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1 g{x V{tÜÄÉààx XÇV{tÅtwx V{tÜÄÉààx V{tÑàxÜ AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS YÜÉÅ à{x Wxá~ Éy à{x WxtÇAAA APRIL 2014 The first quarter of 2014 is already past and gone. It is hard to believe! As I write this, I am still reeling from our Peek Weekend events at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Christopher Houlihan who graciously stepped in at the last moment in place of Carole Terry who had health issues which prevented her being with us performed an energetic and technically-stunning program on Sunday afternoon. He was as fun to watch as he was to hear! The audience learned much in his masterclass on Adam Ward, dean Saturday as well, as four organists of varying skills played to our delight as listeners. Many, MANY thanks go to Stephen and Susan Talley for their handling of this event in such a wonderful way! Did you turn in your ballot for the election? I hope that you did! As we approach our 2015 Regional Convention dates, the Executive Board will be such an important part of that process in so many ways. We appreciate the work that goes on at the Executive Board level. We also appreciate those who carry this work out in seamless ways. Don t forget our April 26 program! Jamie Bobb will offer a service playing workshop that Saturday at Myers Park United Methodist Church. This event will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 that morning, so please mark your calendars now to be a part of what promises to be an exciting event! There is much going on in our organization, from the local chapter level to the national level. This newsletter will bring you up to date with many of the events and the news that matters to us as Guild Members. Take note and get involved! Adam Ward The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. To achieve this, we: Encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music; Inspire, educate, and offer certification for organists and choral conductors; Provide networking, fellowship, and mutual support; Nurture future generations of organists; Promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles; and Engage wider audiences with organ and choral music. In This Issue Concert Calendar ONCARD membership renewal Jamie Bobb, April Program A note from our Region IV Councillor Newsletter deadline 10th of each month.

2 Concert Calendar Please visit for the most up to date listingof area concerts and workshops. April 3, :00 pm Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Oxford Covenant Presbyterian Church Tickets available: CarolinaTix.org or by phone (704) April 4, :30 pm Christ Church Cathedral Choir of Oxford Joins with Choirs from Davidson Davidson College Presbyterian Church Tickets available: CarolinaTix.org or by phone (704) April 13, :00 pm Patrick A. Scott, organ Improvisations on the Stations of the Cross Myers Park United Methodist Church April 16, :00 pm Nightscapes, Christ Church Schola Cantorum Christ Episcopal Church, Charlotte, NC April 5, :00 pm Carolina Pro Musica The St. Petersburg Court of Catherine the Great St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Charlotte, NC April 11, :30 pm FirstARTS: A Royal Affair Music for Brass and Organ First United Methodist Church of Salisbury (704) , extension 104; matthew@fumcsalisbury.org April 27, :00 pm Providence Chamber Music Recital Music for woodwinds Providence United Methodist Church (704) Membership Renewal Update Members should have received an notification from the National Office pertaining to the AGO s new Online National Collection and Remittal of Dues (ONCARD) system. This new system allows members to pay their dues online using a credit card, update their personal information, search for Guild members, and make contributions. (Members can still pay by check.) ONCARD will launch in April for the dues season and will begin invoicing members by . What should I do now? Login to ONCARD and update/change your personal information. - You will need your member ID from your TAO magazine address label. - The chapter has appointed 2 liaisons to assist members with the new online process. Contact: Lance Burnette, Registrar or Kathy Alexander, Membership Chair Lance.Burnette@Duke-Energy.com Kattails@windstream.net Please be patient as we go through this transition/learning period together.

3 Announcing the Stigall Scholarship Auditions! The Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is proud to offer Robert and Ann Stigall Scholarship (established in 2004), in honor of their many years of beautiful and inspiring music at Myers Park Presbyterian Church and in the Charlotte community. The Stigall Scholarship is for students in (rising) grades No organ experience is necessary, although a piano background is required. The amount of the Scholarship will vary, depending on the number of winners. Once an award has been received, lessons may begin as of June 1, and no later than September 1. The award may be renewed for a second term at the teacher s discretion. The first semester s lessons must be completed by December 31; the second by May 31. The money will be paid directly to the teacher. Winners will be encouraged to play on the Charlotte AGO Summer Series recital featuring young artists. With this application, please include a Letter of Introduction from the student s music teacher(s), with a brief history of the student s musical background, and any other pertinent information. At the interview, the candidate will play the following at either the piano or organ: 2 contrasting pieces (memory optional) major and minor scales (two octaves), chords, and arpeggios read a hymn at sight The candidate will be asked the following questions: What has inspired you to learn to play the organ? Where will you practice? How will you get there? Previous winners may reapply for the scholarship. The teacher must be a member of the Charlotte Chapter AGO, and must live in Mecklenburg or an adjoining county. AGO membership shall be provided to each scholarship winner. Interviews will be on May 3 at: Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte NC Application deadline: April 19, For more information, contact Michael Lehtinen at SPkMusicSchool@aol.com or Application for the Robert and Ann Stigall Scholarship Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Repertoire to be played at the interview: Please e/mail this form to: Michael Lehtinen Southern Park Music School 4805 Park Rd, Ste 230 Charlotte, NC 28209

4 Christopher Houlihan teaching a masterclass during the Peek Weekend at Covenant Presbyterian Church Left to right: Christopher Houlihan, Samantha Koch (Providence UMC), Clara Gerdes (Stigall Scholar and student of Jane Cain), Mary Grace Hogan (student of Brennan Szafron), Chase Loomer (Stigall Scholar and student of Patrick Scott) APRIL PROGRAM James (Jamie) Bobb, presenter from St. Olaf College SERVICE PLAYING WORKSHOP ADAPTING NON-TRADITIONAL HYMNS TO THE ORGAN READING CHORD CHARTS Saturday, April 26, :30-11:30am Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte The Incomparable Wilma Jensen RECITAL Friday, May 2, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC and LECTURE Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Shandon United Methodist Church 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC Wilma Jensen will perform a recital at Trinity Cathedral on Friday evening. The concert is free for AGO members; admission for the general public is $10. Dr. Jensen recently published a 2- DVD teaching video and booklet, entitled Organizing Notes in Space: Developing Organ Technique and Musicality. It highlights descriptions of physical gestures important for developing special organ techniques and touches and will be the focus of her lecture on Saturday morning which is being presented for AGO members.

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6 G R IV C! One can always start a conversation with a stranger by talking about the weather. And, this year, the weather is sure providing plenty to talk about! I was recently sitting in the airport sur ing the web and read that if the Cat in the Hat provided the weather report it might look something like this: I do not like to see clouds that turn, it makes my tummy jiggle and burn. I do not like those claps of thunder, that make my shoes rattle from under. So let me say with my weather sighs, tomorrow will be sunny with a side of fries! The Cat Spring will come. Since Easter is so late this year, perhaps we should have expected a long winter? Anyway, a few things to bring to your attention: POE s are crucial to the future of our profession. Please encourage youth in your area to consider attending a Pipe Organ Encounter! Check out the complete list (including POEA, POE-Tech, and POE+): And, yes, there is a Facebook Page, too: PipeOrganEncountersoftheAGO If you are attending a POE, what about having your chapter host one??? These are fabulous events that are exciting for students, teachers, and chapter members... spending time with our young organists will make you believe that our profession has a great future! Has your chapter considered hosting a regional convention? What a wonderful way to highlight the resources in your area. Show the Southeast Region what your chapter has to offer! Interested? Contact me for more information! How about hosting a January Jubilee? Don t know much about it? Click here: Get face-to-face with colleagues who are dedicated to the future of quality organ and choral music. Boston this summer, be there! Annual fund -- Yes, we hear about it every year, but for a reason! The annual fund has two categories: chapter and individual. Does your chapter contribute? Do you contribute? A high percentage of participation in both categories assists the national organization as it puts together grant applications... consider donating today. See you at an AGO event soon! Laura Ellis LRELLIS@u l.edu Region IV Blog: Region IV Facebook page: IV/ ?ref=hl

7 NEW YORK CITY The American Guild of Organists (AGO) will sponsor a Recital and Gala Benefit Reception honoring award-winning organist and composer Charles Callahan on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 7:00 p.m., at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Callahan will perform a solo recital featuring works by American composers. The gala benefit reception will follow at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel. The Recital is free and open to the public. Gala Benefit Reception Tickets are $125 ($100 tax deductible) and can be purchased online at or by calling , ext Gala ticket holders will be offered preferred seating and will have their names printed in the commemorative program book. The deadline to be included is April 1. Display advertising is offered in the commemorative program book. Ad sizes include an inside cover ($1,500, includes four gala tickets), full page ($1,000, includes two gala tickets) and half page ($500, includes one gala ticket) insertions. Advertising orders can be placed online at gala@agohq.org for further information. The advertising deadline is April 1. The publication will become a part of the American Organ Archives. Those unable to attend the Recital and Gala Benefit Reception are invited to participate from a distance by making a contribution to the AGO Endowment Fund in honor of Charles Callahan. Contribute online at or by sending a check to the AGO Endowment Fund, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260, New York, NY Contributions received by April 1 will be included in the commemorative program book. All proceeds from the Gala will honor Charles Callahan in perpetuity through the AGO Endowment Fund. Interlochen Arts Camp Interlochen Arts Camp brings together serious, aspiring artists from around the world to study music, dance, theatre, visual art, creative writing and motion picture arts. The sense of purpose young organists gain by immersing themselves in this creative environment is often life-changing. After a summer at Interlochen, students return home on fire, their passion for our art affirmed and their imagination expanded. In addition to the art-filled and creative environment at Interlochen, we bring a gifted faculty to our northwoods campus to provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience. For the summer of 2014, I am excited to announce that we will be joined by master teachers Todd Wilson, James Kibbie, and Paul Barte. Thomas Bara Assistant Director of Music Instructor of Organ Interlochen Center for the Arts

8 Sacred Music Intensive Summer Course June 2-6, 2014 Taught by faculty from the Jacobs School of Music Organ and Choral Departments, the course supplies continuing education enrichment to choral conductors, organists and students from other institutions who seek a supportive and stimulating environment in which to sharpen skills and engage new concepts and repertoire. Attendees will have the option of tailoring their week s course of study from a variety of offerings of interest to organists and choral conductors, including: Applied Study in Organ and Choral Conducting Classes in Keyboard Skills, Service Playing, Organ Improvisation, the Art of the Choral Warm-up, Voice Building for Choristers, Choral Repertoire for the Church Year The week will include faculty and participant performances as well as opportunities to socialize and enjoy the splendor of Indiana University and Bloomington in the early summer. For more information, including a detailed schedule and description of classes, and registration, visit our website. Visit the 2015 Regional Convention website at

9 Employment Opportunities Full listing details can be found on our chapter website at or the AGO national website. Please check both websites for the most current postings. Organist (Part Time) Dilworth United Methodist Church 605 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC Contact Person: Carol Biddy Hours per week: 20 Congr Size: 300 Weekly Services: 1 Rehearsals: 1 Extras Services: Candlelight Carol Service/Christmas Eve Addtl Wedding Fee: Yes Addtl Funeral Fee: Yes Ensembles: Chancel Choir Education Requirements: Bachelor of Music or higher preferred 1993, Visser-Rowland, 3 manuals, 45 ranks, Yearly Contract: Yes Open Date: May 2014, Applic Date: now Addtl Info - $ Salary and other benefits are negotiable and will be determined commensurate with education and experience. Our 11am service is traditional in format and is characterized by organ music from the standard repertoire. The Chancel Choir sings anthem literature drawn from a wide range of styles and periods. The ideal candidate will be comfortable at both the organ and piano. Chancel Choir Director/Organist (Part Time) First Lutheran Church Albemarle 230 South Second Street, Albemarle NC Phone: Contact Person: Jeanette Wilhelm jhw@carolina.rr.com Salary: $26,000-32,000 Vacation Days: 3 Sundays Addt l Benefits: Offer Health Care Plan and Pension Congr Size: 700, Weekly Services: 1, Rehearsals: 1, Extras Services: Lenten, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Funerals and other seasonal needs. Addtl Wedding Fee: Yes, Addtl Funeral Fee: No, Ensembles: Chancel Choir, Education Requirements: Music Degree M.P. Moller, 3 manuals, 22 Ranks Open Date: 05/05/2014, Applic Date: immediate Addtl Info - Must have demonstrated experience with organ accompaniment and conducting. The candidate must work well with all staff, volunteers and musicians of all abilities to further our music ministry. This position emphasizes being a team player with the Pastor, staff and volunteers of First Lutheran Church Albemarle; including recognizing that each plays a significant role in the ministry of this congregation. Prefer candidates with liturgical background. Choir Director (Part Time) First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC PH: Contact Person: Lorraine Kieffer fumcclt@gmail.com Hours: per week Salary: $ negotiable Congr Size: 800 Lead one evening rehearsal weekly, direct during one Sunday service weekly plus seasonal services, plan weekly with organist/accompanist and clergy, and coordinate annual choir retreat. Continuing education funds available annually. Extra Services: Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve 3-manual, 61-rank 1967 Moller Vacation and Sick Leave available Assistance with hosting concert events as needed

10 F R E N C H CONNECTIONS DIVERSE DYNAMIC DIVINE EXPERIENCE QUEEN CITY GRANDEUR WITH FLOURISHES OF FRANCE 2015 AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONVENTION CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA JULY 1-4, Charlotte Chapter, AGO Dr. Patrick A. Scott, editor 1501 Queens Road Charlotte, NC April 10, 2014 Any information received after the deadline will be printed in the next issue.