chapter news johann vexo from notre dame cathedral,...
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In This Issue...
CHAPTER NEWS 1 DEAN’S MESSAGE 2 CRESCENDO STAFF INFORMATION 2 REGISTRAR’S CORNER 3 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AGO: 3Offices and Committees Directory
CHAPTER EVENTS 2016/2017 4
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER 5
NEW SEASON CALENDAR 6
EDUCATION COMMITTEE 7CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7
POSITIONS AVAILABLE 8
TUESDAY NOON RECITALS 9
ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 10
FROM OUR TREASURER 12
SUNDAY SUBSTITUTES 13
OTHER SUBSTITUTES 14
NEWS FROM NATIONAL 15
AWARDS BY NATIONAL 16
WHERE AM I? 17
TALE PIPES 17
Newsletter of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of OrganistsSEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 1
The deadline for the next issue is September 1, 2016
Johann Vexo fromNotre Dame Cathedral, Paris
MasterclassSaturday, September 24th
9:00 AM - NoonBryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
625 Montgomery AveBryn Mawr, PA 19010
Internationally acclaimed teacher Johann Vexo will be coaching piecesby former professors of the Paris Conservatory, including Franck,Vierne, Dupre, and Durufle.
Performers who would like to play should contact Edward Landin [email protected]. There is no fee for the class, but we wouldlike to have a good turnout and a good sense of how many performersto count on.
ConcertSunday, September 25th
4:00 PMFirst Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia
21st and Walnut StreetsPhiladelphia, PA 19103
MOZART Adagio and Fugue in C minor
FRANCK Choral n°2 in B minor
VIERNE Intermezzo from Pièces de Fantaisie
SAINT-SAËNS Danse Macabre
WIDOR Adagio and Finale from Symphonie n°6
ALAIN Deuxième Fantaisie
DUPRE Cortège et Litanie
Please see Johann Vexo’s biography on Page 5.
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 12CRESCENDO, the officialbulletin of the Philadelphia Chapter of theAmerican Guild of Organists, is publishedmonthly, September through June. All materialfor publication must reach the Editor by the1st day of the month preceding the date ofissue,.eg. November 1 for the December issue.This must be type written and e-mailed (text sup-plied in an attachment). Crescendo reservesthe right to make editorial changes and toshorten articles to fit space limitations. Articlesin Crescendo reflect the views of the writers andnot necessarily those of the Guild. All advertisingmust be arranged through the AdvertisingManager. Crescendo season and professionalcard advertising automatically renew for eachsuccessive volume, unless we receive notifica-tion of cancellation of the advertising.
Advertising RatesCamera-ready: One-Time Season
Eighth page: $50 $400(3.6”w x 2.0”h)
Quarter page: $75 $600(7.5”w x 2.0”h or3.6”w x 4.4”h)
Half page: $100 $800( 7.5”w x 4.4”h or3.6”w x 9.2”h)
Full page: $150 $1200(7.5”w x 9.2”h)
Professional card: - $60 (full season, members only)
Camera-ready art only accepted according tostated deadlines.
Editorial BoardCRESCENDOMary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO, Editor484-995-6110
Karen Fallows & Tom Lever, Publishers215-822-6762 215-855-0287
Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator215-517-4160
Calendar of EventsKathleen Scheide, [email protected]
Positions AvailableFran Treisbach, [email protected]
Advertising Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Coordinator 484-995-6110 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.AGOPhila.org
• • •
David Furniss
These words echo in my head as I considerwords of wisdom for the start of a new season.This phrase is certainly a call to action, a call to
be involved. And I encourage you to do just that dur-ing this season of AGO activities – get involved.
The Philadelphia Chapter is known for its excellent programming, and the2016-2017 season offers you a variety of opportunities for growth, enrich-ment, and fellowship. Check out the listings in this issue of theCrescendo, and put some dates on your calendar!
And speaking of getting involved, I would like to express gratitude tothose who are deeply involved in the work of the Philadelphia Chapter,beginning with those who have been newly elected to serve on theExecutive Committee. Thanks to all members who voted in the springelection – you have elected Douglas Backman, Andrew Heller,Kathleen Scheide, and John Van Sant to positions on the ExecutiveCommittee. In addition, we welcome Michael Smith to the ExecutiveCommittee, who has been appointed to fill the remainder of AndrewSenn’s term. Andrew has been appointed to officially be our chapter’sCommunications Coordinator.
Our chapter will be hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter in the summer of2018. As Chair of this event, Michael Smith has already done compre-hensive work to lay the foundation for our POE. Watch for further detailsand be ready to respond with your volunteer help when needed.
The Rev. Claire Nevin-Field is our new Chapter Chaplain. Claire is theRector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at Third and Pine in Philadelphia.One of her first official acts as Chaplain will be to install the officers at ourOctober 30 program.
Another group of members who deserve our gratitude are the memberswho serve on the Program Committee with the leadership of Sub-DeanMarcia Sommers. Not only does this group manage the season’s pro-gramming that I referred to earlier, but they oversee many other activities,such as January Jumpstart, Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day,Tuesday Noon Recitals, and educational opportunities created by theEducation Committee. These hard workers meet on a regular basis andcarry out many individual tasks that result in the variety of offerings thatyou, as members of the Philadelphia AGO Chapter, are invited to partici-pate in throughout the year.
A new venture this season is the creation of the Fred J. Cooper OrganBook. Five short pieces for solo organ have been commissioned fromlocal composers Matthew Glandorf, Kile Smith, David Schelat,Kathleen Scheide, and Jeffrey Brillhart. These new compositions willhave their premiere performance at Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Dayat the Kimmel Center on June 10, 2017, as the culmination of a year-longcelebration of the tenth anniversary of the organ. Funding for this projectcomes from the Philadelphia AGO Chapter’s Endowment.
Now it’s your turn. Show your appreciation for all this wonderful behind-the-scenes work done by your fellow chapter members by coming out toexperience the richness of our chapter’s offerings. Your life will bechanged for the better!
“Don’t boo – vote!”
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 13 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTERAMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
ELECTED OFFICERS
Dean David Furniss 215-699-6374
[email protected] Marcia Sommers 484-340-2204 [email protected] Bruce Marshall 267-283-8019
[email protected] Maria deJ. Ellis 610-896-6189 [email protected] CommitteeTERM ENDING 2017Paul Fejko 609-462-9000
Sándor Kádár, FAGO 609-540-6548 Wesley Parrott 215-732-6732 Michael Smith, AAGO 203-645-9227TERM ENDING 2018Doris Dabrowski, SPC 215-387-6635Edward Landin 717-471-7979Kathleen Moyer 610-642-1975James Robb 215-329-4793
TERM ENDING 2019 Douglas Backman 508-736-3020Andrew Heller 610-246-4826Kathleen ScheideJohn Van Sant 609-498-1768
APPOINTED LEADERSHIP
Chapter ChaplainRev. Claire Nevin-Field [email protected]
Chapter PhotographerJohn McEnerney 215-794-7388
Communications CoordinatorAndrew Senn 267-207-1494
[email protected] Committee ChairAlan Morrison 215-735-8259 [email protected]
Education Committee ChairSandor Kadar, FAGO 609-540-6548
[email protected] Committee ChairJeff Fowler 610-764-1524 [email protected] CoordinatorSandor Kadar, FAGO 609-540-6548
[email protected] / ArchivistRae Ann Anderson 215-884-4921Jeff Fowler 610-764-1524 [email protected]
Nominating Committee ChairEdward Landin 717-471-7979
[email protected] CoordinatorFrances Treisbach 484-231-1426
[email protected] Concerns Chair Judy Lang 610-623-8069
Tuesday Noon Recitals CoordinatorAndrew Heller 610-789-0146
[email protected] CoordinatorTo be appointed
WebmasterTom Lever 215-855-0287
E R I K M E Y E R , R E G I S T R A R
REGISTRAR’S CORNER
- Erik Meyer
Want to join the Philadelphia chapter of the American Guild of Organists? Need to report AGO Directory changes on your current membership? Need to purchase a set of chapter mailing labels for your next music event?Contact Erik Meyer at: 1418 Fitzwatertown Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090
215-247-7466 x104 [email protected]
And we're off!
Our 2016-2017 season is under way
If your membership renewal deadline was July 1st, and you forgot overthe summer, please renew right away so you don't miss out on TAO orthe Crescendo! All renewals are handled through the national AGO
offices, www.agohq.org or 212-870-2310.
Like last year, we will be producing a member directory soon. Everybodywill receive an electronic version of the directory; printed copies will avail-able, but you must request one by contacting me. If your contact informa-tion (address, phone numbers, etc.) has changed in the last year, pleasetake a moment and log into www.agophila.org and make sure it has beenupdated correctly. Thank you!
Finally, I will complete my term as registrar at the end of this season. Pleaseconsider becoming our next registrar! In order to make this transition assmooth as possible, let's talk now and start you training for the job.
The Executive Committee voted to donate $700.00 in support of theHymn Sing at Tindley Temple during the Organ HistoricalSociety’s Convention in June. Michael Stairs was the organist for
this event. OHS Chief Executive Officer James Weaver sent words ofgratitude to the chapter:
“Thank you for your important gift of support. Generous financialcontributions are so important to our success, and your contribu-tion places you among the group whose extra care means every-thing to our future!”
The Executive Committee voted to provide $300.00 of scholarshipsupport to each of two young girls who attended the Pipe OrganEncounter in Springfield, MA, in June. These two sisters,
Susanna and Annamarie Collins, attend St. Francis DeSales School inPhiladelphia. As part of their POE experience, they receive a one-yearstudent membership in the AGO. Since they are Philadelphia residents,we look forward to welcoming them to our chapter! Here is the note ofthanks that they sent at the beginning of the summer:
“Thank you so much for supporting our musical education withyour generous donation! We greatly appreciate it and look for-ward to going to the Organ Encounters program this summer. Itwill be a great opportunity for us to start learning about the organand improve our piano skills as well.”
Thank You Notes
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 14
Saturday-Sunday, September 24-25, 2016Annual Kick-Off with Johann VexoMasterclass at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian ChurchConcert at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 4:00pmAndrew Senn and Rev. Dr. Frank C.SennReformation Hymn Festival andChapter Installation ServiceSt. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ardmore, PA
Friday , November 18, 2016, 2:00pmPaul Jacobs concert with Philadelphia OrchestraReception at the home of Fred Haas after concert
Friday, December 30, 2016, 4:00-8:00pmAGO Christmas Party at the home of Michael Stairs
Saturday, January 14, 2017January Jumpstart featuringcomposer and organist Craig PhillipsBryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
Sunday, February 5, 2017, 4:00pmLegends of the Curtis InstituteCurtis Institute of Music
Friday-Saturday, March 17-18, 2017Austrian organist Gunther RostConcert at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut HillMasterclass at First Presbyterian Church in WestChester
Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:30pmRussian Organist Daniel ZaretskyConcert at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale
May 2017 (date and time TBA)Year End Chapter CelebrationGirard College
June 2017 (date and time TBA)Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day
Philadelphia Chapter of the AGOChapter Events
2016-2017We thank our 2016-2017 Patrons
This list is updated monthly. If you have made adonation and are not listed, please let us know.
Benefactors ($500+)_______________________________________
Norman Geist and Ethel Geist, CAGO
Sponsors ($300-$499)___________________________________________________Jeffrey B. FowlerJoseph J. Lewis
Donors ($150-$299)___________________________________________________Rae Ann Anderson, CAGORobert H. ErbWilliam P. FenimoreDavid L. FurnissAlan MorrisonCharles L. M. NelsonConrad M. OlieJonathan J. RissStephen SchreiberMichael O. StairsGordon H. Turk
Contributors ($50-$149)___________________________________________________Carol P. Anders Debra S. BacakRobert K. Betty Gloria E. BracyMary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO Carol M. CeiJoyce Gambrell Drayton Maria de J. EllisMary L. Fenwick, AAGO Timothy W. HarrellLoretta S. Hartnett, SPC Andrew K. HellerAshley L. Horner Evan J. JacksonMichael H. H. Jackson Paul S. KinseyJudith A. Lang Jeffrey P. LeesTom Lever Rudy A. LucenteBruce R. Marshall Leighton W. MoyerFrank K. Orman Richard J. PilchJohn E. Reber Stephen W. RossPaul Serresseque Michael W. SmithMarcia L. Sommers Edward WilkGinny Wilkinson Kathleen E Wirth
Friends ($25-$49)___________________________________________________Jonathan G. Fairchild Pearl L. FlambergKathleen J. Moyer Paula M. NapoliFrank Thomson
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 15CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
By way of introduction, here is some fascinating bio-graphical data from what is certainly a very busy life!
The Rev. Claire Nevin-Field is Rector of St. Peter'sChurch (Episcopal), Philadelphia. Claire is origi-nally from the northeast of England, but spent
most of her childhood in northern Delaware. Shereceived her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from theUniversity of Delaware and her Master of Science inNursing with a certificate in Nurse-Midwifery from theUniversity of Pennsylvania. She attended LutheranTheological Seminary for two years and The GeneralSeminary of the Episcopal Church for one year, receiv-ing a Master of Divinity degree from General Seminary.
Claire has a lifelong passion for church music, particu-larly music of the early English Church. She sang in theConcert Choir at St. Andrew's School (Delaware), andfor many years sang in all three choirs at St. Peter'sChurch in the Great Valley with Dr. Martha N. Johnson.
Claire lives in theQueen Village neigh-borhood ofPhiladelphia with herhusband, Andrew, asystems manager atVanguard, and herthree cats. Her eldestdaughter Rachel wentinto the "family busi-ness" and is theAssistant Rector atSt. Mary's EpiscopalChurch, Newport RI,and her youngerdaughter Ellie is agraduate student ofGlobal Health at
Georgetown University. Claire is delighted to beChaplain for the Philadelphia Chapter of the AGO andlooks forward to meeting its members.
A big welcome to our new chaplain!
Johann Vexo was born in 1978in the northeastern French cityof Nancy – a city close to the
borders of Belgium, Luxembourg,and Germany. Surrounded andinfluenced by the rich musical andcultural heritage of this part ofEurope, Johann’s training and per-formance career developed rapidlyand at age 25 he was appointedOrganiste de Choeur (ChoirOrganist) at the Cathedral of NotreDame, Paris. Soon thereafter hewas also appointed Organist of theCavaillé-Coll organ of the Cathedralin Nancy, Professorof Organ at the Angers Conservatory, and the EuropeanMusic Summer Academy in Nancy.
Johann Vexo began his organ studies with ChristopheMantoux and also studied early music and harpsichordat the Strasbourg Conservatory, where he was awardedPremier Prix in organ. He continued his studies at theParis Conservatory where his teachers included MichelBouvard and Olivier Latry for organ and Thierry Escaichand Philippe Lefebvre for improvisation. He earnedPremier Prix in both organ and basso continuo and addi-tional prizes in harmony and counterpoint.
He has performed extensively throughout Europe, the
United States, Canada and Russia including perfor-mances at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart inHouston, the Basilica of the National Shrine of theImmaculate Conception in Washington D.C., theWanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia, NotreDame Basilica in Montréal, and Philharmonic Hall inYekaterinburg. He has been featured as a solo artist atthe international music festivals held in Austria (St.Florian, Vienna), Belgium (Antwerp, Gent), Portugal(Porto), Germany (Düsseldorf, Ulm), Russia (Moscow)and Canada (Montréal, Québec), as well as with variousEuropean orchestras and musical ensembles.
Known for his generous, supportive, and captivatingteaching style, Mr. Vexo has taught master classes atRice University, the Curtis Institute of Music, andWestminster Choir College.
Johann Vexo has made recordings of French classicaland German romantic music on historic French organs.His most recent recording of the works of Liszt, Franck,Vierne, Duruflé, and Escaich, performed on the greatorgan of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, was released onthe JAV label in 2010.
Johann Vexo is represented exclusively by PhillipTruckenbrod Concert Artists, LLC. He is available forrecital bookings in the United States from September 25– October 8, 2016.
Johann Vexo - Biography
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 16A NEW SEASON WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FLAIR
2016-2017I am so excited to present for our membership a season featuring several international artists performing in ourPhiladelphia region, along with opportunities for you to meet and spend quality time with colleagues and friends.Please get these dates on your calendars, and support your Chapter with your attendance this season. Allevents except JumpStart and the year-end dinner are free to chapter members – a great reason to be a memberof the Philadelphia Chapter AGO!
– Marcia Sommers, SubDean
Program Committee: Rae Ann Anderson, Lucas Brown, Ethel Geist, Andy Heller, Sandor Kadar, EdwardLandin, Emily Moody, John Van Sant, David Furniss and Bruce Marshall; Marcia Sommers, chairperson
Guest Artists:Saturday and Sunday Johann Vexo, from Notre Dame Cathedral in ParisSeptember 24/25 Masterclass at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Saturday 9:00-Noon
Concert at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Sunday 4:00 PM
Friday, November 18 Paul Jacobs returns for concerts with the Philadelphia Orchestra2:00 PM Following the Friday concert, we will gather at the home of Fred Haas for a
reception; check back soon for a discount code for tickets to the Friday concert
Friday and Saturday Gunther Rost, Austrian organist known for his performancesMarch 17/18 and recordings of the works of J.S. Bach.
Concert at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, Friday 7:30 PMMasterclass at First Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Saturday 9:00-Noon
Tuesday, April 18 Russian Organist Daniel Zaretsky, in concert at Trinity Lutheran Church7:30 PM in Lansdale, PA
In addition:Sunday, October 30 Reformation Hymn Festival, Andrew Senn and Rev. Dr. Frank C.Senn4:00 PM and Chapter Installation Service, Rev. Claire Nevin-Field, chaplainSt. Paul’s Lutheran Church Reception to followArdmore, PA
Friday, December 30 Chapter Holiday Party, at the home of Michael Stairs4:00-8:00 PM
January JumpStart Featuring Composer and Organist Craig PhillipsSaturday, January 14 Dr. Ryan Kelly, West Chester University; Seminar in Leading Volunteer9:30 AM-5:30 PM Singers, and Choral Repertoire for Smaller Forces(registration begins at 8:30) Dr. Jeffrey Brillhart, Conducting from the Console
Dr. Ron Hemmel, Westminster Choir College, Technology You Can UseGloria Bracy, Financial Strategies for You and Your Music DepartmentOrgan and Choral Repertoire sessions, a closing festival concert hosted byCraig Phillips, an expanded bookstore, and much, much more!
Sunday, February 5 Legends of the Curtis Institute – We’ll celebrate the teachers and students4:00 PM who have come through this noted institution - at Curtis
May, 2017 Year End Chapter Celebration at Girard College
Your Program Committee has listened to you! We pored over the last several years of comments regarding January JumpStart, and we have completely revamped the day. We are now planning, on a 3-year cycle, the ideas and materials you’ve told us you need. You’ll have much more time in the expanded Bookstore this year, and more time to spend with colleagues. The above list includes the professionals whohave been secured as of August 1. Look for brochures early this fall, and plan NOW to be with us in January!
Continued on page 7
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 17Sándor Kádár, FAGO, Chair
609-540-6548
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Summer is probably thequietest time for organistsand church musicians. I
hope all of you had the chanceto relax.
For me September is a time fornew resolutions. I always setnew goals for the school year.So if you are like me and wantto set new goals for yourselfthis September, now is the timeto invest in your improvisationalskills through our workshops!Do not wait until next year or even longer.
Both our beginning and advanced level sessionsbegin in September, and spaces are limited. Sohurry up and sign up for one of the sessions throughour homepage. You will also be able to find moreinformation there. I hope to see you in September.
Sandar Kádár
A New SeasonContinued from page 6___________________
FALL IMPROVISATION and SERVICE PLAYING SESSIONS
9:00 AM-Noon
ADVANCED SERVICE PLAYING AND IMPROVISATION
with Dr. Jeffrey Brillhart Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
September 17October 15
November 12December 3
BASIC SERVICE PLAYING,with Sandor Kadar
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, ArdmoreSeptember 10
October 8November 12December 17
$40 per semester, or $15 per session. You canregister on our Chapter website, www.agophila.org.Following a successful fall, we plan to offer these
sessions again in the spring 2017. Register today!
K a t h l e e n S c h e i d e , C o o r d i n a t o [email protected]
CALENDAR OF EVENTS All Upcoming Events for Crescendo publication should be sentto Kathleen Schiede in advance of our publication submissiondeadline, which is the first of the month preceding publication(February 1 for the March issue).
Saturday, September 3, 7:30 PMNew Jersey Capital Philharmonic Orchestra performsBach Brandenburg Concerto 5 with Kathleen Scheide,harpsichordist. Admission free. Bring chairs or blankets.Capital Green, 201 Barrack Street,Trenton, NJ.www.capitalphilharmonic.org
Sunday, September 11, 3:00 PMChamber Music at Bournelyf presents Distant voicesTouring Theater in "September Echoes." Danny Peak,actor and Julie Nishimura, pianist. Suggested donation$20. Church of the Loving Shepherd, 1066 S. NewStreet, West Chester, PA 19382 610.692.5662
Sunday, September 11, 3:00 PMSouthampton Chamber Music Society with KathleenScheide, harpsichord. $15/10. Southampton Old SchoolBaptist Meetinghouse, 1256 Second Street Pike (Rt.232), Southampton, PA 215.357.4723 [email protected]
Sunday, September 11, 4:00 PMFrom Darkness Into Light: Remembering September 11,2001. Ralph Purri, conductor. Service with choir and
orchestra. Works by Hogan and Lauridson. Free admis-sion. St. Denis Church, Eagle Road at St. Denis Lane,Havertown, PA 610.446.0200
Thursday, September 15, 12:30 PMJohn Sheridan, organist. Free admission. PrincetonUniversity-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds.,Princeton NJ (609) 258-3016 [email protected]/~choir
Thursday, September 22, 12:30 PMEric Plutz, organist. Free admission. PrincetonUniversity-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ (609) [email protected] www.princeton.edu/~choir
Thursday, September 29, 12:30 PMMina Choi, organist. Free admission. PrincetonUniversity-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton NJ (609) [email protected] www.princeton.edu/~choir
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 18
Interim Choir DirectorGrace Presbyterian Church444 York Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046215.887.6117 www.gracejenkintown.orgPosted 7/24/16Grace Presbyterian Church is seeking an Interim ChoirDirector to serve a well-established, high-quality choralprogram in its vital ministry of worship leadership. Theposition will last from September 2016 through May2017. Duties:(1) Direct the Chancel Choir, an adult choir of 16-20voices. The Chancel Choir sings weekly at the 10:30worship service from the Sunday after Labor Daythrough the Sunday before Memorial Day, with theexception of the Sunday after Christmas and theSunday after Easter. The Chancel Choir also sings onChristmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and at the 8:30 ser-vice on Easter. The Chancel Choir rehearses onThursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.(2) Select the music to be sung by the Chancel Choir.This music should draw from diverse eras and stylesto enhance Grace Church’s worship and should becoordinated whenever possible with the theme of eachworship service.(3) Maintain thorough communication, in a collegialspirit, with the Organist, who also serves as rehearsalaccompanist for the Chancel Choir.(4) Maintain regular communication with the Pastor,including a brief meeting twice a month.(5) Direct the Celebration Singers, an informal adultchoir that sings twice each year at the 10:30 service,rehearsing for forty-five minutes right after the serviceon two Sundays prior to the Sunday on which theysing.Interested persons are encouraged to submit aresume and references to [email protected].
Organist/Music DirectorSt. John the Evangelist Anglican ChurchAbington, PAPosted 7/20/16St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church is seeking anOrganist/Music Director to begin in September 2016.St. John’s is an orthodox Anglican Church and part ofthe Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) denom-ination. The congregation currently worships atAbington Baptist Church, Abington, PA.The organist/music director should have a keen appre-ciation of the broad range of music associated with theAnglican liturgical tradition which incorporates both tra-ditional and contemporary modes of worship. Music isa significant and meaningful part of worship at St.
John’s and an expression of its orthodoxy. The organ-ist/music director will work under the leadership of theclergy to fulfill that goal. Organ and piano proficiency isrequired. A 13-voice choir rehearses on Thursdayevenings and before the 9:00 service on Sundaymorning. An acoustical group participates in HolyCommunion services held twice each month.Resumes should be submitted to Les Thompson at:[email protected]
Chancel Choir Director / Adult Bell Choir Director (1 or 2 Positions)Trinity Reformed Church United Church of Christ532 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426-2518610-489-4223 www.TrinityUCCCollegeville.orgPosted 7/13/16Trinity Reformed Church UCC is seeking a both a part-time chancel choir director and part-time adult bellchoir director to begin in late August, 2016. The posi-tions can be combined. Responsibilities include:* Selecting music for the chancel choir and leadingweekly rehearsals (currently Thursday evening andSunday morning before service)* Directing the choir during the 10:45 Sunday morningworship and occasional additional services requiringspecial music* Selecting music for the adult bell choir and leadingrehearsals (currently Thursday evenings before chan-cel choir rehearsals).Both positions require working closely with the organistand pastor to plan for worship service music. Thechurch is looking for an easy-going person who canmotivate and inspire choir members and the congrega-tion with varied musical selections. There is a largemusic library which can be added to as requested.Applicants should contact the church office at 610-489-4223, or send a cover letter and resume to TrinityReformed Church UCC at the above address, or emailthe same to [email protected].
Organist/Choir DirectorSt. Paul’s United Methodist Church2131 Palomino Drive, Warrington, PA 18976215.343.0230 www.stpaulsumcwarrington.orgPosted: 7/7/16St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is seeking achurch organist/choir director. This person will beresponsible for weekly choir rehearsals and will playfor one 10:30 service on Sunday morning. Candidatesmust have a sincere Christian faith. Applicant must beable to play a variety of musical styles. Resumes maybe sent to St. Paul’s UMC at the above address, orcontact the church office [email protected]
POSITIONS AVAILABLEFran Treisbach, Coordinator
484-231-1426 [email protected]
We are happy to advertise positions available for churches in theGreater Philadelphia Area as a free service. We need to request that allads stay within a 250 word limit – applicants should be directed to thechurch for further information. We would also be very grateful ifchurches encourage their organists to join our chapter – and manyinclude dues payment as a contract perk!
Continued on page 9
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 19
Music DirectorSt. Martin's Episcopal Church400 King of Prussia Rd, Radnor, PA 19087610-688-4830 www.stmartinsradnor.orgPosted 6/30/16Small, diverse, mission-driven parish seeking a MusicDirector (organist/choirmaster w/special emphasis onadult/children congregational choir formation).Candidate should be proficient in Episcopal/Anglicantradition as well as have an interest in expanding themusical range of a diverse congregation. Creativity,good humor, an infectious love of music and teaching,and a warm and welcoming demeanor big pluses.With two Sunday services, one rehearsal, the position is initially part-time. Pleasedirect all inquiries to Maggie O’Malley, ParishAdministrator, [email protected], or byphone or mail at the above address.
Church MusicianLiving Word Lutheran Church1250 Easton Road, Roslyn, PA 19001http://livingword-elca.orgPosted 6/18/16Living Word Lutheran Church seeks a versatile musi-cian to develop, coordinate and administer an effec-tive and well-rounded music program. Applicants forthis position should have the ability to incorporatediverse artistic expression into Christian worshipincluding, but not limited to, traditional and contempo-rary music, the liturgical ordo, praise music, musi-cians, etc. Position requires skill in piano and organ.Skill in guitar, percussion, and/or voice leadership arehighly valued. Must be available to play for weeklySunday services, additional special services asneeded and regularly scheduled Worship and MusicCommittee meetings / worship planning meetings.Anticipated time commitment of 10-15 hours perweek. Candidates should email a cover letter andresume to [email protected] or mail tothe above address, Attn: Pastor. Please includeexpected salary in cover letter.
Andrew Heller, Coordinator610-789-0146 [email protected]
TUESDAY NOON RECITALS
Here they are – the Venues for the 2016-17 season! If you would be willing to play atsome point, please let me know.
October: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Glenside Rae Ann Anderson, Host
November: Whitehorse Village, Newtown Square (no recital on Election day)
December: First Presbyterian Church in PhiladelphiaAndrew Senn, Host
January: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale Eric Gombert, Host
February: Abington Presbyterian Church Ethel Geist, Host
March: Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Jeff Brillhart and Edward Landin, hosts
April: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Roxborough Wesley Parrott, host
May: Church of the Loving Shepherd, West Chester Kathleen Scheide, host
Positions AvailableContinued from page 8___________________
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 110Jim Weaver, CEO
Dear Friends,
I’m writing today just a few weeks after the OHSConvention, June 26 – July 2, in Philadelphia.
The Organ Historical Society celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a real blowout!
• 28 organists - 28 different instruments, including acocktail hour with theatre organ, a hymn sing, and silentfilm with organ accompaniment• 2 concerts of automated organ rolls
(one Aeolian, one Skinner)• 2 estate tours• 2 lectures• 2 master classes• 1 annual meeting
The Philadelphia AGO Chapter was right there with us,in so many ways: Sub-Dean Marcia Sommers was theever-attentive/ever-smiling Bus Captain throughout,along with John Kracker, David and Jane Stettler, andJohn Van Sant. Eight of the performing musicians aremembers of the Chapter, and we were particularlygrateful to the Chapter for a gift that supported theHymn Sing, a favorite event of many. OHS Director ofPublications, Rollin Smith, had produced ThePhiladelphia Hymnal. Perhaps the earliest one includedwas by Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declarationof Independence. Certainly the latest was contributed byAlan Morrison, who was so kind as to compose espe-cially for this publication. Rollin introduced the hymns atthe free Tindley Temple Hymn Sing, and Michael Stairsprovided marvelous accompaniments.
Organs in the Philadelphia area are so rich in variety,and it was extraordinary that we could visit and hear
instruments that rangedfrom the 1791 Tannenbergin Spring City, to importantworks by Hook, Hook &Hastings, Krauss,Roosevelt, Michell, Cole &Woodberry, Steere, Austin,Möller, Aeolian, Kimball,Skinner, Aeolian-Skinner,and modern buildersDobson, Kney, Brombaugh,Mander, and Rieger. For so many of our attendees the“big four” were those instruments at LongwoodGardens, the “Wanamaker,” Girard College Chapel, andthe colossus in the Main Auditorium at Boardwalk Hall.
It was the final day that brought us full circle to thebeginnings of pipe organ building in Pennsylvania,somehow particularly fitting that the last instrument weheard, Thomas Dieffenbach, 1891, was introduced bycurrent builder Adam Dieffenbach, a fourth generationdescendent of this organ building family. We closed outthe week with a strong reminder that these testimoniesof historic patrimony are only possible through the dedi-cation and wonderful service provided by builders suchas Dieffenbach, and by Patrick Murphy, both of whomare ubiquitous and necessary to the healthy scene ofvital pipe organ culture throughout the area.
We will stay in touch throughout the coming year.Meanwhile, we all thank you for the warm welcomewe’ve received from the Philadelphia Chapter, AGO!
Sincerely,Jim Weaver, CEOOrgan Historical [email protected]
Mar jor ie Lynch Cummings___________________
C.A.G.O. First Presbyterian Church of Olney
Kar l Tr icomi , M.S.___________________Mater Ecclesiae Roman Catholic ChurchRowan College at Burlington County856 482-7402 www.karltricomi.com
ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Ha r r y W i l k i n s o nIn Memoriam___________________Ph.D., F.A.G.O.
E l i z a b e t h Manu s ___________________Pianist, Organist, Vocal coach
Auditions, recitals, special eventshttp://www.elizabethmanus.com
SEPTEMBER 2010 VOLUME LXXIII, No. 111
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SEPTEMBER 2010 VOLUME LXXIII, No. 112
Dear Colleagues,
I’ve been an AGO member for over 35 years, and I amstarting my fourth year as your Treasurer. During thetime before becoming Treasurer, I had very little insightinto the Chapter finances. Now that I’m in the job, I’vecome to appreciate that there is a lack of understandingacross the membership about our financial resources,and specifically how the money from dues and dona-tions is apportioned. This article is to shed light on thattopic, and is an expanded version of an overview I pre-sented at our end-of-year event.
Our Chapter currently consists of 364 members in fivecategories: Regular, Special (over 65), Dual, Friend,and Student. Dues are scaled downward from $100,as shown in the figure, and since the implementation ofONCARD, are paid to National. The Chapter receives40% of the total dues amount, with Headquartersretaining 60% for operation of the office, staff, publica-tion and mailing of The American Organist, programs,conventions, etc. The details of how those percent-ages are arrived at and what National does with itsshare are beyond the scope of this article, not being inany way determined at our level. In addition, theannual dues amounts are established by National andare uniform nationwide.
Using numbers from the year just finished on June 30,our income was $12,524 from dues and $7,418 fromdonations, which is just slightly under $20,000 total. Nomoney goes to salaries or stipends to members otherthan program presenter or exam proctor honoraria; weare an all-volunteer organization, and depend on thetime and talent of many hard-working people.
Like any organization, we have recurring costs for sup-plies and services necessary to operate. If we considerthe “overhead” costs for all but Crescendo, we spendan average of $10,000 for these somewhat fixedexpenses. Examples of these include: $1,500 a yearfor IT costs ($1,200 for the database that powers oursite and enables registration functions, holds thearchives of membership information, Crescendo, etc.,and $300 for the site that hosts it), $1,950 for theaccounting firm that does the IRS tax form preparationfor our tax-exempt status, $1,000 for printing and
postage (directories, annual election, etc.), an averageof $1,600 a year in donations (to National, otherChapters for local programs, special sponsorships,etc.), a competition prize of $1,000 offered every otheryear, $800 to assist with our representative attendingthe National Convention, and about $2,000 in othercosts, such as the calligraphy for our three recentaward recipients, and so forth.
In addition, while Crescendo brings in revenue in theform of requested donations and ads, the printing andpostage far exceed the donation revenue, so it oper-ates at a loss. For this past year, the “donations” were$1,086. Printing costs were $2,961 and postage cost$1,396, for a total of $4,357. Looking at the paper ver-sion only, the production and mailing exceeds thedonations by $3,271. Ad sales were $3,673.Considering that the ad revenue would be about thesame even if Crescendo were only published electroni-cally, as it presently is for every member (with theoption of printing a hard copy if desired), the paper ver-sion represents a large drain on our finances. We havesuccessfully reduced the number of paper Crescendosprinted from 250 to 200 over this past year; some ofthese are placed at local schools and libraries, so arenot all mailed. Still, the recent average cost per paperissue is $2.23 each. Thus, printing and postage costover $22 per set of ten issues per year. Accordingly,we will be raising the amount for those who want aprinted copy mailed to them, and will assess a charge,rather than terming it a “donation”, which some unfortu-nately take only as a suggestion. [Editor’s note: Thiswill not go into effect until next season.]
In round numbers then, our revenues this past year(just ended) from all sources, excluding programs andevents (“programs”), were just over $25,000, and ouroverhead / operating costs were just over $14,000.Therefore, assuming a balanced budget, the amountavailable for events and programs was $11,000.
In prior years, our programs cost significantly morethan that. When I took over as Treasurer, I assessedthe situation and looked at the significantly larger pro-gram cost at the time, coupled with the reasonableexpectation that our revenues would be level at bestover the coming years. As our numbers diminish, andas more members move into the “Special” category(lowering the Chapter’s share of the individual member-ship by $7.50 per year each), we cannot expect grow-ing revenue. Based on my experience with theAssociation of Church Musicians in Philadelphia(ACMP), a mostly Catholic organization to which anumber of our members also belong, it seemed reason-able to attempt to charge those who actually attendprograms to pay a relatively small amount as is doneby ACMP, rather than providing everything at nocharge. This was agreed to by the ExecutiveCommittee, and was initiated. Some members have
And Now a Word from Our Treasurer
DUES
APPORTIONMENT
Dues to Nat�l > Chapter
Regular / Dual: $100 > 39
Special (>65): $75 > 31.50
Student: $40 > 13
Continued on page 13
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 113
SOC David Burton Brown Philadelphia, PA 267-297-6132SOC Mary Eliz. Campbell, CAGO Phoenixville, PA 484-995-6110SOC Jack Charles Schwenksville, PA 610-287-9366SOC Doris J. Dabrowski SPC Philadelphia, PA 215-790-1115SOC Lee de Mets, FAGO Chalfont, PA 215-997-0219SOC Adam F. Dieffenbach Telford, PA 267-738-2326 SOC Joyce Drayton Philadelphia PA 215-635-5778SOC Maria de J. Ellis Ardmore, PA 610-896-6189 SO Karen B. Fallows SPC Hatfield, PA 267-240-7800 SOC Susanna Faust West Chester, PA 610-766-1812SOC Robert Fidler Cheltenham, PA 215-260-3758SOC Kathleen Flaherty Philadelphia, PA 215-242-2964SOC Jeremy J. Flood CAGO Philadelphia, PA 215-625-2747 SOC Louise M. Gerdelmann Souderton, PA 215-723-6975SOC Lisa Guglielmo Glenmoore, PA 610-906-7740SOC Raymond Johnson Cheltenham, PA 215-635-9944SOC Mary Eileen Johnston Havertown, PA 610-633-2264 SOC Joel E. Klingman SPC Southampton, PA 215-355-8445
SUNDAY SUBSTITUTESThe codes preceding each name have the following meanings: S = Available to play on a Sunday,O = Available to play other services such as weddings/funerals/weekdays, C = will also direct a choirThis list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliabilityof substitute organists, Guild certificates and other degree programs indicate preparation beyond the minimum.Please note: This list includes only current members of the Philadelphia Chapter. To be included on this list, please be sure your membershipis current and forward your information to Fran Treisbach at 484-231-1426 or [email protected].
SOC Thomas S. Lever Lansdale, PA 215-855-0287S Chiduzie Madubata Philadelphia, PA 301-919-9632S Elizabeth A. Manus St. Davids, PA 610-293-9002SOC Mardia Melroy Ambler, PA 215-646-1975SOC Constance H. Mickel Bryn Mawr, PA 610-527-9514SOC Scott Myers Ewing, NJ 215-715-1003 SO Patricia Nyce King of Prussia, PA 267-252-3020 SOC Kirsten K. Olson Collegeville, PA 610-764-6264 SOC Patricia A. Pezick Blue Bell, PA 610-405-3736SOC Katherine J. Reier SPC Abington, PA 215-287-9939 SOC Daryl Robinson Philadelphia, PA 713-299-7216SOC Barbara Haddad Romesburg Drexel Hill, PA 610-446-3540SO Alexander M. Smith King of Prussia, PA 610-265-4390SOC Janet L. Tebbel Philadelphia, PA 267-250-7727SOC Fran Treisbach West Norriton Twp, PA 484-231-1426SOC John W. Van Sant Trenton, NJ 609-498-1768SOC Karen Whitney Philadelphia, PA 215-424-8450 S John C. Williams Doylestown, PA 215-622-1015
Code Substitute Location Phone Number Code Substitute Location Phone Number
Organists on this list are available to play Sunday services
not understood or appreciated this sudden cost forevents that were always free; and in fact this changecould have been better explained and socialized.
Program costs for the 2013 – 2014 year were about$18,800. The following year, this was reduced to about$13,500. For the year just ended, the cost was $9,800.The combination of scaling back the number and scopeof programs along with some fees for attendance hasreduced this part of our budget by almost one half.During the earlier two years, 2013 – 14 and 2014 – 15,the higher program expenses ended up being fundedby running down our financial reserve, which was about$25,000. The Executive Committee has since deter-mined that for responsible financial administration areserve balance of $10,000 should be carried over as acushion each year, beginning with this one.
We have listened to the membership on the subject offees for programs. Going forward, the options are tolimit charges to a few special events and also, if neces-sary, to program fewer or less ambitious programswithin the constraints of our financial posture.
This article is meant to enhance insight as to the pre-sent situation. Recapping, our membership revenue(about $12,500) does not cover our operating costs(about $14,200 with the existing yearly Crescendodeficits). In addition, our donations (about $7,400exclusive of Crescendo “donations”) do not cover evenour more modest program costs (about $9,800). Wewill be attempting to structure our programs at a level ofabout $10,000; but there are many variables that makeprojections of costs and possible revenues difficult atbest. To have more or more ambitious programs, addi-tional funds would be needed.
Toward the end of last season, we reconstituted aFinance Committee which will oversee development ofthe budget, suggest expenditure levels, and make rec-ommendations for other commitments of resources asthe need arises, taking our fiscal responsibility seri-ously. The Committee consists of David Furniss,Marcia Sommers, Jeff Fowler, Ria Ellis, Gloria Bracy,and myself. At our last meeting Gloria, who has relatedexperience, volunteered to work with me to develop theIRS paperwork, which will result in significant savings.As always, we will continue to look for efficiencies andpledge our ongoing stewardship of your monetary com-mitment to AGO and our Chapter.
Submitted by Bruce Marshall
A Word from Our TreasurerContinued from page 12___________________
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 114
OC Lucas C. Brown Philadelphia, PA 267-474-8476 OC D. Stephen Cable Bethlehem, PA 484-866-6019O Ronald Chancler, SPC Levittown, PA 267-679-6638OC Linda J. Clark West Chester, PA 610-793-1606O Ron Coles Philadelphia, PA 267-973-0323OC Marjorie L. Cummings CAGO Philadelphia, PA 215-728-1530OC Lee de Mets FAGO Chalfont, PA 215-997-0219OC Thomas G Denny Spring City, PA 610-864-6143OC Theodore W. Didden CAGO Ambler, PA 215-646-0294 OC Sue Ellen Echard Harleysville, PA 610-585-5059 OC Paul Emmons AAGO, ChM Warminster, PA 215-675-6478O Suzanne Erb Philadelphia, PA 215-568-5795 O Jonathan G. Fairchild Huntingdon Valley, PA 215-947-8340OC Paul Fejko Philadelphia, PA 609-462-9000 O Patricia Gallo-Terrenzio Huntingdon Valley, PA 215-947-4759OC William J. Gatens, FAGO, ChM Chester, PA 610-876-5617OC Charles Glandorf Coopersburg, PA 610-416-1055OC Eric Gombert Souderton, PA 267-471-7003OC Peter Gowen Philadelphia, PA 215-776-7374 O Timothy Harrell Doylestown, PA 215-297-5812O H. Ray Hunsicker West Chester, PA 610-399-4358
OTHER SUBSTITUTES
OC Grete Ingalls, CAGO Philadelphia, PA 267-253-4007 OC Helen Jauregui Philadelphia, PA 215-498-0982OC Beth Z. Jenkins Oreland, PA 215-885-7275 OC D. Damien Jones Wilmington, DE 215-432-2178OC Sandor Kadar, FAGO Newtown, PA 609-540-6548OC Maria Lennon Hatboro, PA 215-896-9484OC David Clark Little Feasterville, PA 610-209-5243O Glenn M. Matis Doylestown, PA 215-489-2548 OC Steven J. McBride West Chester, PA 610-633-3442 OC Lee F. Milhous Doylestown, PA 215-348-8872 OC Wesley D. Parrott Philadelphia, PA 215-732-6732OC Aaron C. Patterson Philadelphia, PA 215-725-0959 O Margaret Realley Doylestown PA 215-345-8564OC Katherine Rick ,CAGO Wayne, PA 517-945-3448O Ruth E. Rineer Cheltenham, PA 267-536-5706OC Valerie Rozek Chesterbrook, PA 440-478-8163OC Jeffrey J. Shuman, FAGO, ChM Lightstreet, PA 570-784-1574 OC Judith F. B. Stebner Warminster, PA 215-630-9632OC Bruce J. Thorsen Doylestown,. PA 215-622-1023OC F. Anthony Thurman Cherry Hill, NJ 856-616-2480O Jerry L. E. Wright Collingdale, PA 610-586-7381
The codes preceding each name have the following meanings:O = Available to play other services such as weddings/funerals/weekdays, C = will also direct a choirThis list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliabilityof substitute organists, Guild certificates and other degree programs indicate preparation beyond the minimum.Please note: This list includes only current members of the Philadelphia Chapter. To be included on this list, please be sure your membershipis current and forward your information to Fran Treisbach at 484-231-1426 or [email protected].
These organists are NOT available to play Sunday services
Code Substitute Location Phone Number Code Substitute Location Phone Number
Roy Harker___________________Church of Saint Asaph
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Rudolph A. Lucente___________________Director of Sacred Music, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Asst. Wanamaker Grand Court Organ
Carolyn Boxmeyer_________________Flutist
215.333.8833
D e n n i s E l w e l l___________________
Overbrook Presbyterian Church - Philadelphia
Sándor Kádár, F.A.G.O.___________________Organist, Conductor, Accompanist, Improvisor
St. Andrew Catholic ChurchNewtown, Pennsylvania
sandorkadar.com
William J. Gatens, D. Phil., F.A.G.O., Ch.M.___________________St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bridgeport, PA
Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins ParkAmerican Record Guide
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 115News from NationalAGO National Election Results Announced at AGONational Convention
NEW YORK CITY—Today, July 1, 2016, four newlyelected officers, three national councillors with portfo-lio, and seven regional councillors begin their two-yearterm of leadership on the National Council and Boardof Regional Councillors of the American Guild ofOrganists (AGO). Election results were reported andcouncillors were installed on Wednesday, June 22,during the AGO Annual Meeting held in conjunctionwith the AGO National Convention in Houston, Tex. Inaddition, in accordance with AGO Bylaws, AGO PastPresident John Walker will remain on the Council as anon-voting member for a period of one year. The non-voting AGO Executive Director also serves as an exofficio member of Council. Election results follow:
NATIONAL COUNCIL
PresidentMichael Bedford, AAGO, ChM (Tulsa, Okla.)
Vice President / Councillor for Competitions andNew MusicEileen Hunt, AAGO (Salem, Mass.)
Secretary / Councillor for CommunicationsMary V. Stutz (Williamsburg, Va.)
Treasurer / Councillor for Finance andDevelopmentBarbara Adler, SPC (Ithaca, N.Y.)
Councillor for ConventionsMichael Velting (Nashville, Tenn.)
Councillor for EducationDon Cook, AAGO (Provo, Utah)
Councillor for MembershipDavid K. Lamb, CAGO (Clarksville, Ind.)
Non-Voting (Ex officio) Members of the AGONational Council
AGO Past PresidentJohn Walker, FAGO (Baltimore, Md.)
AGO Executive DirectorJames E. Thomashower, CAE (New York, N.Y.)
Seven regional councillors were also elected duringthe national election. In accordance with the Guild’snew organizational structure, the regional councillorswill be represented on the National Council through theChair of the Board of Regional Councillors. During theAGO National Convention in Houston, Matthew Burt(West Regional Councillor) was elected to serve in thiscapacity.
BOARD OF REGIONAL COUNCILLORS
Northeast RegionCheryl Duerr, AAGO (Attleboro, Mass.)
Mid-Atlantic RegionGlenn L. Rodgers, AAGO (Delran, N.J.)
Southeast RegionHomer Ferguson III (Pinehurst, N.C.)
Great Lakes RegionKarl Bruhn (Batavia, Ill.)
North Central RegionMarilyn Schempp, SPC (Sioux Falls, S.Dak.)
Southwest RegionVicki Schaeffer (Norman, Okla.)
West Region Matthew Burt, SPC (Palo Alto, Calif.)
"The process of nominating 14 candidates to serve onthe National Council and an equal number of candi-dates for the seven Regional Councillor positions is amajor undertaking,” reported AGO Executive DirectorJames Thomashower. “It requires a conscientiouseffort among seven Regional Nominating Committeesand the AGO’s National Nominating Committee. Morethan 40 volunteers are involved in finding two highlyqualified nominees for each office. We thank all of thenominees for their willingness to serve in these volunteer positions.”
The election was held from April 1–30 and managedby Intelliscan Inc., an independent election manage-ment firm engaged by the AGO to administer the elec-tion, receive the ballots, and tabulate the results. Thetotal number of ballots cast was 5,514, representingresponses from approximately 35% of the Guild’smembership. “The ability to vote and elect the Guild’sleaders is both a benefit and a responsibility of mem-bership,” added Thomashower. “With so many out-standing candidates, members were faced with manyhard choices. As is often the case, some of the raceswere not decided until the final ballots were cast. Iextend my sincere thanks to all members who tookpart in the election. Our organization’s future will beshaped by the leaders you have selected.”
Detailed election results can be found in the July issueof The American Organist Magazine, p.7. ■
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 116AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS’HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUSAWARDS BESTOWED AT AGONATIONAL CONVENTIONPresident’s Award Presented to Frederick R. HaasNEW YORK CITY — The American Guild ofOrganists (AGO) bestowed its two highest awards ofnational distinction in conjunction with the 53rd biennialAGO National Convention in Houston, Tex. Award pre-sentations were made during the Guild’s AnnualMeeting. AGO President John Walker made the presen-tation to Frederick Haas, and at Walker’s request,Jeffrey Hoover made the presentation to RobertBennett because of Hoover’s long association with theaward recipient.
The AGO President’s Award was presented toFrederick R. Haas of Philadelphia, Pa. The prestigiousaward, created in 1988, is presented biennially to rec-ognize outstanding contributions to the art of the organin the United States. The 2016 President’s Award wasgiven to Haas “in gratitude for his inspired artistry, faith-ful support, and generous patronage of theKing of Instruments.” Past recipients of the AGOPresident’s Award include: Clementine MillerTangeman, Alice Tully, Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Hulings,Amelia Lay Hodges, J. Michael Barone, RobertaBitgood, FAGO, CHM, Edward A. Hansen, AAGO(posthumously awarded), Anthony Baglivi, Craig R.Whitney, Pleasant T. Rowland, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley C.Dudley, Messrs. Ronald G. Pogorzelski and Lester D.Yankee (posthumously awarded), Martha RiversIngram, and Christoph Wolff.
Edward A. Hansen Leadership Award Given toRobert C. BennettThe AGO Edward A. Hansen Leadership Award waspresented to Robert C. Bennett of Houston, Tex.Created by the AGO National Council in 1999 to honorthe memory of the Guild’s distinguished past president,Edward A. Hansen, AAGO, the prestigious award ispresented biennially to recognize individuals who havedemonstrated outstanding leadership in the AGO. The2016 Edward A. Hansen Leadership Award was givento Bennett “in gratitude for his lifetime of devoted ser-vice to the Guild and his leadership in the HoustonChapter spanning more than seven decades.”Previous Hansen Award recipients include: KarenMcFarlane Holtkamp, Ruth M. Caswell, Joyce S.Hesketh, Betty Jean Bartholomew, D. DeWitt Wasson,CHM, Marianne Webb, Frederick Swann, Peter andLois Fyfe, and Barbara Owen.
BIOGRAPHIES
FREDERICK R. HAAS, organist and philanthropist, is anative of Villanova, Pa., and has performed throughoutthe Philadelphia region his entire life. He is AssistantGrand Court Organist at Macy’s Center CityPhiladelphia, where he performs on the WanamakerOrgan weekly, and co-chaired the 2016 OHS NationalConvention in Philadelphia, June 26–July 2. Fred Haasbegan piano study at age six and, during high school,had organ lessons with Robert Plimpton. He was admit-ted to the Oberlin Conservatory as a student of DavidBoe, and studied with Fenner Douglass, DavidCraighead, Harald Vogel, and William Porter throughthe Oberlin Summer Organ Institutes. He was awardeda bachelor’s degree in organ performance from Oberlinin 1983 and returned to Philadelphia. He was assistantorganist to Jeffrey Brillhart at Bryn Mawr PresbyterianChurch until 1986.
A lifelong advocate for the King of Instruments, Mr.Haas is founder of the Historic Organ Trust, an organi-zation dedicated to preserving and restoring importantAmerican pipe organs. He is a board member of theHistoric Organ Restoration Committee at Atlantic City’sBoardwalk Hall and was lead donor of the Fred J.Cooper Memorial Organ (Dobson, Opus 76)in Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts,Philadelphia. Mr. Haas is a trustee of the William PennFoundation, trustee of the Wyncote Foundation, apatron of new and traditional opera at the MetropolitanOpera and at Opera Philadelphia, and a trustee ofSanta Fe Opera.
ROBERT C. BENNETT has given more than 70 yearsof service to the AGO. At the age of 13, he was electedtreasurer of the Houston Chapter and has since heldmultiple terms as dean and auditor. Bennett was coordi-nator of the 1958 AGO National Convention in Houston,cocoordinator of the 1988 AGO National Convention,and advisor to the 2016 AGO National Convention.Additionally, he was coordinator of the 1973 AGO Mid-Winter Conclave and AGO Region VII Convention.Bennett was Diaconal Minister of Music and Fine Arts atSt. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston, wherehe designed its organ and served for 42 years. He waschair of the subcommittee on hymn tunes for the 1988United Methodist Hymnal and the 1993 hymnalsupplement. He is a Fellow of Trinity College, London,and holds a doctorate from Southwestern University.
The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is thenational professional association serving the organ andchoral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educa-tional and service organization, it sets and maintainshigh musical standards and promotes the understand-ing and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choralmusic. The AGO fosters a thriving community of musi-cians who share their knowledge and inspire passionfor the organ and currently serves approximately16,000 members in more than 300 local chaptersthroughout the United States and abroad.
SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 117TALE PIPES
Mary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO, Editor
Mib Campbell
WHERE AM I?
Our first challenge this season was submitted by Adam Dieffenbach –
a fascinating and beautiful instrument.
Last June’s puzzle was from St. Paul’s EpiscopalChurch in Chestnut Hill where the wonderful con-cert with Eastman students and organ concertostook place.
Ilike to at times use this column to highlight one ofour members so that we can all get to know eachother better.
This month I present ouresteemed treasurer, BruceMarshall. We both joined thechapter in 1980 and also bothhave been involved with ACMP– Bruce served as their trea-surer for a term before kindlyaccepting that job in our chap-ter. Not long ago I was luckyenough to hear him performingwith his band ‘The Usual
Suspects” – a delightful oldies rock band, with Bruceon keyboard and very energetic vocals! (They werepart of an event in our local community.) They’vebeen having fun together for 15 years!
Bruce is a delightful fellow with a wonderful sense ofhumor and plenty of talents in many areas. APhiladelphia native, he attended St. TimothyEpiscopal Parochial School in Roxborough, and thengraduated from Central High. He earned a degreein Electrical Engineering from Drexel University, allthe while working as an organist. A student of HarryGreer at Trinity Memorial Chapel, Bruce had his firstorgan position at age 15 with Wayne Ave. UnitedPresbyterian Church in Germantown, and thenmoved to St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal in SouthPhiladelphia.
With his electrical engineering degree he went on towork for the Navy for 37 years, and traveled theworld onboard ship for many years. During that timehe kept his hand in church music by working as asub, but once he was back with feet firmly inPhiladelphia he accepted the music position at St.Alban’s Episcopal Church in Roxborough from 1980-1989, and then jumped to the Catholic side of thefence and accepted the music post at St. Margaret’sin Narberth for 15 years. After that post he chose toreturn to serving as a supply organist throughout thearea, and he’s loving it! “This is the life! Not toomuch down side – and I can live my passion!” He isquite resilient and determined to keep up his passionof music ministry – in spite of twice being hit by cars,one of which was right after a funeral he had played!
Bruce has three grown children and one 3 year oldgranddaughter. He has recently been enjoying aclass at Bryn Athyn Cathedral in stone carving.
Thank you for all that you do for the chapter, Bruce!
Mary Elizabeth Campbell, C.A.G.O.___________________Music Therapist – MAMT – BC
Private Music Teacher, Therapist, EDMR Practitioner
Ron Coles, MM, M.Ed.Admin.___________________Roxborough Sr High School, Arts Department Chair
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Philadelphiawww.roncoles.com
NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator1936 Guernsey AvenueAbington, PA 19001-3702
& ASSOCIATES, INC.O R G A N B U I L D E R S
• Quality New Instruments• Conscientious Electro-Pneumatic and Mechanical Restoration• • Consultations•
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