Hester to celebrate 40 years as organist with concert
Nov. 10—The sounds of an organ are like no other — they can duplicate almost any wind and string instrument, but a church organ's ability to harmonize the sounds that flow through its pipes are almost indescribable, a sound only understood when heard by a listener's ears.
Dr. Danny Hester is the conductor behind this magical sound at Jonesboro United Methodist Church, celebrating 40 years as their organist.
Hester not only is celebrating 40 years as an organist, but also has taught music, in some form or another for 31 years.
"God put me in the right place, at the right time," Hester said. "He always knows what he's doing."
He has taught for the Lee County school system and currently teaches music at Campbell University. He is nothing short of a phenomenal musician and teacher.
Hester's elementary school chorus once performed at the North Carolina's Governor's mansion, and the National Cathedral in Washington, DC., and he was the recipient of the 2009 Maxine Swain Outstanding Music Educator Award, and teacher of the year, twice.
Having played, and found his love for, the piano since the second grade, Hester studied under Susan Horton, who herself was once the organist for the live outdoor drama 'The Lost Colony' in Manteo.
Hester originally was employed by a different church before being hired as organist at Jonesboro United Methodist Church in 1982.
"We just fit the bill for each other." Hester said, referring to JUM Church, and joked about how he was hired on April 1 and was hoping it wasn't a joke.
Nobody was laughing, but many have been pleased, and blessed to have Hester play to congregations, audiences, and instruct the musical minds of tomorrow.
At 65 he has no plans to slow down, much less retire, "I've worked all my life. I love what I do, why would I stop now? I can't imagine not waking up to share music, to teach music, and everything involved in music. It's my life."
On a recent afternoon, Hester played the organ for The Sanford Herald, wearing his favorite orange dress coat. The beautiful sound filled the sanctuary with a magnificent pleasing sound that soothed the soul and enticed the ears of those listening.
"I'm very blessed to still play the organ here at Jonesboro United Methodist, and to continue to teach at Campbell University." He said with a smile as he once again started playing the organ for a moment, "there's people in the choir that have been here 40 years with me at the organ. The congregation is amazing. The people here are wonderful." he added.
When asked what his favorite part of the organ is, he said it was the Principal Stop, which is the foundation of the organ that provides the sound.
When asked about what it takes to prepare for his upcoming organ recital on Nov 13, he said, "It takes an incredible amount of work to pull off a recital."
But he loves doing it, and he said it helps him to keep in touch with his students, by reminding him of the amount of work they have to go through to prepare for their musical assignments at Campbell.
"Music is a calling," he said, as his fingers lightly touched the keys of the organ, as he continued, "you have to eat, sleep, and drink music as a student, and as in instructor, there's incredible hard work and dedication in obtaining a degree in music through a four-year curriculum. Mrs. Horton expected nothing less than 5 to 6 hours on the bench, but the work she put in with her students turned out many amazing and talented musicians."
A Special Celebration Concert, to honor Hester's 40 years of service, as Organist, at Jonesboro Methodist Church will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13, and also features Tim Hudson of the Carolina Brass.
"This celebration is not about me, it's about the church," Hester said. "Because each day at this church is a celebration."
Everyone is invited to attend. There will be a reception to follow in the Wesley Center.
Jonesboro United Methodist Church is located at 407 W Main St. in Sanford.
