GREENSBURG, PA- Graduating senior sacred music major Virginia Cavey of Irwin, PA attended a three-week International Summer Music Academy in Germany as one of only 50 students in the United States to participate.

Cavey was one of only six organ students and the only one from the United States. However, another SHC alumna, Mariko Morita ’97, of Japan was also present. "We attended lectures, had six private lessons and master classes, so it was a lot of work," she said, noting that she did have the opportunity to do a little sight-seeing as well. "The American Consulate invited the United States students to a luncheon at the US Embassy and the organists were able to take a day trip to Naumburg and Rotha. These were two small towns with large churches that hold original Silvermann Organs from the 15th century. We were allowed to play the organs while we were there."

Cavey said that the trip gave her an added inspiration for her work as a sacred musician and to study hard. She said she also learned to better appreciate the organ world by interacting with outstanding organists from many nations.

While flipping through a copy of American Guild of Organists, Cavey saw an ad for the academy. "It really wasn’t well advertised, but I still wanted to try out for the opportunity," she said. She made a tape of a performance and submitted references. Edward Highberger, assistant professor of music at Seton Hill College, assisted Cavey with the competitive application process.

Cavey graduated on Monday, December 17th. She has already applied to Catholic University for the masters in liturgical music program and also plans on applying for a position as organist of a church in the area and a position as a local elementary music teacher.