sforzando Dean s Message -- by Vernon Williams U P C O M I N G E V E N T S Southwest Jersey Chapter American Guild of Organists

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1 U P C O M I N G E V E N T S S U N D A Y, J U L Y P M A N N U A L M E E T I N G A N D P I C N I C sforzando V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 J U N E Southwest Jersey Chapter American Guild of Organists I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Sub-Dean s Report 2 Matters of Note 2 Gallery: Organ Crawl 3 Convention Corner 5 Photo by Joe Routon of the Rieger Organ of The Village Church in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It has 43 stops. It was installed in Nominations Report 6 Dean s Message -- by Vernon Williams SWJAGO 7 Election Ballot POE News 9 In this, our final issue of the Sforzando for this season, we reflect back on an excellent year, and look forward to a change of pace this summer and another exciting year starting in September. One reason for our chapter s ongoing success is the outstanding work of David Rhody, who has been Sub-Dean for the past several years. As Sub-Dean, David has chaired the Program Committee and has worked tirelessly to ensure all the details were in place for our monthly Guild events. He often acted as host or master of ceremonies for our events as well, always handling the situation with a dignified presence, verbal dexterity and aplomb. But David has decided the time has come to step down from the position of Sub-Dean, and we will miss him. On behalf of all of us in the chapter, I d like to.continued on page by SW Jersey AGO

2 P A G E 2 Sub-Dean s Report -- by David Rhody Our next gathering will be the Annual Picnic and meeting on Sunday, July 22, 3 pm at Bill Mitchell s home. Watch for more details on this..to David from all of us: Hi folks, Thanks to Dean Vernon Williams for arranging our Old City Organ Crawl on May 19 despite some rain about a dozen members visited St Peter s Episcopal with its 1931 Skinner Organ and Christ Church s brand new Fisk. Thanks to resident organists Matt Boatmon and Parker Kitterman for demonstrating and opening the consoles for our members. We also enjoyed lunch at Continental Diner with good food and fellowship. Our next gathering will be the Annual Picnic and meeting on Sunday, July 22, 3 pm at Bill Mitchell s home. Watch for more details on this. Thanks to all who made my years as Sub Dean and Program Chair effective and enjoyable, especially our wonderful committee of Helen Carrell, Cathy O Neill, Gail Gassaway, Larry De- Pasquale, Bob Parkhurst, Marilyn Rabbai and Vernon Williams. I will miss our meetings and productive discussions, but I know the committee will continue well under new leadership. Soli Deo Gloria Matters of Note Hospitality: As our picnic on July 22 gets closer, be on the lookout for reminders when I will want a list of what everyone is bringing so we don't have all desserts. - Cathy cmo125@aol.com Membership update: Welcome new members! Noramah Neu- noramah@byu.net and Anthony Vattimo - tony@tonyvattimo.com. Welcome back to former dean Charlene Cranmer, who is in New Jersey for the months of July and August, and is a dual member with her chapter in Florida. She is available to sub! Her summer address is 32 Stratford Rd., Southampton, NJ Her continues to be ctcranmer@comcast.net and her cell phone number remains the same: Richard Carroll s has changed to: harpsichord435@gmail.com Please make a note of these things in your directory. Renewals are happening now for many of us. When you renew online, there is an opportunity to donate to our 2019 Regional Convention. They promptly send and acknowledgement via - give it a try and support our convention in one easy step! Sunday, June 3 at 4:00 pm: Matt Smith Organ Recital at Haddonfield United Methodist Church. The concert is free and open to the public Warwick Road, Haddonfield, New Jersey office@haddonfieldumc.org Sunday, June 3 at 7:30 pm: Magnificent Magnificats! presented by the West Jersey Chamber Music Society at First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, 101 Bridgeboro Rd. Moorestown, NJ see poster, page 8 July 8-13: Philadelphia Pipe Organ Encounters for ages boarding at Girard College, with featured instruments throughout greater Philadelphia see page 9 for more information Wednesdays at 10AM at Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ: The curator s tour will be conducted with a concert following. Daily noontime recitals and mini-tours run every weekday after Memorial Day. Chapter members will be featured recitalists on the following dates: Glenn Rodgers: 6/6/18, 6/29/18, 7/25/18, 8/10/18 Evelyn Larter: 7/17/17, 8/17/18 Check Boardwalkorgans.org for details. These events are free. S F O R Z A N D O

3 V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 PAGE Gallery: Philadelphia Organ Crawl Photos by Joe Routon and Marilyn Rabbai (...continued next page) 3

4 PAGE 4 Highlights of the organ crawl: 1. Opportunities to hear and play two magnificent instruments; 2. Gracious hosts, helping us make the most of our experience; 3. Fellowship and the chance to explore two historic churches. An impromptu climb up the bell tower of St. Peter s yielded some fun surprises! SFORZANDO Gallery, continued from page 3

5 V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 Convention Corner P A G E 5 -- by Evelyn Larter, CAGO and Marilyn Rabbai, CAGO There are just thirteen months to go till our South Jersey convention and planning is in full swing with good progress in many areas. Convention Registrar Max Esmus is currently at work building the website, which should go live on July 7 th, the day after the Kansas City National Convention ends. You will be able to read all about our artists, see the full schedule for each day, and keep up with all the developments over the remaining months. The Steering Committee met a couple of weeks ago and one topic of discussion was the Program Book which every attendee receives. In addition to all the information on recitals, workshops, venues, area maps etc., it also provides a showcase for local businesses to bring their services to the attention of everyone involved by placing advertisements. Ethel Geist has agreed to be in charge of contacting potential advertisers watch for an upcoming Convention Corner in which she will provide more information and no doubt solicit the assistance of our members in this area. Chapter members can support this convention through donation and sponsorship opportunities like these: 1. As you renew your AGO membership, please add your own donation for SJAGO Make a tribute contribution in honor or memory of a loved one, a chapter member, a mentor or young artist. 3. Workshop sponsorships: $250, $ Keynote speaker sponsorship: $ Hospitality sponsorships: $600, $1200, $ Convention tote bags: $2, Concert sponsorships: $500, $1000, $3, Advertising: rates run from $35 to $550 All gifts to the AGO are 100% tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. Thank you! Checks can be made payable to AGO 2019 Mid-Atlantic Regional. Please send them to: Gail Gassaway 241 Night Hawk Circle West Deptford, NJ Programs at a Glance (See Sub-Dean s Report on page 2 for details) Annual Meeting and Picnic: July , 3PM at the home of Bill Mitchell: 631 Boundary Road Pitman, NJ 08071

6 P A G E 6 SouthWest Jersey AGO Nominations 2018 The Nominating Committee is pleased to report the following candidates for the upcoming year: Dean Vernon Williams Sub-Dean Victoria Nichols Treasurer/Registrar Gail Gassaway Secretary Cathy O Neill Executive Board Class of 2021: Helen Carrell, CAGO, SPC Larry DePasquale, CAGO Marilyn Rabbai, CAGO, SPC Glenn Rodgers, AAGO New Office-Bearers Victoria Nichols is Director of Music at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Little Egg Harbor. She has served on the Executive Board and is Chair of the Logistics Committee for the 2019 Regional Convention. Helen Carrell, CAGO, SPC is Organist at Trinity United Methodist Church in Merchantville and was our chapter s very first acting Dean. She currently serves on the Program Committee. Her article on organ registration appeared in the August 2017 issue of The American Organist. Larry DePasquale, CAGO is Associate in Ministry and Cantor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Woodbury. A Past Dean, Larry helped create our chapter s Scholarship Program and for many years has been Co-Chair of the Committee. He currently serves on the Program Committee and is Co-Chair of the Quimby Competition Committee for the 2019 Regional Convention. Marilyn Rabbai, CAGO, SPC is Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Pitman. She is editor of the Sforzando newsletter, serves on the Program and Scholarship Committees, and is Chair of Gifts and Grants for the 2019 Regional Convention. Glenn Rodgers, AAGO recently retired as Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Moorestown. He is a Past Dean, has served the maximum three terms as Mid-Atlantic Regional Councillor, and is on the Steering Committee for the 2019 Regional Convention. We are grateful to these members for their willingness to serve the Chapter by assuming or continuing these responsibilities, and we urge all our members to encourage them by returning the ballot form. Please refer to the ballot form for full instructions. (see next page) Nominating Committee Peter Homon, chair Ruth Fink Robert Mead S F O R Z A N D O

7 V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 P A G E 7 S F O R Z A N D O

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9 V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 P A G E 9 News from AGO Headquarters: POE AGO Pipe Organ Encounters Provide Youth and Adults with Opportunities for Intensive Study of the King of Instruments Six Summer Programs for Teenagers and Adults Celebrate the Thirtieth Anniversary of the POE Program Supported by Organ Builders and the National Endowment for the Arts NEW YORK CITY The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce five PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS (POEs) for students aged 13 18, and one POE+ for adults in Complete contact information for each weeklong Pipe Organ Encounter can be found in The American Organist Magazine and online at The summer schedule follows: POE (for ages 13 18) June Phoenix, Ariz. June Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. July 8 13 Philadelphia, Penn. July Los Angeles, Calif. July Deland, Fla. POE+ (for adults) June Rockford, Ill. 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 music camps 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. Piano or organ proficiency ranging from intermediate to advanced is required. Scholarship assistance is available. The POE+ is a summer program filled with practical information and instruction for adult keyboard musicians interested in improving their service-playing skills. Participants will be introduced to basic organ skills through private instruction and classes. The weeklong experience will lead to greater confidence and competence at the organ. Generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA), the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO), the Jordan Organ Endowment, and the National Endowment for the Arts will support these summer educational programs from coast to coast. The AGO and APOBA have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since 1975, declared AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. Likewise, the AIO has been active in supporting the Guild s educational programs, beginning with their partnership in Pulling Out All the Stops, a video produced jointly in 1996 by the AGO, AIO, APOBA, the Organ Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society and aired on PBS. In addition, we are delighted to have received support from the Jordan Organ Endowment at Columbus State University for our POE program, as well as a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supporting our educational activities this year. In addition to the POE and POE+ programs, but not offered in 2018, is a POE (Advanced) that 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. Also, there is a POE (Technical) designed for students who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. The event is hosted in the workshop of an organ builder working in cooperation with a local AGO chapter. POE site locations are selected by the AGO Committee on Pipe Organ Encounters and approved by the AGO National Council. Applications for 2019 are available from AGO National Headquarters and online at Editor s Note: Download the Philadelphia POE brochure here: brochure

10 P A G E 10 Positions Available/Substitute List -- by Peter Homon Editor s Note: We are hoping to expand our Substitute List. If you are available to substitute, please contact Peter Homon, our Referral/Position Coordinator. Please forward or refer any items concerning positions available or substitute needs to Peter at lapajar@yahoo.com or call Positions Available: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Willingboro - Organist/pianist only, 1 service, Adult choir as well as several other choirs that sing on occasion. 2 manual Allen, baby grand piano, Yamaha Clavinova keyboard, Contact Nina D. Bonner at stpumc@verizon.net or 201 Levitt Pky, Willingboro, NJ (5/18) Grace Episcopal Church, Merchantville - O/D, 2 man. Rogers w pipes from earlier instrument, small adult choir, small children's choir, flexible rehearsal times, 10:00 service. Contact Fr. Jeff Kirk at JM125Kirk@gmail.com First Presbyterian Church, Woodbury Heights - O/D Adult Choir, Youth Choir, 11:00 Service (10:00 Summer), Thursday Evening Rehearsals. Please Contact Lori Taylor at bensmama68@comcast.net or (856) Trinity United Methodist Church, Pennsville - O/D, 3m Allen Protege, 10:00 service w Adult choir rehearsal after the service. Contact the church office at or P.O.B. 171 Pennsville, NJ (4/18) These musicians are available on Sundays and also for weddings and funerals other days: Charlene Cranmer (Southampton) ctcranmer@comcast.net Carolyn Thomas Cuperwich (Tabernacle) cthomas.musician@gmail.com - piano, organ, cantor, choir director John Dow (Millville) jedowfam@aol.com Mary Johnson (Pine Hill) mebayj47@yahoo.com George Mitchell (Cherry Hill) babayaga430@verizon.com Irina Nenartovich, CAGO, SPC (Cherry Hill) knenartovich@hotmail.com Joanne Owen (Woodstown) lbjkowen1982@comcast.net These substitutes are available for weddings and funerals or Saturday work only: Patricia M. Fronczek, (Blackwood) theloveofsong@comcast.net Evelyn Larter, CAGO (Elmer) ERLarter@juno.com Lee F. Milhous, (Doylestown PA) leefmilhous@verizon.net Cathy O Neill, (Sewell, NJ) cmo125@aol.com Marilyn Rabbai, CAGO (Pitman) mwrabbai@verizon.net S F O R Z A N D O

11 V O L U M E 7, I S S U E 10 P A G E 11 AGO CERTIFIED MEMBERS Contributors Rae Ann Anderson, CAGO Miriam Bisbing, SPC Helen C. Carrell, CAGO, SPC Mark A. Cole, SPC Lawrence DePasquale, CAGO Ruth O. Fink, AAGO, ChM Ethel H. Geist, CAGO Carol Louise Knisell, CAGO Evelyn Larter, CAGO, SPC Irina Nenartovich, CAGO, SPC Marilyn Rabbai, CAGO, SPC David L. Rhody, SPC Glenn L. Rodgers, AAGO Joyce Ann Routon, CAGO, SPC For more information on Professional Certification requirements, procedures, materials and deadlines, visit the website of AGO National Headquarters: Thank you, Andre Vermeulen Peter Homon Guy Kirk Nancy Stoking-Perry Miriam Bisbing Mark Dishong Patrons Richard Sakowski David Rhody Ethel Geist Stephen Obarski Joanne Owen Gail Gassaway Rae Ann Anderson Helen Carrell William Fenimore Robert Gladden Reneé Hatzold John Dow Evelyn Larter Marilyn Rabbai Ruth Fink Victor Pettyjohn Robert Scara George Mitchell Patricia Patelski Patrons, Contributors and Advertisers Our next issue will be September, Deadline for articles, announcements, pictures and reports will be Saturday, August 25.

12 Sforzando is the official publication of the SouthWest Jersey Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The AGO is a multi-denominational, non-profit organization chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Marilyn Rabbai, mwrabbai@verizon.net OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER: Joe Routon REFERRAL & POSITIONS AVAILABLE COORDINATOR: Peter Homon, lapajar@yahoo.com, PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS COORDINATOR: David Rhody, drhody1@comcast.net; (856) CHAPTER OFFICERS DEAN: Vernon Williams, vwilliams@trinitymoorestown.org SUB-DEAN: David Rhody, drhody1@comcast.net; (856) TREASURER/REGISTRAR: Gail Gassaway, cloaked17@verizon.net SECRETARY: Cathy O Neill, cmo125@aol.com WEBSITE: Dean s Message Christ Church Organist/Director of Music Parker Kitterman hosts Vernon at the console of the glorious new Fisk organ, op continued from page 1 say, Many thanks, David, for all you have done over the years! Elsewhere in this issue you will find the slate of new officers that the Nominations Committee, led by Peter Homon, has presented for your approval. This is a fine group of nominees. We are especially pleased that Vicki Nichols has agreed to run for Sub-Dean. Please take a moment to vote by sending your ballot to Peter Homon this week. As you can see by the photos of our visit to Philadelphia in May, we had a wonderful time! Our hosts, Matt Boatmon at St. Peter s and Parker Kitterman at Christ Church, were incredibly gracious and helpful, and everyone who wanted to play got a chance to try out both organs. It was fascinating to play two such fine but very different instruments one after the other. I hope to see you at our final event of the season - the Guild Picnic and Annual Meeting on Sunday, July 22 at the home of Bill Mitchell (631 Boundary Road in Pitman). You can find details elsewhere in this issue. Last fall I wrote about my intention to take time each week for spiritual renewal - by taking walks or having quiet time for reflection. How did I do? Well, let s just say I could have done better, especially with regard to taking walks. I did manage to have some quiet morning time. I hope all of us can use the summer months to load up on spiritual and creative renewal so we can be ready in September for what will surely be one of the most exciting and memorable years in our chapter s history!