Support David’s Legacy: New Organist Scholarship

In honor of our beloved David and his extraordinary dedication and talent as a Juilliard trained professional organist and choir director, we invite you to join us in establishing a scholarship fund in his memory—the David C. Byrkit American Guild of Organists Scholarship Fund. This scholarship aims to perpetuate his legacy and passion for the pipe organ by supporting aspiring organists.

Any donation, great or small, is deeply appreciated. Establishing this scholarship is our way of keeping David’s spirit alive, ensuring his light keeps shining and his passion for the pipe organ continues to inspire. We are grateful for your support in making this vision a reality and for helping us honor David’s legacy in a meaningful and impactful way.

About David

David brought so much light into the world. He was kind, loving and loquacious, illuminating our lives with his wisdom, humor and larger-than-life personality. We thought (hoped) he was immortal.

His passion for organ and choral music was unmatched. He was known for talking at great length with family and friends on many an organ topic! In his enthusiastic and joyful way, one could not help but share in his joy for the “king of instruments”.

David’s love for the pipe organ began in his childhood. From his early years in church, enthralled by the music and pipes, to learning the piano and then organ, he built friendships and worked with organ builders, organists and other musicians, developing his musicianship and knowledge of the organ. His enthusiasm for this magnificent instrument and dedication to the American Guild of Organists (AGO) spanned his entire life. David was a fervent supporter of the AGO, organizing and performing in recitals, promoting and participating in its programs and events, and supporting fellow organists. His commitment to sharing the beauty and artistry of the pipe organ in all the ways he did, inspired so many of us.

David's commitment to the AGO was evident in his role as Dean of the AGO Peoria Chapter, ensuring its continuity during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His longtime friendship with a local organ builder resulted in a substantial donation to the Peoria AGO Chapter, securing its future for many years to come.

David studied at The Juilliard School and dedicated his life to the artform of choral and organ music. He was passionate about the pipe organ, not only in performing and leading worship but also the mechanics and beauty. He studied the complexities of the organ inside and out, having worked with organ builders from a young age. His knowledge of how the pipes and all the organ’s great capabilities and technology worked, as well as working with the acoustics of churches, was second nature to him.

David mastered the technical aspects of organ performance, from understanding the intricacies of the stops, working the pedals and navigating the keyboards. He understood the art of creating the right sounds at the right time and brought beauty and emotion into the pieces he played. He had tremendous skill and talent for harnessing the full power of the organ, producing stunning performances and leading church services that evoked something otherworldly, with spiritual depth and nuance.

David was also a computer engineer and for much of his life, led dual careers. His engineering mind allowed him to firmly grasp the complexities and the mechanics of the organ, bridging the gap between the technical and artistic worlds. His degree was in math and physics, with a minor in organ studies, from Bradley University. He continued his organ studies at Texas Christian University, studying with the distinguished organist and professor, Emmet Smith. His journey eventually led him to New York City, alongside his wife, Sharon, where he attended Juilliard and was further inspired by the renowned organist Frederick Swann at Riverside Church.

He served as the organist/choir director at several churches in the New York Metropolitan area and in his hometown of Peoria, IL. David's performances and music leadership in church services and recitals were deeply valued and cherished by the communities he served.

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Prelude and Choral Introit performed at Old First Reformed Church of Brooklyn, NY at their 328th anniversary celebration service in 1982. Parts of this service were recorded by NBC for the Today Show. - Organist/Choirmaster, David C. Byrkit

David C. Byrkit performing God Be With You at First Christian Church in Peoria, IL, for his mother Marie's funeral in June 2020.

David C. Byrkit performing Suite on A Mighty Fortress for Organ (Movement 4) by Jan Zwart at Lutheran Hillside Chapel in November 2017.

"Wow! Playing an instrument is sometimes a performance and sometimes an act of love. This, clearly, the latter." - Greg P., United States

"Fills the soul!" - Keri B., United States

"Wow. I've never had the honour of hearing you play the organ before. I better find me a groom and book you for our wedding!" - Madeline Y., United Kingdom

"This brings back such wonderful memories of services at Old First! Your music brought such joy to our family." - Karen P., United States

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Gloria - Laudamus Te by Antonio Vivaldi

Performed by members of Old First Reformed Church Choir of Brooklyn in 1979

David C. Byrkit, Organist/Choirmaster

Adagio by Franz Liszt at St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Peoria, Il on May 15, 2016 - David C. Byrkit, Organist

David C. Byrkit playing with trumpeter, Jay Silva, in 1978. Photo taken by David's good friend and artist, Sam Gallo.

"Jay was one of many top musicians I was blessed to work with in Brooklyn. I learned a great deal working with Jay." - David C. Byrkit

Our Brooklyn Parlor (David Byrkit's music studio).

Our David.

"June 1966, I was practicing on the 35 rank Moller/Johnson organ at First Christian Church of Peoria. That would be the month of my graduation from Bradley University." - David C. Byrkit

Scholarship Goals

To honor David’s lifelong dedication and to continue his mission of promoting the pipe organ, we aim to raise $15,000 to establish a permanently endowed New Organist Scholarship Fund in his name. This fund will provide scholarships for participants in AGO’s Pipe Organ Encounters program, ensuring that David's passion for the organ will inspire and support future generations.

How You Can Help

We invite you to join us in this endeavor by contributing to the David C. Byrkit Endowed AGO New Organist Scholarship Fund. Your donation will help aspiring organists attend the AGO Pipe Organ Encounters program, where they can immerse themselves in learning and appreciating this exquisite art form.

A Lasting Tribute

Thank you for your generosity and for joining us in this tribute to David. He would be thrilled to know that his legacy will make a difference in the lives of future organists and help further the tradition of excellence in organ artistry that David so treasured.

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American Guild of Organists (AGO): The AGO is a national organization dedicated to promoting the organ in its historic and evolving roles, encouraging excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and providing a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.