Student will play organ in national competition
The organ isn’t just for chuch anymore.
Clayton Roberts, a sophomore at Utah State University, is heading to Denver, Colorado to compete in a national organ competion.
Roberts is currently majoring in organ performance under the direction of James Drake of the music department.
“Clayton is certainly one of the most brilliant students I have worked with,” Drake said. “He catches on very fast to new concepts.”
To enter the contest, Roberts submitted a non-edited compact disc of his playing and was chosen to participate in the national competition as one of many applicants throughout the country. Drake said that there are usually at least 500 people who try out for this competition. The competition will take place on Saturday and the four participants will receive cash prizes depending on where they place in the competition.
Roberts has played the organ for four years. He started on the piano 11 years ago and soon found himself wanting to learn the organ. Roberts said that he was in a church meeting when the organist sparked his interest. Listening to her play the organ made him want to learn himself. He soon started “messing around with it” and decided it was something he really enjoyed.
“Hearing that organist really got me interested,” Roberts said. “Wow, I thought, this is really cool. I had never heard anything like it before.”
Roberts soon took lessons under the direction of Ethelyn Peterson, a very accomplished organist. She then introduced him to Drake at USU and he decided to attend as an organ performance major.
In July 2004, Roberts performed in Germany by invitation. News reviews commented on how Roberts really showed his great abilities.
“I’ve never heard such astounding talent,” one reviewer said. “His sense of musicianship is something comparable to a 40-year-old organist.”
Drake said he fully agrees with that statement. He says he has never seen anyone so mature in his musical abilities. He also said it is a joy to work with someone who is so musically advanced.
“He is a very detailed worker, both technically and musically,” Drake said.
Right now Roberts is also being considered to be a guest organist at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for the daily organ recitals. Drake said he loves to see how Roberts’ hard work is paying off. He said it is very rewarding for him to work with such a talented young man.
“He is going to make it,” Drake said. “He is going to go to the top.”
-speery@cc.usu.edu