Dr. Neil Harmon

    Neil Harmon teaches organ at Brigham Young University and serves as Coordinator of Organ and Carillon Studies. Prior to his full-time appointment at BYU, Dr. Harmon served as Director of Organ Studies at Utah State University and as Adjunct Professor of Organ at Utah Valley University and BYU. He worked as full-time Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware for 19 years. Dr. Harmon earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Brigham Young University and a Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts from The Eastman School of Music. He enjoys a career as teacher, performer, accompanist, composer, arranger, and conductor. He is known throughout the country for his creative organ arrangements and for his choral and handbell compositions.

    Alena Hall

    Alena Hall loves playing the organ!! Accompanying and collaborative work are part of that continuing passion, as is teaching. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Combined Piano and Organ Performance from BYU and then a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance, also from BYU. One of the personal highlights of her career was working as the organ scholar at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Currently, Alena enjoys serving as a guest organist at Temple Square and has a small studio of piano and organ students. She teaches at a variety of workshops and delights in meeting so many faithful and talented musicians.

    Wendy Johnston

    Wendy Johnston is Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Catonsville Presbyterian Church near Baltimore, Maryland where she plays for weekly services, accompanies the Chancel Choir and directs a Children’s Choir. She has a Master of Music in Organ Performance from the Peabody Institute, a Bachelor of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory, and a Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis in Family Life from Brigham Young University, having also studied as a piano performance major at BYU. Teachers include John Walker, Wayne Wold, Dale Krider and Irene Peery-Fox. 

    During her graduate studies at Peabody, Ms. Johnston was named Organ Scholar at the historic Zion Lutheran Church in Baltimore. She has been coached by Martin Jean, Nathan Laube, Jean-Baptiste Robin and Alan Morrison. During post-graduate study abroad, Wendy received additional coaching from Jean-Baptiste Robin at the Versailles Royal Chapel in Versailles, France. 

    Recent performances include a recital at the Tabernacle on Temple Square for the daily noon recital series, a recital at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church for the Bach Marathon in Washington DC, and a recital for the 2024 Baltimore Convention of the Organ Historical Society. 

    Wendy Johnston is a member of the AGO and holds the Associateship Certificate. She currently serves on the National AGO Committee for Career Development and Support and is the Sub Dean of the Baltimore Chapter. 

    Passionate about teaching, and in furthering the cause of music that strengthens the worship experience, Wendy maintains an active piano and organ studio of students of all ages and abilities. She and her husband Steve are the parents of three children and grandparents of three. They make their home in Woodbine Maryland, where Wendy enjoys hiking and gardening. 

    Connor Larsen

    Originally from Alpine, Utah, Connor Larsen is an organist, church musician, and instructor who thrives at the intersection of performance and pedagogy. Currently, Connor serves as a Guest Organist at Temple Square and as an organist for the Provo Missionary Training Center. He also recently concluded work on the new hymnal for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served on the attributions sub-committee.

    Connor’s academic journey includes a Master of Music from Brigham Young University and a Bachelor of Music from Campbell University specializing in organ performance, sacred music, and hymnody. His primary teachers include the late Dr. Parley Belnap, as well as Drs. Clay Christiansen, Daniel Hester, Don Cook, and Neil Harmon. Following his degree at BYU, he served as an interim adjunct professor, teaching undergraduate organ courses and organ majors. Having recently navigated a journey through cancer, Connor views music not just as a professional pursuit, but as a vital source of strength and connection. This fall, he brings that renewed focus to the start of his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Florida, where he’ll study with Dr. Laura Ellis.

    His fascination with the organ began at age nine after a Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. Today, Connor travels across the country to perform recitals and play for church services. When he’s off the organ bench and out of the classroom, you’ll likely find him relaxing with friends or enjoying a cold Fresca.