West Point Organ Recital - April 10, 2005

Dr. John A. Davis, Jr. and Thomas Sheehan, Organists

Our very own organist and choir director – Dr. John A Davis, Jr. – was joined by his gifted student Thomas Sheehan for an organ recital at Cadet Chapel, on the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. The recital marked the 50th anniversary of the date that Dr. Davis assumed the role of organist and choirmaster at Cadet Chapel, a post that he held for 30 years. The recital began at Cadet Chapel at 3:00pm on Sunday, April 10, 2005, providing nearly two hours of music.

Dr. Davis performed:

• Concerto in F Major, Opus 4, No. 4 by George Frideric Handel
• Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Claude Debussy (arranged by Dr. John A. Davis, Jr.)
• Air for Organ by Gerre Hancock
• Symphonie 5 (1st movement) by Charles-Marie Widor

Mr. Sheehan performed:

• Te Deum by Jean Langlais
• Prelude and Fugue in D Major by Johann Sebastian Bach
• Choral in E Major by César Franck
• Final from Symphonie 1 by Louis Vierne

The pipe organ at the Cadet Chapel is a truly impressive instrument, worthy of the nickname "the King of Instruments". It is (currently) the largest, fully functional and playable church pipe organ in the world. Many accomplished organists from around the world have come to Cadet Chapel to play this instrument. To play this instrument requires uncommon skill and technique; to play the instrument well is the hallmark of a truly gifted organist. You can learn more about the Cadet Chapel organ by following this link.

For driving directions to West Point's Cadet Chapel, please click on this link. Enter your address into the space in the A section, and then click on the Get Directions button.

A more detailed map of the United State Military Academy grounds can be found by following this link. If you are uncertain about getting to the Cadet Chapel once you arrive at West Point, please ask the guard at the entrance post for assistance.

A Note About Security: Visitors to the United States Military Academy of age 16 and over will be asked to show a form of personal identification before being allowed to enter the grounds. A valid driver's license is acceptable. Visitors will also be asked of the purpose of their visit. When asked, inform the campus guard that you are attenting an organ recital at Cadet Chapel. The guard may ask to inspect your vehicle prior to allowing you entrance, including checking under the hood and in the trunk of the vehicle. The inspection procedure is not invasive, and is merely a precaution in response to the hightened security required at our nation's military institutions. The guards will treat you with respect. Please respect their duties and comply with their requests.