Armes, Josiah

Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, CT

Josiah, a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Lakeland, Florida, has shown an interest in classical music from an early age. He was first introduced to the organ by the late Marie Johnson, and in 2001 he began private study of the instrument with Dr. Boyd Jones, professor of organ at Stetson University. In August of 2003, he enrolled full-time as an organ performance major at Stetson, graduating with highest honors in May of 2007. He subsequently proceeded to graduate work at Yale University, studying with Thomas Murray and graduating in May of 2009. He is currently organist at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, Connecticut.

Josiah has continued to distinguish himself both musically and academically. While at Stetson, he was nominated Outstanding Freshman and Sophomore of the music school in addition to making the Dean's List each semester. At Yale, he was awarded the Robert Baker Memorial Scholarship and the Richard DeLong Prize in Church Music. Josiah has performed on numerous occasions in the Central Florida area as both a solo and ensemble artist, including performances with the Stetson University Chamber Orchestra and the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, DeLand, Florida, and an undergraduate degree recital which was attended by nearly 400 people. In March of 2007, Josiah made it to the final round of the Augustana Arts/Reuter National Undergraduate Organ Competition, and in June of 2009 he was awarded First Prize at the prestigious Regional Competition for Young Organists (Region IV - Southeastern U.S.).