Cathedral Organ Scholar Appointed

Katrina Montagna, Organ Scholar at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.

Organist and Choirmaster of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Lawrence Tremsky, has appointed Katrina Montagna as an Organ Scholar. Katrina has been a Cathedral chorister for 10 years, since she was seven years of age. Katrina loves both the role of choir member and organist. She enjoys playing the magnificent Casavant organ housed in the Cathedral. It is the largest organ on Long Island. Meeting people and clergy who want to make a difference in themselves and others is a bonus to being an Organ Scholar that Katrina relishes.

Becoming an organist is a long and evolving process. It starts with having mastered another instrument, the piano, first. Then, one must relearn that solidly practiced technique in a new and different way. The organ has different fingering, the use of feet and a different way of looking at the score. It is the ultimate challenge.

Katrina's musical experience began when she asked for and received a keyboard for her third birthday. Shortly afterwards, she began piano lessons. She took a break from piano at age 10 and began organ lessons when she was 12. Now she is a substitute organist at The Cathedral and other local congregations when their organists are unavailable. Each new organ is another learning experience. In addition, she has used her singing talent to serve as cantor at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. Katrina also sings with the Long Island Choral Society and other a cappella groups. She is a member of The American Guild of Organists and The American Choral Directors' Association.

Katrina aspires to attend the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College and possibly get a Masters Degree from Yale University. She credits her organ teacher and mentor Ms. Meredith Baker who conducts the Long Island Choral Society and teaches at Nassau Community College and her choir director Lawrence Tremsky for her success. Katrina's hard work and dedication are admired by those who work with her at the Cathedral of the Incarnation.