The Coupler. October 2013 FROM THE DEAN. Page 1 of 15. Dear DC AGO colleagues and friends,

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1 NEWS FROM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS The Coupler October 2013 FROM THE DEAN Dear DC AGO colleagues and friends, Autumn greetings! Thanks to all who attended the +irst event of the season on Monday, 16 September. It was a lovely evening of worship and fellowship, and a much needed time of solace given the tragedy at the Washington Navy Yard earlier that day. I extend special thanks to Russell Weismann, DC AGO Sub Dean, for his thoughtful planning both liturgical and logistical of the event; to Father John Bedding/ield, DC AGO Chaplain, for his participation in the service; to Monsignor Paul Dudziak, Pastor, and Neil Weston, Director of Music, for hosting us at St. Stephen Martyr Church, Foggy Bottom; and to John Bradford Bohl, for his elegant and imaginative playing of hymns, service music, and voluntaries. Please mark your calendar! The next event of the season will take place on Monday, 21 October, 7:00 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church: th Street NW, Washington, DC The evening will begin with an Oktoberfest dinner, prepared by our chapter c aterer, Theresa Beaton. To reserve a space for the m eal, please contact Russell Weismann no later than Tuesday, 15 October: russell.weismann@aya.yale.edu. Following dinner, B ruce Stevens, Instructor of Organ at the University of Richmond, will lead a Baroque organ music masterclass on the church s lovely von Beckerath organ. Participants of all ages are welcome. If you would like to perform, please Russell Weismann at the above address. I look forward to seeing you in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Please feel free to contact m e should you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Best wishes, Tom Smith, Dean Page 1 of 15

2 Monday, 16 September 2013, at 7:30 p.m. Guild Service (Vespers) with Installation of Officers and Gala Reception Saint Stephen Martyr Roman Catholic Church 2436 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW John Bradford Bohl, organist Neil Weston, host Monday, 21 October 2013, at 7:00 p.m. Orgelbüchlein Masterclass and Dinner Christ Lutheran Church th Street, NW Bruce Stevens, clinician Gerald Coleman, host Sunday, 24 November 2013, at 4:00 p.m. Pipes Spectacular First Baptist Church th Street, NW Christopher Houlihan, organist Lon Schreiber, host Sunday, 12 January 2014, at 6:00 p.m. Epiphany Procession with Lessons & Carols and Members Dinner St. Paul s Episcopal Church 2430 K Street, NW Robert McCormick and John Bradford Bohl, hosts Ris Restaurant 2275 L Street, NW Tuesday, 11 February 2014, at 7:00 p.m. An Evening with Jack Bethards and Dinner Dahlgren Chapel at Georgetown University 37 th & O Streets, NW James Wickman, host Monday, 17 February 2014 Presidents Day Trip: Taylor & Boody Organbuilders, Staunton, Virginia Monday, 19 May 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Members Improvisation Showcase, Annual Meeting & Dinner Franciscan Monastery 1400 Quincy Street, NE Washing Page 2 of 15

3 Saturday, October 12, 2013, 10:30am NOVA Manassas & Centerville Organ Crawl See announcement Friday, October 18, 2013, 7:30pm Saint Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD Paul Jacobs in concert, celebrating the 40 th anniversary of the Wickre Concert Series. Music by Bach, Schumann, Stanley, Boulanger, Elgar, Mozart, and Guilmant. No admission charge. Free-will offering. Sunday, October 20, 2013, 4:00pm Church of the Holy Comforter 543 Beulah Road Vienna, VA Organ dedication recital by Scott Dettra, former organist of Washington National Cathedral. Music by Durufle and others. See press release later in the newsletter. Sunday, October 20, 2013, 4:00pm The First Baptist Church of the City of th Street, NW Monday, October 21, 2013, 7:00pm Christ Lutheran Church th St. NW Dear Friends and Colleagues, The evening will begin with an Octoberfest dinner, catered by our Chapter Caterer, Theresa Beaton. There is a $15 suggested donation for the dinner - please RSVP by October 15 to Russell Weismann at russell.weismann@aya.yale.edu Following Dinner, Bruce Stevens, Instructor of Organ at the University of Richmond, will lead a Baroque Organ Music presentation and masterclass on the Church's famed Rudolph von Beckerath pipe organ. Participants (all ages are welcome) are needed to play in the masterclass. If you are interested, please Russell at the address above. Sunday, October 27, 2013, 5:00pm St. John s Episcopal Church Georgetown Parish 3240 O Street, NW Nathan Laube, Concert Organist. $30.00, Students $ Fly Share the joy of the new Austin organ. Ken Cowan, organist. Page 3 of 15

4 Sunday, October 27, 2013, 3:00pm Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church 1316 Park Avenue Baltimore, MD. PRINCETON CHAPEL CHOIR WITH ORGANIST ERIC PLUTZ MAKE RARE CONCERT APPEARANCE Eric Plutz is former Dean of the D.C. AGO chapter. From 1995 through 2004, he was organist and director of music at Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C., where he was also keyboard artist of the Cathedral Choral Society and rehearsal accompanist of the Washington Bach Consort. He performed with numerous DC organizations. Since 2005, Mr. Plutz has been principal University Organist at Princeton. Instructor of Organ at Princeton University, Plutz maintains a private studio of organ students. He also serves as rehearsal accompanist for the Westminster Symphonic Choir of Rider University and Princeton Pro Musica. He has four solo organ recordings on the Pro Organo label. The Tiffany Series is named for Brown Memorial's unparalleled collection of 11 original Tiffany stained glass windows, including two of the largest he ever made. Parking will be available. The church is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please call The Princeton Chapel Choir, directed by Penna Rose and accompanied by University Organist Eric Plutz, will present a Tiffany Series concert. Plutz will be playing the church s renowned 1930 Skinner Organ, Opus 839, IV/45. Tickets are $15 ($5 for students) and are available at the door and online at A free reception will follow the concert. The program will include works by American choral composers Stephen Paulus and Alice Parker, spirituals arranged by Michael Tippett, and Blagoslovi, dushe moya, Gospoda ('Bless the Lord, O my Soul') by Russian composer Pavel Chesnokov. The Princeton Chapel Choir a paid performance group made up of Princeton undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty has an international reputation, and recently sang at the Basilica of St. Mark in Venice and the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, as well as in Ravenna, Italy. Other European tours since 2009 have taken the choir to Prague, Vienna and Budapest, and also to Spain. The group s appearance at Brown Memorial is particularly notable since, with the exception of a 2005 concert at Carnegie Hall, it has performed only one other time in the U.S. outside of Princeton! We hope you will join us for this exciting event! Page 4 of 15

5 Sunday, November 3, 2013, 5:00pm Church of the Redeemer 6201 Dunrobbin Drive Bethesda, MD Choral Evensong for the Sunday after All Saints. Dr. Martin Neary, former Organist & Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, leads Redeemer s Adult and Youth Choirs in singing the evening office. Music includes works by Edgar Bainton, Herbert Howells, Martin Neary, and Tomas Luis de Victoria. A brief organ recital precedes the liturgy. Reception to follow. Tuesday, November 5, 2013, 12:10pm The Church of the Epiphany at Metro Center 1317 G Street, NW Washington Bach Consort, J.Reilly Lewis, Founder & Music Director. Eric Plutz, Organ Soloist. Sunday, November 24, 2013, 4:00pm The First Baptist Church of the City of th Street, NW Sunday, December 8, 2013, 5:00pm Saint Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD Advent-Christmas Candlelight Concert. Oratorio Choir, Choristers, Orchestra. Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar by Johann Schelle and Puer natus in Bethlehem by Michael Praetorius. Sunday, December 22, 2013, 9:30 & 11:00am Saint Luke Lutheran Church 9100 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD Advent Lessons and Carols. Saint Luke Schola Cantorum. Sunday, April 27, 2014, 4:00pm The First Baptist Church of the City of th Street, NW Share the joy of the new Austin organ. Hector Olivera, organist. Share the joy of the new Austin organ. Christopher Houlihan, organist. MEMBERSHIP Correction(Telephone Number): Susan Burkhalter Page 5 of 15

6 ADVERTISING IN THE COUPLER!!!!!!!!!!! Yes,%using%a%guideline%established%by%other%chapters,% advertising%is%now%available%in%the%coupler%as%follows: Full%page%ads,%four%times%per%season,%$100. Half%page%and%quarter%pages%ads%are%$50%and%$25%respectively,% also%four%times%per%season. Business%cardKsized%ads%are%$10%(oneKtime)%or%$75%for%the% entire%season. Advertising%requests%should%be%sent%to%the%COUPLER%editor,% Court,%Great%Falls,%VA,%22066K3000.%%%%%Checks%should%be%made% payable%to%dc%chapter,%american%guild%of%organists. Page 6 of 15

7 ** JOBS ** JOBS ** JOBS ** JOBS ** JOBS ** MARYLAND 8/30/13 DIRECTOR of MUSIC (avail. 1/1/14) The Interfaith Chapel (Congrega. size: 550) 3680 S. Leisure World Blvd Silver Spring, MD Phone: To direct Chancel Choir, Women s Chorus and Bell Choir Instruments: 3-man. Rodgers organ w/ MIDI, 18 yrs old; Baldwin electr. piano, 15 yrs old Avg. hours/week: 27.5; ann. salary: $45k-55k The Inter-Faith Chapel is an independent, multi-cultural congregation representing more than 32 different denominations. The Chapel is located in the leisure World Community - a private Maryland community of residents 55 years and older, and is looking for a Director of Music to plan, coordinate and implement a volunteer music program that supports weekly worship themes and a concert series. The music program includes three choral groups and a handbell choir. Duties include: directing one or more choirs, coordinating other paid and volunteer musicians, maintaining an orderly music library, selecting/purchasing music, attending staff meetings. A BA in music, or its equivalent experience and training, is required. Additional skills and background requirements include experience in a broad range of music Styles, and sufficient keyboard skills. A minimum of five years relevant experience is req d" The position may be split among two individuals: Director and Associate/Accompanist. Contact Dr. Robert W. Perry, Senior Minister at , or send resume to r.perry@interfaithchapel.org. 9/27/13 ACCOMPANIST/ORGANIST/PIANIST (avail. Oct. 1) Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church (congrega. size: 900) 9601 Cedar Lane Bethesda, MD Phone: 301/ ( To accompany an Adult Choir of 40; average hours per week: 12 Instruments: IV/51 pipe organ, age 25 yrs; pianos: Steinway age 40 yrs, Kawai age 12 yrs Annual salary range: $20,000-24,000 No. of weeks' paid vacation: 2 (a 3rd week will be added after one year of residency) Books/Music Allowance, Sick Leave and Continuing Education Fund Cedar Lane UU Church, a liberal worship community with a vibrant spirit and a serious love of music, is seeking an accompanist for its adult choir during two Sunday morning services. Prefer experience as choral accompanist, strong keyboard skills, fluent sight reading and comfort with classical and popular styles. Repertoire should reflect important issues of UU faith: environment social justice, racial equality, human dignity, and the world at large. Choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, September May; Sunday services at 9:00 and 11:00 AM September April, and at 10 AM May August; one Christmas Eve service and one concert. Paid membership in a designated Page 7 of 15

8 association (e.g. AGO, OHS), teaching privileges, and first-refusal on memorial services and weddings conducted at the church. If you enjoy meeting people, collaborating musically, and have a sense of humor, this could be the position for you. Contact: Henry Sgrecci (hsgrecci@cedarlane.org) Position Description for Music Director Rockville United Church 355 Linthicum Street, Rockville, MD Description: Rockville United Church is seeking a part-time (10-20 hours), salaried, Music Director to continue our music ministry, a vital part of our worship. A strong candidate will be familiar with music in a wide range of styles, be able to plan and coordinate the music program in collaboration with church staff, and demonstrate expertise in conducting a choir. Candidate must have a high level of overall musicianship, with exceptional keyboard skills including proficiency at sight reading and improvisation, or for fewer hours, must be willing to supervise a qualified keyboard player. Requirements: Commitment to a diverse musical program; and Leadership ability, interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire volunteers; and A musical degree or demonstrated, on-going coursework toward such a degree with completed coursework in choral directing; and/or Demonstrated, verifiable experience as a choral director. Applicant information: Please submit a current resume to music@rockvilleunitedchurch.org. Prior to hiring, applicants will be required to provide information about references, to undergo a background check, and to complete one or multiple musical auditions. NORTHERN VIRGINIA 9/11/13 ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR (avail: Oct. 13) Leesburg Presbyterian Church (congrega. size: 280) 207 W. Market Street Leesburg, VA Phone: To direct/accompany one adult choir of Average hours per week: Instruments: II/12 tracker pipe organ, age 35 yrs; electronic Kawai piano, age 10 yrs Annual salary: $24,000-28,000; continuing education fund Page 8 of 15

9 "Leesburg Presbyterian has a vibrant and growing congregation. We seek a musician who, in addition to being an accomplished organist and choir director, will show flexibility and creativity in a wide range of music. Major responsibilities include working with the minister to plan music for two weekly traditional Sunday services (8:30 and 11:00) plus special services throughout the year, and to rehearse, conduct and accompany the adult choir to sing at one Sunday service. This is a part-time position of hours per week, with a reduced summer schedule and once-per-month alternative music that does not require the organist or choir." Contact: Rev. Deborah Dodson Parsons at revdeb@lpcva.org 9/19/13 INTERIM ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR (avail. immediately) Bush Hill Presbyterian Church (congrega. size: 340) 4916 Franconia Rd Alexandria, VA Phone: To direct Adult Choir, coordinate with Handbell, Children, Youth and Teen choirs; Supervise Directors of Handbell, Children, Youth and Teen choirs Instruments: II/22 Letourneau pipe organ, 18 yrs old; Everett piano, c. 30 yrs old Salary: based on experience, in accordance with AGO guidelines; Avg. hrs/wk: 10 Vacation: 1 week accrues for every 4 months work, i.e. 3 paid weeks/yr Sick Leave: ¼ day accrues every month, i.e. 3 paid days/yr Bush Hill Presbyterian Church is a warm and welcoming congregation located in the Bush Hill and Rose Hill communities of Alexandria, Virginia. We are in the beginning stages of a search for a permanent Director of Music. We are looking for a part-time interim Organist and Choir Director who will provide leadership while upholding our long-standing tradition of musical excellence as an integral part of Christian worship during our search. The Organist position consists of preparing for and playing the organ during our once-per-week adult choir rehearsals, our traditional 10:30 A.M. services on Sundays, and special services (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week). The qualified candidate will coordinate with ministerial staff in planning for worship services, including hymn selection, and will generally be responsible for making musical selections for the prelude, offertory, communion meditation, and postlude. Our Church Organist is given first option to play for funerals and weddings, and is paid compensation in addition to his/her salary for these services. The Organist will be responsible for obtaining a substitute when necessary. Oversight of the music program is provided by the Session, directly through its Worship Committee. We will consider one person to fill both positions, or one person for each. Persons interested in applying are encouraged to visit our website ( to learn more about our beliefs." Contact BHPC Personnel Committee at brown.jennifer.m@gmail.com 9/21/13 ORGANIST/DIRECTOR OF MUSIC (avail. November 1, 2013) St John s Episcopal Church Phone: Mount Gilead Road, P.O. Box 2360, Centreville, VA To direct Adult Choir (& possibly a children's choir); avg. hours/week: 10 hours Page 9 of 15

10 Instruments: 2-man. Allen digital organ; Lester 5' Grand piano; Yamaha upright; Yamaha Electric PF500; handbells & chimes Annual salary: to $16,000 based on musical credentials and experience 2 weeks paid vacation; 1 week continuing education; 1 week sick leave. "Saint John's is a congregation whose spirituality centers on the baptismal covenant. Sunday service times: 8 & 10:30 AM (music at 8 AM on first Sunday of each month); Music at 10:30 AM - Eucharist and occasional Morning Prayer, plus Holy Days as announced. Adult Choir sings weekly; Children's Choir sings as announced. Our congregation appreciates classical music with some contemporary offerings, and principally uses the Hymnal Available resources include OneLicense.net, The Rite Stuff, RSCM 'Voices for Life' curriculum. There are volunteer choir voices, some with formal musical training; trumpeter weekly. Special music for liturgical seasons and feast days, bishop's visit and summer VBS. Other traditions: Madrigal singers; Concert series; Cabaret. Music is selected in collaboration with the Rector in accordance with Episcopal Church guidelines. Contact: The Rev. Dr. Howard Kempsell, Rector, with letter of interest and resume to RevDrHFKjr@aol.com. Recordings of service playing, choral conducting and concert performances would be greatly appreciated. Page 10 of 15

11 ST. JOHN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH GEORGETOWN PARISH 3240 O STREET, NW WASHINGTON, DC NATHAN LAUBE Concert Organist Sunday, October 27 at 5 pm A star among young classical musicians, concert organist Nathan Laube has quickly earned a place among the organ world s elite performers. His brilliant playing and gracious demeanor have thrilled audiences across the United States and in Europe, and his creative programming of repertoire spanning five centuries, including his own virtuoso transcriptions of orchestral works, have earned high praise from critics and peers alike. $30.00 each Student $25.00 each FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS Page 11 of 15

12 NOVO AGO Manassas & Centreville Organ Crawl Saturday, October 12th: 10:30-11:30 -- Trinity Episcopal Church -- Host Matt Hart West Street Manassas, VA :30-1:00 -- Lunch in downtown Manassas and travel less than two miles to: 1:00-2:00 -- Manassas Baptist Church -- Host Becky Verner Sudley Road Manassas, VA :30 -- Travel about seven miles to: 2:30-3:30 -- Centreville United Methodist Church -- Host Becky Jackson Old Centreville Road Centreville, VA Page 12 of 15

13 Chuck Seipp The Wedding Book for Trumpet & Organ The Wedding Book CD Brass Quintet Music ~Music Available~ Trumpet Soloist ~Available For~ Weddings Services Recitals The Commonwealth Brass (703) ~ chuckseipp@gmail.com Shenandoah University Conservatory Adjunct Associate Professor of Trumpet Texas Tech University Visiting Professor of Trumpet The U.S. Army Band, Pershing s Own (Retired 2012) Page 13 of 15

14 Church of the Holy Comforter 543 Beulah Road, Vienna, VA PRESS RELEASE ORGAN DEDICATION RECITAL Noted concert organist Scott Dettra will give a recital to dedicate the new Walker organ at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Va., on Sunday, October 20 at 4 p.m. His program, chosen to show off the capabilities of the new instrument, will include compositions by Bach, Handel, and Duruflé, among others. Currently Director of Music at the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, TX, Dettra was from 2007 to 2012 Organist and Associate Director of Music at Washington National Cathedral. An active recitalist, his performances have been praised by audiences and critics alike for their clarity, rhythmic intensity, and musical elegance. As a soloist, Dettra has performed in major cities throughout the United States and at the national conventions of the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Anglican Musicians, in addition to appearances at the Lincoln Center Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, and Piccolo Spoleto Festival. While living in the Washington area, he was also a member of, and featured performer with, the Washington Bach Consort. The new organ at Church of the Holy Comforter was installed in September 2012 by the Walker Technical Company of Zionsville, Pa., and features more than 80 stops playable from four manuals plus the pedal keyboard. A fully digital instrument, its voices draw on Walker s extensive library of electronic samples taken from pipe organs built by the famous Aeolian-Skinner company of Boston, which was active from 1932 to The event is open to the general public. A freewill offering will be taken, and a reception will follow the concert. The Church of the Holy Comforter is located at 543 Beulah Road in Vienna. For more information, call the church office at Contact information: 1. Frances Stahlhut, Parish Administrator, , ext. 12 or <fstahlhut@holycomforter.com> 2. David Kelley, Minister of Music, , ext. 19 or <dkelley@holycomforter.com> Page 14 of 15

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