerto and the Brahms German Requiem.
1959 Piano and theory studies with Dr. William Decker (Eastman School) at Wharton Jr. College -
acappella choir accompanist.
1961 B.Mus. & M.Mus. studies and performance coaching Sam Houston University - Double majors
english lit and philosoply. Dr. Harry Mallard, Dr. John Paul, Dr. Robert Floyd, Dr. Page C. Long, Dr.
William Decker- organ/piano. Accompanist acappella choIr & grand chorus - first performance Handel
organ concerti with orchestra, R. Vaughn WIlliams Hodie, vocal and instrumental accompaniments.
Premier performance of organ works by Vincent Persichetti for the composer 1965 Recipient of the Phi
Mu Alpha Sinfonia Outstanding Musicianship Award for six undergraduate organ recitals and three
graduate level recitals.
1966 Organ study with Dr. Hans Dietz and Freida Deicow, UT Austin; Organist for Hyde Park Baptist
Church. Apprentice piano rebuilder with George Whitby Restorations
1969 Organist, St. Phillip Presbyterian, Houston. Post Graduate Organ study with Dr. Robert Jones at
the University of Houston. Planned "Programs for the Young" series demonstrating the versatility of the
organ with discussion of organ construction, history and pipe sound characteristics
1971 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Galveston. Opened Pessarra Keyboard Arts - piano service
and restoration. Apprentice with WIlliam Butler, organ builder. Chairman, Music Dept. Brazosport
Community College. Recitals, accompaniment and other performance events during this period
1974 Organist, First Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX . Purchased Rogers 925 3 manual 70 stop
touring organ. Performances of the Major works of J.S. Bach in standard format and with
accompanying light shows. Accompanist for East Texas Chorale Christmas programs '74-'77.
Organist at First Presbyterian Church, Galveston for a short period because of auto accident.
1980 Completed Police training classes for Brazoria County Sheriffs Dept. Reserve Officer Certification.
1981 (Extended vacation) Organist, Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Thomas, USVI. Captain of
sailing charter yacht. Instructor in English honors classes at All Saints Cathedral School, USVI.
1985 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Freeport TX. Owner, Keyboard Arts Piano Restoration
including dealer for Baldwin and Kawai pianos. Organ enlargement project mgr.
1991 Organist/Choirmaster, First Lutheran Church, Shreveport, LA. Produced festivals, recitals and
programs
1993 Organist and Music Coordinator for the annual tri-state Lutheran convention,
St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral, Shreveport, LA
1994 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Freeport, TX. Family gifts. Operated Keyboard Arts - piano
tuning, restoration, consultation. Solo events, accompaniment for UIL and substitute or interim
organist for several other area churches.
ACTIVITIES 1998 FORWARD
1998 Organist, St. Matthew Lutheran Houston. Organist/Choirmaster, New organ project mgr. New
Carillon bell system project mgr. Produced many weddings, wedding policies, internet websites,
customary, seasonal concerts, Lenten concerts, pre-Christmas concerts and musical events. Guest
artist programs. Recordings of many works for organ, voice, instruments. Continued association with
Houston Chapter of The American Guild of Organists….produced The Pipeline Newsletter, produced A.
G.O. Website.
2003 to current date: Established KeyArts Piano of Houston. Residence in Clear Lake; Mfg. Custom
Organ Mirrors. Many recitals, one of which was at Westminster Methodist, Houston. Vocal/Organ
Music of the Christmas season. Weddings, seasonal music presentations. He is also accompanist
for The John McGhee Christmas "Messiah" presentation in Brazosport presented every other year.
He was organist at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Houston. His many activities included projects for a
bell tower carillon and organ project to enlarge the current instrument to over 100 ranks and 4
manuals. He and his wife Kathy, specialized in creating and producing elegant weddings at St.
Matthew where definitive musical offerings were presented with musical forces ranging from organ
alone, professional soloists from Houston, orchestras and boy choirs. Many musically and socially
high profile weddings were performed over a 7 year period with in excess of 35,000 guests passing
through the church doors. Numerous concerts and pre-nuptial recitals during this period.
Mr. Pessarra also instructs organists in the use and operations of Allen and other classical makes of
digital church organs. Mr. Pessarra also personally designs and builds custom organ mirrors for
organists throughout the U.S.A. His interest extends beyond the organ and piano to astronomy,
photography, and nutritional medicine.
In addition to organ studies, Anthony was fortunate to be associated with some of the foremost writers
and teachers on the subjects of religious and philosophical thought. He has an ongoing interest in the
philosophy of religion re mentors: Profs. Hartshorne and Whitehead, Kading, Ginanscol and
Santayana at UT Austin. Anthony and Kathy reside in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. Mr.
Pessarra is available for dedications, organ/piano consultation, instruction, services and weddings.
KeyArts Piano.Organ of Houston is owned and operated by Anthony in the Clear Lake area and sells
Yamaha, Kawai, Hardman-Peck, Perzina and other pianos. Anthony has served as publicity, web and
newsletter editor for The American Guild of Organists, Houston Chapter. Anthony is involved in the
representation of used classic organs both electronic and pipe. See: Organs Houston
MOST RECENT POSITION, Overview
This church has an excellent performance venue in the culturally active and diverse Museum District on
South Main Street amidst a group of historic churches noted for their public musical offerings and
excellence in service music. An appearance as dedication recitalist was made by Carlo Curley,
arranged and promoted by Anthony. St. Matthew was selected for the 2005 closing service by the A.G.
O. Houston Chapter. Many of Houston's finest vocal and instrumental musicians have performed at St.
Matt including Dr. Daniel Shipman, trumpet, Leigh Shipman, soprano and international personalities
such as Melanie Holliday.
During Anthony's tenure there, this church has enjoyed a renewed flourishing musical presence in the
city in the years of 1998- up to 2004. He provides an alternate list of wedding venues for couples who
are non-members since St. Matthew no longer accepts these wedding requests due to a pastoral
change. For Houston organ concert listings please refer to American Guild of Organists.
GOALS
2008 Anthony functions best in a supportive, interactive collegial atmosphere of creativity and musical
challenges. Activities and interests include but are not limited to: Concert series promotion &
production; an aggressive Wedding outreach to the Christian community; recital series; organ & piano
instruction; music outreach programs such as "Concerts with a Cause"; solo vocal, instrumental
programs for public as well as worship service offerings. Promotional emphasis of music, Internet
presence and communications emphasizing music programs, wedding venue and support for events
is necessary for a full realization of potential.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Emphasis is placed on the following:
1. Performance & improvisation ability
2. Solid social and interactive abilities
3. A wide range of organizational and office skills
4. Service playing and innovation
5. Dependability
6. Integrity in business-High ethics in relationships
7. Knowledge of organs/technologies and pianos.
2010: SUMMARY OF PURPOSE
While musical activities and innovation have been many and varied in the current position, the need
and desire for a broader context of musical endeavor comes to the surface and is pointing toward a
more comprehensive utilization of skills and abilities in '10-11.
For the period he has served (c.15 yrs) as organist/music director, there have been many
accomplishments as a result. Plans for the future include additional performance opportunities,
teaching, service innovation and professional activities related to the Christian and greater Houston
musical community.
In May of 2010 Anthony chose to make an abrupt termination of his association with the church he
served for c.15 yrs.... with few second thoughts or reservations due to unconscionable behavior and
unethical actions of the church leadership.
Anthony continues to provide substitute services, interim organist availability plus choral skills for
churches in the Houston Metro and surrounds.
With Warmest Regards & Thanks for visiting.
C. Anthony Pessarra
9-22-11
and family members with musical talents. There were many examples including kapellmeisters and
organists as well as fiddle players, folk and country singers, accountants and lawyers.
Early musical studies started at age 3 1/2. Recognizing a prodigious talent at 5, he was accepted as a
student by Ethel Clark, a Julliard trained pianist and organist, and at age 9 began playing for local
churches. As organist for St. Paul's Episcopal church in Freeport, he was immersed in the Merbeck
liturgy and plain chant. Concurrently serving as organist at First Presbyterian Church, it was common
that he ran three blocks from St. Paul to First Presbyterian for the 11: 15 service.
These early years of church playing provided contact with the great music of the church including Bach,
Handel, Beethoven, Brahms, et al. Additionally, through association with music directors in church and
school settings, he became familiar with many fine examples of choral and solo literature from
Palestrina to contemporary. From this individual attention and direction there developed a solid
musical and technical foundation of practice habits approaching 4 hours daily setting musical and
performance standards that remain to this day.
He was fortunate at this age to be encouraged by Fr. Stanley Wilson, an Episcopal priest, to attend
church music seminars at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, where he associated with many
outstanding musicians of national stature. This early exposure contributed significantly to the
introduction to and appreciation of the high professional standards that would serve as models for his
own dedication to excellence.
In addition to organ studies, several hours each day were devoted to piano practice and quickly lead to
opportunities as an accompanist for many different community musical events. At 14, he was exposed
to performances of Prof. Michael Schneider playing J. S. Bach on the St.-Johannis-Kirche organ in
Luneberg, Germany. Three of these works, the Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C major, Toccata in F
major, and the famous D minor Toccata and Fugue, particularly inspired and motivated study and
practice despite his music instructor's concern about their level of difficulty. The audition performance
of these three pieces eventually led directly to the award of a full four year music scholarship.
For variety and fun during the teen years, he also played piano and guitar in a rock band, a jazz
ensemble and played various popular music styles and venues of the day including "battle of the
bands", proms, dances, weddings, parties, etc.- again, over the occasional criticism and raised
eyebrows of his music teacher!
The unavoidable approach of graduation forced considerations of the future options. In the senior year
he ceased lessons in piano and organ for about six months (for what was a well deserved rest from
formal training). However, he continued to play professionally for various churches and events as well
as maintaining a daily four hour practice schedule. After this hiatus and time to consider all the
available careers the decision was made to pursue a career in piano and organ performance. That
pursuit is an ongoing story and a never ending quest…..
EDUCATION AND CHRONOLOGICAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1946 Piano and organ lessons- Ethel Clark (Julliard).
1949 Organist, Fjrst Presbyterian and St. Pauls Episcopal Churches (weddings, funerals).
1954 Accompanist acappella choir, intermediate school/high school and UIL.
1955 Seminars at Seminary of the Southwest, Austin - first performance of Handle Messiah, Bach's
ltalian Concerto and the Brahms German Requiem.
1959 Piano and theory studies with Dr. William Decker (Eastman School) at Wharton Jr. College -
acappella choir accompanist.
1961 B.Mus. & M.Mus. studies and performance coaching Sam Houston University - Double majors
english lit and philosoply. Dr. Harry Mallard, Dr. John Paul, Dr. Robert Floyd, Dr. Page C. Long, Dr.
William Decker- organ/piano. Accompanist acappella choIr & grand chorus - first performance Handel
organ concerti with orchestra, R. Vaughn WIlliams Hodie, vocal and instrumental accompaniments.
Premier performance of organ works by Vincent Persichetti for the composer 1965 Recipient of the Phi
Mu Alpha Sinfonia Outstanding Musicianship Award for six undergraduate organ recitals and three
graduate level recitals.
1966 Organ study with Dr. Hans Dietz and Freida Deicow, UT Austin; Organist for Hyde Park Baptist
Church. Apprentice piano rebuilder with George Whitby Restorations
1969 Organist, St. Phillip Presbyterian, Houston. Post Graduate Organ study with Dr. Robert Jones at
the University of Houston. Planned "Programs for the Young" series demonstrating the versatility of the
organ with discussion of organ construction, history and pipe sound characteristics
1971 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Galveston. Opened Pessarra Keyboard Arts - piano service
and restoration. Apprentice with WIlliam Butler, organ builder. Chairman, Music Dept. Brazosport
Community College. Recitals, accompaniment and other performance events during this period
1974 Organist, First Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX . Purchased Rogers 925 3 manual 70 stop
touring organ. Performances of the Major works of J.S. Bach in standard format and with
accompanying light shows. Accompanist for East Texas Chorale Christmas programs '74-'77.
Organist at First Presbyterian Church, Galveston for a short period because of auto accident.
1980 Completed Police training classes for Brazoria County Sheriffs Dept. Reserve Officer Certification.
1981 (Extended vacation) Organist, Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Thomas, USVI. Captain of
sailing charter yacht. Instructor in English honors classes at All Saints Cathedral School, USVI.
1985 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Freeport TX. Owner, Keyboard Arts Piano Restoration
including dealer for Baldwin and Kawai pianos. Organ enlargement project mgr.
1991 Organist/Choirmaster, First Lutheran Church, Shreveport, LA. Produced festivals, recitals and
programs
1993 Organist and Music Coordinator for the annual tri-state Lutheran convention,
St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral, Shreveport, LA
1994 Organist, First Presbyterian Church, Freeport, TX. Family gifts. Operated Keyboard Arts - piano
tuning, restoration, consultation. Solo events, accompaniment for UIL and substitute or interim
organist for several other area churches.
ACTIVITIES 1998 FORWARD
1998 Organist, St. Matthew Lutheran Houston. Organist/Choirmaster, New organ project mgr. New
Carillon bell system project mgr. Produced many weddings, wedding policies, internet websites,
customary, seasonal concerts, Lenten concerts, pre-Christmas concerts and musical events. Guest
artist programs. Recordings of many works for organ, voice, instruments. Continued association with
Houston Chapter of The American Guild of Organists….produced The Pipeline Newsletter, produced A.
G.O. Website.
2003 to current date: Established KeyArts Piano of Houston. Residence in Clear Lake; Mfg. Custom
Organ Mirrors. Many recitals, one of which was at Westminster Methodist, Houston. Vocal/Organ
Music of the Christmas season. Weddings, seasonal music presentations. He is also accompanist
for The John McGhee Christmas "Messiah" presentation in Brazosport presented every other year.
He was organist at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Houston. His many activities included projects for a
bell tower carillon and organ project to enlarge the current instrument to over 100 ranks and 4
manuals. He and his wife Kathy, specialized in creating and producing elegant weddings at St.
Matthew where definitive musical offerings were presented with musical forces ranging from organ
alone, professional soloists from Houston, orchestras and boy choirs. Many musically and socially
high profile weddings were performed over a 7 year period with in excess of 35,000 guests passing
through the church doors. Numerous concerts and pre-nuptial recitals during this period.
Mr. Pessarra also instructs organists in the use and operations of Allen and other classical makes of
digital church organs. Mr. Pessarra also personally designs and builds custom organ mirrors for
organists throughout the U.S.A. His interest extends beyond the organ and piano to astronomy,
photography, and nutritional medicine.
In addition to organ studies, Anthony was fortunate to be associated with some of the foremost writers
and teachers on the subjects of religious and philosophical thought. He has an ongoing interest in the
philosophy of religion re mentors: Profs. Hartshorne and Whitehead, Kading, Ginanscol and
Santayana at UT Austin. Anthony and Kathy reside in the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. Mr.
Pessarra is available for dedications, organ/piano consultation, instruction, services and weddings.
KeyArts Piano.Organ of Houston is owned and operated by Anthony in the Clear Lake area and sells
Yamaha, Kawai, Hardman-Peck, Perzina and other pianos. Anthony has served as publicity, web and
newsletter editor for The American Guild of Organists, Houston Chapter. Anthony is involved in the
representation of used classic organs both electronic and pipe. See: Organs Houston
MOST RECENT POSITION, Overview
This church has an excellent performance venue in the culturally active and diverse Museum District on
South Main Street amidst a group of historic churches noted for their public musical offerings and
excellence in service music. An appearance as dedication recitalist was made by Carlo Curley,
arranged and promoted by Anthony. St. Matthew was selected for the 2005 closing service by the A.G.
O. Houston Chapter. Many of Houston's finest vocal and instrumental musicians have performed at St.
Matt including Dr. Daniel Shipman, trumpet, Leigh Shipman, soprano and international personalities
such as Melanie Holliday.
During Anthony's tenure there, this church has enjoyed a renewed flourishing musical presence in the
city in the years of 1998- up to 2004. He provides an alternate list of wedding venues for couples who
are non-members since St. Matthew no longer accepts these wedding requests due to a pastoral
change. For Houston organ concert listings please refer to American Guild of Organists.
GOALS
2008 Anthony functions best in a supportive, interactive collegial atmosphere of creativity and musical
challenges. Activities and interests include but are not limited to: Concert series promotion &
production; an aggressive Wedding outreach to the Christian community; recital series; organ & piano
instruction; music outreach programs such as "Concerts with a Cause"; solo vocal, instrumental
programs for public as well as worship service offerings. Promotional emphasis of music, Internet
presence and communications emphasizing music programs, wedding venue and support for events
is necessary for a full realization of potential.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Emphasis is placed on the following:
1. Performance & improvisation ability
2. Solid social and interactive abilities
3. A wide range of organizational and office skills
4. Service playing and innovation
5. Dependability
6. Integrity in business-High ethics in relationships
7. Knowledge of organs/technologies and pianos.
2010: SUMMARY OF PURPOSE
While musical activities and innovation have been many and varied in the current position, the need
and desire for a broader context of musical endeavor comes to the surface and is pointing toward a
more comprehensive utilization of skills and abilities in '10-11.
For the period he has served (c.15 yrs) as organist/music director, there have been many
accomplishments as a result. Plans for the future include additional performance opportunities,
teaching, service innovation and professional activities related to the Christian and greater Houston
musical community.
In May of 2010 Anthony chose to make an abrupt termination of his association with the church he
served for c.15 yrs.... with few second thoughts or reservations due to unconscionable behavior and
unethical actions of the church leadership.
Anthony continues to provide substitute services, interim organist availability plus choral skills for
churches in the Houston Metro and surrounds.
With Warmest Regards & Thanks for visiting.
C. Anthony Pessarra
9-22-11
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