B ryn Athyn Cathedral sits on a hill overlooking the picturesque. AGO Legends IX Sunday April 19, 2015

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1 Newsletter of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists In This Issue... CHAPTER NEWS 1 CRESCENDO STAFF INFORMATION 2 REGISTRAR S CORNER 3 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AGO: 3 Offices and Committees Directory AGO Legends IX Sunday April 19, 2015 CHAPTER EVENTS 2014/ CHAPTER PATRONS 4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6 NEWS FROM NATIONAL 7 TUESDAY NOON RECITALS 8 POSITIONS AVAILABLE 9 SUNDAY SUBSTITUTES 10 OTHER SUBSTITUTES 11 CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES 12 WHERE AM I? 16 TALE PIPES 17 1:00pm and 1:30pm 3:30pm 4:30pm 5:00pm Bryn Athyn Cathedral 900 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA Hosts Graham Bier and Terry S. Schnarr Schedule of the Day Optional guided tours of the Glencairn Museum for AGO members and friends. Pre-registration and a $6 fee are required for this portion of the day only. See page 2 for more details and the registration link. Presentation on Music at Bryn Athyn * The new Skinner Organ * History of the Cathedral and surrounding buildings * Some of the practices and distinguishing facets of the congregation Afternoon coffee / socializing Vespers highlighting music by Bryn Athyn choirs and the new Skinner organ B ryn Athyn Cathedral sits on a hill overlooking the picturesque Pennypack Creek Valley in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. Since its dedication in 1919, it has been the worship space for the Bryn Athyn Church and a meeting place New Church members. The main construction of the Cathedral took place between the years 1913 and 1928 with work on the stained glass windows and interior decoration continuing into the early 1940s and beyond. Continued on page 2 The deadline for the next issue is April 1, 2015

2 CRESCENDO, the official bulletin of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, is published monthly, September through June. All material for publication must reach the Editor by the 1st day of the month preceding the date of issue,.eg. November 1 for the December issue. This must be type written and ed (text supplied in an attachment). Crescendo reserves the right to make editorial changes and to shorten articles to fit space limitations. Articles in Crescendo reflect the views of the writers and not necessarily those of the Guild. All advertising must be arranged through the Advertising Manager. Crescendo season and professional card advertising automatically renew for each successive volume, unless we receive notification of cancellation of the advertising. Advertising Rates Camera-ready: One-Time Season 1/8 page: $50 $400 1/4 page: $75 $600 1/2 page: $100 $800 full page: $150 $1200 Professional card: - $60 (full season, members only) Camera-ready art only accepted according to stated deadlines. 2 AGO Legends IX Continued from page 1 The main Cathedral building is Gothic, while the northern and southern buildings are in the early Romanesque style. The symbolic plan is based on the teachings of the New Church. Glencairn, built between 1928 and 1939, was the home of the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn family for forty years. Today it serves as a museum of religious art and history. Visitors explore beliefs and practices through renowned art collections, including ancient Egyptian, ancient Greek and Roman, medieval Christian, Islamic, Asian, and American Indian. Pitcairn s collection of medieval stained glass and sculpture is considered to be one of the country's finest. We will have special tours for AGO members and friends at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. The special entrance fee is $6.00 per person, with online preregistration at Editorial Board CRESCENDO Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Editor Crescendo@agophila.org Karen Fallows & Tom Lever, Publishers Crescendo@agophila.org Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator Katherine.Reier@agophila.org Calendar of Events Kathleen Scheide, Coordinator Calendar@agophila.org Positions Available Robert Carson, Coordinator Placement@agophila.org Advertising Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Coordinator Advertise@agophila.org Visit our website at

3 3 REGISTRAR S CORNER E R I K M E Y E R, R E G I S T R A R T ake a quick moment and write a note in your calendar on June 1st - renew your AGO dues early this year! I admit, I am guilty - I'm one of those members who renews long past the due date. However, the AGO is now handling membership renewal with a "rolling deadline" - so if you wait until December to renew, your next renewal will be due the following December. So what's the big deal? Unlike previous years, this means your TAO magazine and member benefits won't continue over a long grace period. Late renewals and a rolling deadline will also affect our local chapter finances. So, we on the executive committee say a big "thanks in advance!" for marking your calendars and renewing on time. Thank you for making our chapter strong and our great programming happen. As always, if you need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. Erik Have you considered volunteering for our chapter? (And we are ALL volunteers!) Loretta Hartnett, former and long term volunteer coordinator, had these wise words to offer: The vitality and strength of any organization is the active participation of its members! A few possibilities: Letting us know if you would be willing to run for Executive Committee or other office (Tedd Didden is coordinating nominations this year) Assisting with mailings Katherine Reier heads the Crescendo Mail Bees and would most certainly welcome you, but we also have other mailings periodically. Hosting or playing a Tuesday Noon Recital - you can even do this jointly with another member (for instance by including vocal or solo instrumental music to accompany) Helping with chapter events serving as greeter/usher/host; co-sponsoring an event between your church/synagogue/ other professional organization and the chapter Making phone calls an occasional need Writing an article or submitting photos to Crescendo Encouraging membership!! MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION E r i k M e y e r, R e g i s t r a r 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 registrar@agophila.org x104 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS ELECTED OFFICES Dean Tim Evers Dean@agophila.org Sub-Dean John Romeri SubDean@agophila.org Treasurer Bruce Marshall Treasurer@agophila.org Secretary Maria dej. Ellis Maria.Ellis@agophila.org Registrar Erik Meyer x104 registrar@agophila.org Communications Coordinator Marcia Sommers Communications@agophila.org Executive Committee TERM ENDING 2015 Mary Elizabeth Campbell Theodore Didden Zach Hemenway x35 Judith Fichthorn Bell Stebner TERM ENDING 2016 Grete Ingalls Erik Meyer Elaine Sonnenberg Gordon Turk TERM ENDING 2017 Paul Fejko Rosemary Hood Wesley Parrott Andrew Senn x28 APPOINTED LEADERSHIP Registrar Erik Meyer x104 EMeyer@stmartinec.org Chapter Chaplain Rev. Bruce Thorsen Chaplain@agophila.org Competition Committee Chair Alan Morrison Alan.Morrison@agophila.org Endowment Committee Chair Ethel Geist Ethel.Geist@agophila.org Examinations Coordinator Lee de Mets Lee.DeMets@agophila.org Historian / Archivist To be appointed Nomination Committee Chair To be appointed Placement Coordinator Robert Carson Placement@agophila.org Professional Concerns Chair Judy Lang Judy.Lang@agophila.org Tuesday Noon Recitals Coordinator Andrew Heller TuesdayNoon@agophila.org Volunteer Coordinator Loretta Hartnett Loretta.Hartnett@agophila.org Webmaster Tom Lever webmaster@agophila.org

4 Saturday, September 27, 2014, 9:30am Annual Kick-Off Event with Dr. James Litton English Choral Music. Repertoire and Techniques St. Monica, Berwyn Friday, October 24, 2014, 7:00pm A Tribute to Calvin Hampton St. Mark s Episcopal, Center City; St. Mark s Choir, Matt Glandorf, with Harry Huff (Calvin s Assistant) 4 Philadelphia Chapter of the AGO Chapter Events Friday, November 7, 2014, 2:00pm Organ Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Organist Paul Jacobs Kimmel Center & Valanni Restaurant, 1229 Spruce Street 2 PM Concert; 4:30 PM Happy Hour with Paul Jacobs Monday, November 24, 2014, 9:30am Workshop with Thierry Escaich on the Durufle Legacy Improvisation Organist from St. Etienne de Mont, Paris Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Sunday, December 28, 2014, 4:00pm - 8:00pm AGO Christmas Party Fred Haas Residence Saturday, January 17, 2015, 8:00am - 4:00pm January Jumpstart Michael McCarthy, National Cathedral Director, Cathedral Organist Benjamin Straley, PLUS Singers from the National Cathedral Choir Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Sunday,February 15, 2015, 4:00pm Hymn Festival with Robert Hobby St. Paul s Lutheran, Ardmore; host Andrew Heller Monday, March 16, 2015, 7:30pm Alexander Technique and Body Mapping with Heather Buchanan, for console player and conductor St Paul Lutheran, Glenside; host: Rae Ann Anderson Sunday, April 19, 2015, afternoon AGO Legends IX Bryn Athyn Cathedral; hosts Graham Bier, Terry S. Schnarr Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 7:30pm Choral Techniques with Dennis Keene from the Voices of Ascension. Wayne Presbyterian Church; hosts Tim Evers, Jeff Fowler Monday, June 1, 2015, 6:30pm Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers Pyramid Club; host: Doug Backman Saturday, June 13, AM - 5 PM Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ Day Kimmel Center We thank our Patrons (list updated monthly) Benefactors Jeffrey B. Fowler Ethel Geist, CAGO, and Norman Geist Alan Morrison Harry Wilkinson Sponsors Peter Richard Conte, AAGO Theodore W. Didden, CAGO Joseph J. Lewis John A. Romeri, AAGO, ChM, & Karen Romeri David W. Stettler Donors Rae Ann Anderson Robert H. Erb Jane Errera, ChM Jeremy J. Flood Barbara R. Hartenbauer Ashley L. Horner Martha N. Johnson Conrad M. Olie Allen R. Popjoy Stephen F. Schreiber Contributors Carol P. Anders Cecelia A. Beatty John Byrne Rembrandt 3000 David Christopher, CAGO Maria de J. Ellis Mary L. Fenwick, AAGO Loretta S. Hartnett, SPC Nancy J Kahler-Jow Paul S. Kinsey Jeffrey P. Lees Thomas S. Lever, Jr. Jean Madden Kathleen J. Moyer Wesley D. Parrott Joyce F. Rasmussen Stephen W. Ross Yoshiko M. Seavey Edward Wilk Debra Bacak Robert K. Betty Mary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO Marjorie Lynch Cummings, CAGO William P. Fenimore Dorothy Fulton-Stevens, AAGO Andrew K. Heller Charles F. Kelemen Judith A. Lang Maria Lennon Phyllis B. Linn Erik G. Meyer Leighton W. Moyer Richard J. Pilch John E. Reber Clair Rozier Michael Stairs

5 1 5 SAVE THE DATE Friday May 8, 7:00pm Thomas Herzer, organist at the Castle Church, Wittenberg, Germany, will tour the United States this spring to help raise funds for a new chancel organ. He will make a local stop at historic Augustus Lutheran Church in Trappe on Friday May 8, 7:00pm. A Wonderful Opportunity to connect with history through music T he Castle Church in Wittenberg is the historic place where the Lutheran Reformation started almost 500 years ago. On October 31st 1517 Dr. Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 theses at the door of the Castle Church. A worldwide movement was started. Each year 200,000 people from all over the world visit this historic site which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Castle Church in Wittenberg has become an important pilgrimage place for not only Lutherans but others from all over the world. Many choirs and organists from America have shared their musical talents in the Castle Church. The new chancel organ will help many people from all over the world who come to sing the most famous hymn by Dr. Martin Luther, A Mighty Fortress is Our God! More details to follow in the May issue of Crescendo Submitted by Vincent M. Ryan Isabelle Demers Friday, April 10, :00 PM Free Admission THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHESTNUT HILL 8855 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

6 6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 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 r Calendar@ agophila. org Sunday, April 19, 4:00 PM Alan Krantz, guitar. Freewill offering. Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington PA Saturday, April 25, 7:00 PM Bach B minor Mass. Wayne Oratorio Society. Repeat performace Sunday, April 26 at 7. Free. Wayne Presbyterian Church, 125 E. Lancaster Ave, Wayne PA All Upcoming Events for Crescendo publication should be sent to Kathleen Schiede in advance of our publication submission deadline, which is the 1st of the month preceding publication. Ron Coles, MM, M.Ed.Admin. Roxborough Sr High School, Arts Department Chair St. Paul Roman Catholic Church Marjorie Lynch Cummings C.A.G.O. First Presbyterian Church of Olney William J. Gatens, D. Phil., F.A.G.O., Ch.M. Blessed John Henry Newman Fellowship Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park American Record Guide Digital Organ Rental Delivery, Installation, Voicing and Pick-Up Weekly or Monthly Rates Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Maryland East Emmaus Avenue - Allentown, PA H a r r y W i l k i n s o n In Memoriam Ph.D., F.A.G.O.

7 7 AGO PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS WITH THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION AND FELLOWSHIP The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce four PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS (POEs) and one POE (Advanced) for students aged 13 18; and one POE (Technical) for students aged in Generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA) and the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO) will support the summer programs, which will be held from coast to coast. Complete contact information for each Pipe Organ Encounter can be found in The American Organist Magazine and online at The summer schedule follows: POE for ages June Wichita, Kans. July 5 10 Valparaiso, Ind. July Columbus, Ga. July Brooklyn, N.Y. POE (Advanced) for ages June Norman, Okla. POE (Technical) for ages June Norman, Okla. The PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER (POE) is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer organ music institutes for teenage students provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Basic keyboard proficiency is required, although previous organ study is not necessary. The POE (Advanced) provides intermediate to advanced classes in areas such as organ literature, history, pipe organ construction and design, music theory, improvisation, conducting, and service playing for students who have achieved a high level of success in organ study. The POE (Technical) is a program designed for students who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. Scholarship assistance is available; the application deadline is April 15. POE site locations are selected by the AGO Committee on the New Organist and approved by the AGO National Council after application by AGO host chapters. Applications are available from AGO National Headquarters. Princeton University Chapel Organist Eric Plutz will perform an organ recital at St. Andrew Catholic Church Newtown, Pennsylvania May 8th at 7:30 pm Program to include works by Bach Vierne Held Johnson and others Suggested donation $15

8 8 TUESDAY NOON RECITALS Andrew Heller, Coordinator St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Cathedral Village Host Wesley Parrott 630 E. Cathedral Road Philadelphia, PA Office Tel: Originally a 5 rank unit Moller, the organ was greatly augmented and rebuilt by Patrick J. Murphy and Associates in 2000 April 7 - Karen Whitney, Assistant/Associate Organist, First Baptist Church April 14 - Eric G. Meyer, Director of Music, St. Martin-in-the-Fields April 21 - Wesley D. Parrott, Organist/Director of Music, St. Mary's at the Cathedral April 28 - Theodore W. Didden, Organist, Valley Forge Military Academy and College Venues October: Carmel Presbyterian Church 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, PA Abigail Palmisano, host; Austin 3m, Walker additions November: Ardmore Presbyterian Church 5 W. Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore PA Gary Garletts, host; Moller m, Luley rebuild 2003 December: Trinity Episcopal Church 708 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA Steven Schreiber, host; Schantz 1989, 3-39 January: St. Luke s UCC 125 N. Main St., North Wales, PA Jon Leight, host; Moller 2m February: Abington Presbyterian Church 1082 Old York Road, Abington PA Ethel Geist, John Sall, hosts; Moller m, rebuilt 2014 March: White Horse Village 535 Grayville Road, Newtown Square PA Andrew Heller, host; Johannus 2m April: St. Mary s Episcopal Church, Cathedral Village 630 E. Cathedral Road, Philadelphia Wesley Parrott, host; Moller/Murphy 2m May: Church of the Loving Shepherd 1066 New St., West Chester PA Kathleen Scheide, host; Wissinger tracker. 2m St. Mary's will be offering a light lunch following each recital, so plan to come and join in the fellowship. Similar series, known as "Bach's Lunch" have been highly successful in other cities. Donations toward the cost of food will be gratefully received.

9 9 POSITIONS AVAILABLE Robert G. Carson, Coordinator We are happy to advertise positions available for churches in the Greater Philadelphia Area as a free service. We need to request that all ads stay within a 250 word limit applicants should be directed to the church for further information. We would also be very grateful if churches encourage their organists to join our chapter and many include dues payment as a contract perk! Director of Music Ministry St. Basil the Great Church 2300 Kimberton Road, Kimberton, PA Deacon Patrick Stokely patrickstokely@gmail.com Fax: (610) Posted: 3/1/15 This is a year round position which reports to the Director of Liturgy. The Director of Music Ministry is responsible for planning, coordination, execution, and oversight of all music associated with worship, religious education, social ministry, and evangelization in the parish, including weekend Masses, weddings, funerals, and other special liturgies and sacramental celebrations. The Director of Music Ministry will direct and accompany parish choirs, as well as recruit and train cantors. Additional key responsibilities include attending parish liturgical committee meetings, fostering the talents and commitment of the parish s volunteer musicians, scheduling cantors and accompanists, and developing and encouraging the full, conscious, and active participation of those attending Mass by empowering them to sing. Ideally, we seek a person who is a practicing faith-filled Catholic, knowledgeable in Roman Catholic liturgical practices and music, competent with diverse musical styles, and proficient in organ and piano, with demonstrated choral conducting skills, pastoral skills and sensitivity, organizational, communication, and planning skills, and ability to work collaboratively with a broad spectrum of people. The Director of Music Ministry must undergo background checks and maintain compliance with all Archdiocesan Safe Environment Requirements. Appropriate education (bachelor s degree or higher in music) and previous music ministry experience are preferred. Interested and qualified applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to: Deacon Patrick Stokely. Music Ministry Coordinator St. Joseph Parish 460 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA Posted: 2/25/15 Part time job opening for a Music Ministry Coordinator. This position requires an individual with a collaborative approach who can plan and coordinate the music program to shepherd a thriving and diverse music ministry that invites parishioner participation during the liturgies. Must have a working knowledge of the organ, keyboard, and other instruments. Must possess an ability to work with technology and have strong computer skills. A Bachelor s degree in music is required. cover letter and resume by April 6th to Julie Wiant, Business Manager at Juliew@stjosephrc.org Organist/Choir Director New Life United Methodist Church Drexel Hill, PA Posted: 1/22/2015 Responsibilities include choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and playing during worship service which begins at 11 am on first and third Sundays. The position is available for immediate filling. Please contact: Sandra Roosa (church secretary & choir president) at or ariaspirit@msn.com or the pastor: Rev. Evelyn Kent Clark at or revekc@hotmail.com. We would like to recognize a hardworking volunteer, Robert Carson. Many of you probably do not realize that he has moved out of our area, and yet continues to ably handle our Positions Available. He has graciously agreed to continue in that post until the end of this season (June,) and we are very appreciative! We will need someone for him to pass the mantle to for next season would YOU be able to help? This involves taking information sent by churches in the area, making sure print ads are a maximum of 250 words for Crescendo, keeping track of listings to make sure filled positions are removed, and sending materials about positions to Tom Lever and myself for Crescendo and the web site. Robert started a very helpful policy of limiting the amount of time listings run, which has also helped keep things as current as possible! Many thanks for all you do, Robert, and best wishes in your new digs! MEC

10 10 SUNDAY SUBSTITUTES The 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 choir This list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of 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 membership is current and forward your information to Tom Lever at webmaster@agophila.org or Code Substitute Location Phone Number SOC Frederick K. Astmann Cherry Hill, NJ SOC Debra S. Bacak Sellersville, PA SOC Mary Eliz. Campbell, CAGO Phoenixville, PA SOC Doris J. Dabrowski SPC Philadelphia, PA SOC Adam F. Dieffenbach Telford, PA SOC Joyce Drayton Philadelphia PA SOC Maria de J. Ellis Ardmore, PA SO Karen B. Fallows SPC Hatfield, PA SOC Susanna Faust West Chester, PA SO Ruth D. Fisher AAGO ChM Media, PA SOC Jeremy J. Flood CAGO Philadelphia, PA SOC Louise M. Gerdelmann Souderton, PA SOC Adam P. Haines Philadelphia, PA SOC Michael C. Huffman Allentown, PA SOC Raymond Johnson Cheltenham, PA SOC Joel E. Klingman SPC Southampton, PA SOC Thomas S. Lever Lansdale, PA SOC Joseph Lindsay Allentown, PA SOC David Clark Little Feasterville, PA S Chiduzie Madubata Philadelphia, PA Organists on this list are available to play Sunday services Code Substitute Location Phone Number S Elizabeth A. Manus St. Davids, PA SOC Paul R. Marchesano Philadelphia, PA SOC Mardia Melroy Ambler, PA SOC Constance H. Mickel Bryn Mawr, PA SOC William Miller Philadelphia, PA SO Irina Nenartovich, CAGO Cherry Hill, NJ SO Patricia Nyce King of Prussia, PA SOC Kirsten K. Olson Collegeville, PA SOC Patricia A. Pezick Blue Bell, PA SOC Katherine J. Reier SPC Abington, PA SOC Katherine Rick Wayne, PA SOC Mark Rippel Newtown Square, PA SOC Barbara Haddad Romesburg Drexel Hill, PA SOC Jeffrey J. Shuman, FAGO, ChM Lightstreet, PA SOC Janet L. Tebbel Philadelphia, PA SOC Fran Treisbach West Norriton Twp, PA SOC John W. Van Sant Trenton, NJ SC Jeff Varner Lansdale, PA SOC Karen Whitney Philadelphia, PA S John C. Williams Doylestown, PA is 58-stop Rudy Lucente Design is the culmination of his many years of experience in the Catholic music tradition. Employing TM Allen s advanced Quantum technology,, the organ is designed with the versatility for both worship and concert use. The stoplist includes principal choruses on all divisions and pendent Festival Trumpet. Stoplist Library TM offers s the flexib seven specifications to complement any style of music. The process of creating this organ was an exciting and rewa experience. The combination of Allen s s superior technologyy and their flexibilityy has resulted in a trulyy comprehensive instrument. Rudy Lucente Contact us for more information on this unique instrument, as well as organs starting at $16k! GRAFTON ( )

11 11 OTHER SUBSTITUTES These organists are NOT available to play Sunday services 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 choir This list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of 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 membership is current and forward your information to Tom Lever at webmaster@agophila.org or Code Substitute Location Phone Number OC Lucas C. Brown Philadelphia, PA OC D. Stephen Cable Bethlehem, PA O Ronald Chancler, SPC Levittown, PA OC Linda J. Clark West Chester, PA O Ron Coles Philadelphia, PA OC Marjorie L. Cummings CAGO Philadelphia, PA OC Lee de Mets FAGO Chalfont, PA OC Thomas G Denny Spring City, PA OC Theodore W. Didden CAGO Ambler, PA OC Vincent Paul DiFrancesco Philadelphia, PA OC Sue Ellen Echard Harleysville, PA OC Paul Emmens AAGO, ChM West Chester, PA O Suzanne Erb Philadelphia, PA O Jonathan G. Fairchild Huntingdon Valley, PA OC Paul Fejko Philadelphia, PA O Patricia Gallo-Terrenzio Huntingdon Valley, PA OC William J. Gatens, FAGO, ChM Chester, PA OC Charles Glandorf Coopersburg, PA OC Eric Gombert Souderton, PA OC Peter Gowen Philadelphia, PA OC Lisa Guglielmo Glenmoore, PA O Timothy Harrell Doylestown, PA O H. Ray Hunsicker West Chester, PA Code Substitute Location Phone Number OC Grete Ingalls, CAGO Philadelphia, PA OC Helen Jauregui Philadelphia, PA OC Beth Z. Jenkins Oreland, PA OC D. Damien Jones Wilmington, DE OC Sandor Kadar, AAGO Newtown, PA OC Ryan Kelly Chester Springs, PA OC Maria Lennon Hatboro, PA O Glenn M. Matis Doylestown, PA OC Steven J. McBride West Chester, PA OC Lee F. Milhous Doylestown, PA OC Wesley D. Parrott Philadelphia, PA OC Aaron C. Patterson Philadelphia, PA O Margaret Realley Doylestown PA O Ruth E. Rineer Cheltenham, PA OC Valerie Rozek Chesterbrook, PA O Alexander M. Smith King of Prussia, PA OC Judith F. B. Stebner Warminster, PA OC Robert J. Stoop Philadelphia, PA OC Bruce J. Thorsen Doylestown,. PA OC F. Anthony Thurman Cherry Hill, NJ O John M. Woznisky Paoli, PA O Jerry L. E. Wright Collingdale, PA Carolyn Boxmeyer Flutist D e n n i s E l w e l l Overbrook Presbyterian Church - Philadelphia Sándor Kádár, A.A.G.O. Organist, Conductor, Accompanist, Improvisor St. Andrew Catholic Church Newtown, Pennsylvania sandorkadar.com Mary Elizabeth Campbell, C.A.G.O. Music Therapist MAMT BC Private Music Teacher, Therapist, EDMR Practitioner Rudolph A. Lucente Asst. Wanamaker Grand Court Organ Roy Harker Church of Saint Asaph Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

12 Election of Officers and Executive Committee Members Election materials will be made available by April 15 and should be postmarked by May 6 Dean John Romeri, AAGO ChM, serves as the Director of Liturgical Music for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This post also includes the position of Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul. He conducts the Cathedral Choir, the Archdiocesan Choir and established an Archdiocesan Girls Choir. He is the founder of Concerts at the Cathedral Basilica, a new series featuring both local and international ensembles. Dr. Romeri earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance, Magna cum Laude, from the Conservatory of Music, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey. He also holds the Colleague, Choirmaster, and Associate Certificates from the American Guild of Organists. In 1998, he was presented an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Lindenwood University in Saint Louis. In addition to his duties at the Cathedral Basilica, he is in constant demand as a choral clinician, conducting festivals for both children and adults in cities throughout the United States. For the AGO, he has served the Pittsburgh Chapter as Program Chair and Competition Chair. He is a past Sub-Dean and Dean of the Saint Louis Chapter. Before leaving St. Louis, Dr. Romeri and his wife, Karen, were honored by the Saint Louis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists with their highest distinction, the Avis Blewett Award, for their significant contribution to the musical life of the Greater Metropolitan Saint Louis Region. Last season he was the organ soloist with the Delaware Symphony. Treasurer Bruce Marshall has been a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of AGO since 1980, and he just completed a four-year term as Treasurer for the Association of Church Musicians in Philadelphia (ACMP). He has served at several area Episcopal and Catholic parishes. Most recently, he was Minister of Music, organist, and choir director at St. Margaret Church in Narberth from 1989 until 2003, when he stepped down to do substitute organ work, which he continues to do. Also a member of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), he is a passionate student of the role of music in liturgy, having attended numerous NPM, St. Charles Seminary and AGO courses, workshops, and conventions. He volunteered at the NPM and AGO conventions in Philadelphia, including as coordinator of the Core Committees for the NPM Regional here, and regularly volunteers at our January Jumpstarts. He strongly believes in the need for community among pastoral musicians for purposes of mutual support and encouragement, continuing education, and fellowship. His career as an Electrical Engineer and knowledge of Excel are attributes that will serve him in this position. Sub-Dean (choose one) John Andrew Bailey, AAGO, is Organist at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, director of the Bryn Mawr Renaissance choir, and accompanist for the Haverford College choral and vocal program. He performs regularly as an accompanist and continuo player in the Philadelphia area, including several recent appearances with soprano Julianne Baird. He has also appeared as a concerto soloist with baroque orchestra Tempesta di Mare and on the Philadelphia Bach Festival series. He holds degrees in organ and harpsichord from the Eastman School of Music, where his principal teachers were David Craighead and Arthur Haas. He also trained as a musicologist at the University of Pennsylvania, and has taught music, humanities, and writing at the University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College, Bryn Mawr College, Montclair State University, and Temple University. He is also a long-time staff member and teacher for Amherst Early Music festivals and workshops. He has presented his research on the music of Guillaume de Machaut at international conferences, and his co-authored essay on the performance practice of fifteenth-century chansons appears in Binchois Studies from Oxford University Press. Marcia Sommers is the Director of Music and Fine Arts Ministries at the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, PA, where she directs a program of 4 singing choirs, 3 handbells choirs, and directs the highly successful arts series Column Classics. During her tenure in West Chester, she has worked with Stefan Engels, Ahreum Han, and currently serves with Timothy Smith. She has been a Guild member since graduating from Westminster Choir College. She has served on the Executive and Program Committees, and currently serves as the Chapter's Communications Coordinator. In 2006, Marcia directed the Pipe Organ Encounter hosted by our chapter at Villanova University. In addition to her position at First Presbyterian Church, Marcia sings and is the Assistant Conductor for the Brandywine Singers in West Chester. She has a son, Will, who is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh.

13 13 Secretary Maria d Ellis has served as the chapter s secretary since 1999, was born in The Netherlands, where her early music training was on the family harmonium. She followed this up much later, while a graduate student at Yale University, with several years of private lessons in organ from Paul Jordan and other New Haven area organists. From she was the organist/choir director at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Llanerch and from organist/choirmaster at St. John the Evangelist s Episcopal Church in Lansdowne. Since resigning from that position at the time her husband retired from teaching, she has played for a number of area churches either as an occasional substitute or served as long-term interim organist/choir director. A member of the chapter since 1976, she was the Registrar for the International Organ Playing Competition, part of the Third International Congress of Organists, held in Philadelphia in August 1977 under chapter sponsorship, and she coordinated registration for the 2002 National Convention. In addition to her musical activities, which also involve singing in various area choruses including the Bryn Mawr Renaissance Choir and the Wayne Oratorio Society, Dr. Ellis was for many years the Executive Director of the American Institute for Yemeni Studies and the project director of the Digital Library for International Research, a joint undertaking of twenty-three American overseas research centers including AIYS, before retiring from these positions in Registrar Erik Meyer was raised in Collingswood, NJ, where he began his organ studies at thirteen, studying with the Rev. J. Bert Carlson. Erik earned a BM and MM in organ performance from the Peabody Institute of Music, Baltimore, where he studied with Donald Sutherland. He was a semifinalist in the 2006, 2008 and 2012 NYACOP and winner of the 1999 Albert Schweitzer Organ competition. He has performed over one hundred recitals throughout the US, England, Germany, and Sweden and often performs organ-flute duo recitals with his wife, Anna. Erik currently serves as Director of Music at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Philadelphia, where he oversees a large and active parish music program and semi-professional choir. Previously, he was Cantor at Luther Memorial Church, Erie, PA, where he was also on the faculty of Mercyhurst University and dean of the Erie AGO. His sacred choral music is published by Augsburg Fortress and St. James Press. Executive Committee (choose 4) Doris Dabrowski, SPC, is an organist and a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a lawyer managing her own firm, she has been an advocate for rights of employees, the elderly and the disabled. The American Arbitration Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and National Arbitration and Mediation include her on their rosters of arbitrators. Honors include recognition by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Who s Who. She is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), a former president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of NELA, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Guild of Organists and ACMP: The Chamber Music Network. She is a former co-chairperson of the Sole and Small Practitioners Committee and of the Women s Rights Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association. Prior board memberships include the governing board of the Southeast Pennsylvania Health Systems Agency, the West Philadelphia Mental Health Consortium, Pennsylvania Pro Musica, and theethical Society. She hopes to advocate for the interests of organists in their professional activities. Charles Glandorf - has served as a church musician since the age of 16, now for more than 50 years. For many of those years he was a Lutheran Pastor with specific duties as the parish musician in congregations in Lewisburg, PA, Wilhelmshaven, Germany and Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. Since moving to this area he served at St. Peter's Episcopal Church for 14 years and recently left a position at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Radnor, PA. He has now been appointed to serve the parish of Holy Trinity/Salem Lutheran in Bethlehem, PA. His son, Matthew, is a well known musician in the Philadelphia area. He also has two other children, Timothy, a chef in Bethlehem and Ingrid who lives in Belgium. He lives in Coopersburg, PA,with his wife, Sue, who has sung in his choirs since they were in college. Sándor Kádár has been serving as principal organist and assistant choir director since 2013 at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Newtown, Pennsylvania. This parish is the largest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with its 19,000 parishioners. He is also in charge of an organ concert series which he established at the church. Mr. Kádár was born to Hungarian parents in Serbia. He has been involved in church music since his early years and accepted his first organist position at the age of 15. He holds three Bachelor degrees in organ performance, sacred music and conducting as well a Master s degree in sacred music from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz (Austria). Gunther Rost, Johannes Prinz, Joe Miller and James Jordan are professors Continued on p. 14

14 14 Executive Committee (continued from p. 13) who have had a strong influence on Mr. Kádár s musical career. In 2014 he passed the Associateship Examination of the American Guild of Organists and received one of the highest scores. Between 2006 and 2011 Mr. Kádár was the music director of the Weizbergkirch in Weiz, which is the largest parish in Austria. Furthermore he was the artistic director of the Singverein Weiz (Choir Association Weiz) and the Vocal Ensemble Accordare. For the season 2010/2011 he was hired as chorus master at the Opera Department of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. In 2011 he has been a member and accompanist of "Wiener Singverein" (Vienna Choir Association) which gave him the opportunity to work with prominent conductors such as Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Mariss Jansons and Franz Welser-Möst and orchestras such as Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw and the Cleveland Orchestra. As an organist Mr. Kádár has given organ concerts in several European countries and in the USA. He has attended organ master classes, with Olivier Latry, Ton Koopman, Michael Bouvard, Peter Planyavski and Ben van Oosten and has taught improvisation classes in Hungary and Serbia. Furthermore he has made numerous radio and TV broadcasts as both an organist and conductor. In 2012, Mr. Kádár attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ as an exchange student. During his time there, he was a member of the prestigious Westminster Choir and Westminster Symphonic Choir and sang under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic in Carnegie Hall in New York City among others. Furthermore he was the organist at First Presbyterian Church in New Brunswick, NJ and at Saint James Catholic Church in Trenton, NJ. For more information please visit sandorkadar.com. Edward Landin began his intensive musical training at the St. Thomas Choir School under the direction of Gerre Hancock. Upon his graduation from St. Thomas, he entered Interlochen Arts Academy where he began his organ studies as a student of Thomas Bara. After high school, he attended the Eastman School of Music for two years, studying with William Porter. He then transferred to Westminster Choir College where he completed his BM in organ performance as a student of Ken Cowan. While at Westminster, he also studied harpsichord with Kathleen Scheide. Further organ studies and coachings have been with David Higgs, Roberta Gary, and Paula Pugh Romanaux. Currently Assistant Organist at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, his duties also include directing numerous handbell and children's choirs. Edward has previously held positions in New York City (Christ Church, Methodist), Morristown, NJ (St. Peter's Episcopal Church) and in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia (Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church). Recital engagements have been at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and at St. Thomas Church in New York City and Old West Church, Boston; he was also the featured organ recitalist at the 2010 Beaumaris Arts Festival in North Wales, UK. David Clark Little was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA. At an early age he began organ and piano lessons. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Penn State University as a multiple Dean's-List honored student. He studied Organ, Harpsichord Composition, and Conducting at West Chester State University, PA; and in the Netherlands, at the conservatories of Hilversum, Amsterdam, and Utrecht. Among his teachers were several well-known performers, including harpsichordist Gustav Leonhardt, and organist Keith Chapman. Several of his compositions have received prizes, honorable mentions, or were finalists in international competitions; and have been performed and broadcast all over the world. He has been given commissions for compositional work and several grants to perform his work and to attend festivals and workshops abroad. His compositions are published by Donemus Publishing, the Netherlands. He has performed widely solo, and in ensembles such as Tactus Baroque Ensemble, The Academy conducted by Frans Brüggen, The Netherlands Vocal Ensemble conducted by Rudolf Grasman, The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra under Lev Markiz, and La Fiocco led by Lewis Baratz; in the USA, the Netherlands, France, and Indonesia. He has served as Organist/Choir Director with several different denominations in the Philadelphia area, and on the Executive Committee of the SEPA-AGO. Currently he teaches organ, harpsichord & piano. Running a private studio, he produces CDs with the Adnarim label. Among these are his performances of harpsichord Sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti; and his own arrangement of the Goldberg Variations by Johann Sebastian Bach. Check out "David Clark Little's Harpsichord Homepage" and his YouTube movie clips on the Internet. Kathleen J. Moyer, Ph.D. On Nov. 9, 2014, I played my last service as "the organist" at Christ Lutheran Church in Upper Darby, completing 10 years in the position. On Nov. 15, 2014, I moved from my Drexel Hill home of 20 years to go to The Quadrangle in Haverford, a lively and welcoming retirement community. Ten years before, in May of 2004, after 25 years teaching sociology at Holy Family University, I was granted the Professor Emeritus title, and shortly thereafter, I yielded to my doctor's diagnosis of GERD, tried vocal therapy for awhile, but sadly left the joy of my professional life--volunteer/auditioned choral singing--( in Singing City Choir including 3 international tours and /4 with Mendelssohn Club). In spite of the three degrees I also earned between 1953 and 1979 (B.A. in psychology from Albright College; M.A. in sociology from Penn State, and Ph.D. in Sociology from Bryn Mawr College, I have no music degrees, but lots of private instruction and a plethora of musical experience in choruses and choirs in churches, schools / universities, and the concert stage. I learned a great deal in rehearsals with Elaine Brown, Graeme Cowen and Alan Harler, or the conductors of the Philadelphia Orchestra with whom we sang. Continued on p. 15

15 15 Executive Committee (continued from p. 14) My first music teacher was my mother, Eunice Forry Maurer, in a small town in "Pennsylvania Dutch" country where she was a pianist, organist, piano teacher and choir director. When I went to Albright, I also joined the choral groups there and appreciated the leadership of John Duddy. After college my husband's job took us to State College, PA, and my first organ position was at a young Park Forest Village Methodist Church, and I was fortunate enough to be able to study with Dr. Leonard Raver, who was the Penn State organist at that time. At the same time, I earned my M.A., and sang in the State College Choral Society. Also, my husband had a life-long interest in pipe organs, so we purchased a 9-rank Moller organ from a church in central Pennsylvania, and he removed it from the church, and installed it in our basement, so I could practice even when I couldn't get a baby-sitter. I also could teach both piano and organ students in my home. In 1966 we moved to Columbus, Ohio, including moving the organ with us, installed in our dining room. In Columbus, I held an Assistant position, which became an interim position for several months at North Broadway Methodist Church, and later became the Assistant at First Congregational Church. I also sang in the Columbus Symphony Chorus, and best of all, studied with Dr. Wilbur Held for 3 years of our stay. I also was a member of the AGO there, serving as Secretary of the Chapter. Next, on Jan. 1, 1971 we came "back east" to the Philadelphia area, buying a home where the organ would fit (installed in our dining room) in Upper Darby. Here I continued my three major professional interests--sociology, playing the organ, and making music with a large chorus at professional level. I successfully auditioned for Singing City within a week, I enrolled in the doctoral program in sociology at Bryn Mawr beginning in the following fall, and through AGO connections, I found some interim and substituting positions at the organ which fit my schedule and commitments. I also studied with Jim Bryan and taught sociology part time. I completed the Ph.D. in 1979, the same time my daughter graduated from High School, and then took a full-time position at Holy Family University in Northeast Philadelphia, but continued the part time or substitute organ jobs, and the choral singing until 2004, when I began to retire as described in the beginning of this biography. James R. Robb Retired Concert and Dance Impresario James R. Robb s career has taken him around the world and back again. Mr. Robb, originally from western Pennsylvania, began his music studies at Temple University in 1967 after a tour of duty with the US Navy in the Far East and stationed near Tokyo, Japan. In 1972, Mr. Robb founded the Performing Arts Society of Philadelphia and was also concert manager for Music from Marlboro the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Civic Center and the Robin Hood Dell East, which presented concerts throughout the region, featuring the leading concert artists and ensembles of the day, including; organists: Keith Chapman, Virgil Fox, pianists Vladimir Horowitz, Andre Watts, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, Alfred Brendel; opera stars Joan Sutherland, Jessye Norman, Nicolai Gedda, Eleanor Steber, Victoria de los Angeles, Benita Valente, Montserrat Caballe; flutists Jean-Pierre Rampal, James Galway; Lieder singer, Dietrich Fisher- Dieskau; string quartets, The Guarneri and Julliard; the Chicago Symphony and guitarist Julian Bream, big bands: Ellington, Basie, Ferguson, Hampton, Jazz artists: Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band; special groups: Blackstone Magic Show, Royal Lippizon Stallions, Donetsk Ballet, Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo and many others. Mr. Robb s community commitment was at the forefront of his work with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, having served as manager at the Robin Hood Dell East and as founder and director of the Northeast Philadelphia Cultural Council. Named as one of the 74 persons of the year to be watched by Philadelphia Magazine, Mr. Robb also shared his talents with future generations teaching at at Settlement Music School and Jenkintown Music School. He has also served on a number of boards, including Philadelphia Dance Alliance, Germantown Theater Guild, Performing Arts Society of Philadelphia, Settlement Music School, St. James United Methodist Church (trustee chairman), Friends of Northeast Regional Library (president) and Pennypack Park Music Festival. Mr. Robb retired in 2003, but finds time to advise the Donetsk Ballet (Ukraine) Touring Company and performs occasionally at churches and retirement communities. He holds both a bachelor s of music and master s of vocal performance from Temple University and was recently named to the University's Gallery of Success 2014.

16 16 WHERE AM I? The console pictured in the March issue was the instrument at Irvine Auditorium. So, where do you suppose these pipes reside? Please send pictures that you take of interesting local instruments!

17 17 TALE PIPES Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Editor I have just finished a long and beloved position directing music at St. Basil's in Kimberton, and I couldn't help but turn to the hymn 'Be Thou My Vision.' The words are said to be written as a tribute to St. Patrick, and the tune takes its name from Slane Hill where St. Patrick lit the Easter Vigil fires in defiance of the king's orders in the 5th Century. A beautiful stained glass image of St. Patrick has looked down on me at St. Basil's for many years, and the text is central to how I'm feeling! Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; Thou my best thought in the day and the night, Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light. The text, Ancient Irish 'Rop tú mo Baile,' has been attributed to 6th Century Saint Dalán Forgaill and was apparently used as part of the monastic tradition in Ireland for centuries. The text was originally translated by linguist Mary Elizabeth Byrne, MA ( ) who was educated at the Dominican Convent in Dublin and the National University of Ireland. (Her accomplishments for a woman of her time are VERY impressive!) The translation that we now know as the 'familiar' one was done by another remarkable woman scholar Eleanor Hull ( ) of England who, after education at Alexandra College in Dublin, went on to found the 'Irish Texts Society' to publish early manuscripts. Like so many beloved hymns, this text was paired with a tune that had a former life as a folk song, a 1909 version being "With My Love on the Road." The tune, which is known as 'Slane,' is familiar to many generations because of its pairing with the hymn text 'Lord of All Hopefulness' by Jan Struther, a beautiful text about life's journey. This English author, actually Joyce Anstruther (married Placzek) , was another very remarkable woman scholar. She was the creator of Mrs. Miniver, which began as a regular newspaper column in England, was published in book form in 1939, and became an Oscar winning movie from More recent use of the tune came when Irish music phenomenon Van Morrison recorded the tune in the album 'Hymns to the Silence' in Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son; Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

18 NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator 1936 Guernsey Avenue Abington, PA