The Art of Improvisation for the Parish Organist

Mr. Robert McCormick Described as “indomitable and immensely gifted” (Choir & Organ) and as “an artist of rare sensitivity and passion” (The Macon Telegraph), Robert McCormick is widely heralded by his colleagues and deeply admired for his creative and ethereal abilities in organ improvisation and commanding, eloquent performances of repertoire of all styles. Mr. McCormick is the Organist and Choirmaster of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, a parish deeply rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. From 2008−2016, he was Director of Music at St. Paul’s Parish, K Street, Washington, D.C. Under his direction, the St. Paul’s choirs performed at conventions of the AGO, the Organ Historical Society, and the Association of Anglican Musicians, and were heard nationally on the radio programs Pipedreams and With Heart and Voice. From 2001−2008 he served as Organist and Music Director at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, New York. He served for two years as sub-dean of the New York City chapter of the AGO and was co-chairperson of the 2014 National Conference of the Association of Anglican Musicians. His recording from St. Paul’s, K Street, We Sing of God, was released in June 2010 on the Pro Organo label. Choir & Organ’s review of the disc describes the choir as “one of the most responsive and adaptable choirs on the Eastern seaboard” and further states that “[McCormick] also shines at the organ.”