EVERETT — Halden Toy was only three years old when he started watching his father, David, practice playing the organ.

Now a 17-year-old junior at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, Halden’s own years of practice playing the organ will be showcased at the Everett First Presbyterian Church’s first concert of the 2010-11 season, starting Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

“Halden was here in April as a substitute organist, and all who heard him were amazed by his skill at the organ,” said Maggie Lamus, a spokesperson for the church.

Although Halden’s practice began in earnest when he was 10 years old, he credited his dad with piquing his interest by giving him hands-on lessons on how the organ works.

“When I could feel my hand shaking from the vibrations of the pipes, that sealed the deal,” Halden said.

By the time he’d turned 11, Halden had learned a hymn tune that he’d asked his father to arrange, and even purchased his own organ shoes. He began his studies with Norma Aamodt-Nelson and is currently studying with Douglas Cleveland.

“I spend about an hour and a half to two hours each day practicing seriously, and the rest of the time I’m just messing around with music,” Halden laughed.

All those hours spent honing his craft have yielded results that have gained notice throughout the years. According to Lamus, Halden has become much in demand as an organist, and has played at recitals across the country as a result. His local venues have included the St. James and St. Mark’s cathedrals, Pacific Lutheran University, and the Trinity Parish, Plymouth Congregational and St. Barnabas Episcopal churches.

On a broader stage, Halden won the 2009 Region VIII RYCO competition, which led to him playing a featured recital for that convention, and also performed in the “Rising Stars” recital for the 2010 American Guild of Organists convention in Washington, D.C.

“It was fun,” Halden said. “I love that you can do almost anything sound-wise on an organ. You can go from traditional to really weird sounds, and from the loudest to the softest sounds.”

Halden’s fondness for “exploring the outer bounds” of what can be accomplished on the organ have inspired him to develop eclectic musical tastes, which will be in evidence during his Oct. 17 performance at the Everett First Presbyterian Church, located at 2936 Rockefeller Ave.

“The earliest selection was written in 1680, and the latest was written in 2006,” Halden said. “If you’re ever struck by curiosity about what it would be like to play the organ, find an organist who’s willing to let you poke around on the keys, or look up organ music on YouTube. It’s a fantastic resource.”

The concert includes a suggested donation of $10 at the door. For more information, log onto www.firstpreschurch.com.