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| Weekly Update | American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter |
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Dear AGO Cleveland Colleague,
Welcome to the Weekly Update from the Cleveland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists! Each week on Thursday, we publish this email newsletter to help you stay informed about activities and programs of the Cleveland AGO Chapter. Questions or comments? Please let us know: admin@agocleveland.org Have a news item for a future issue? Send to: newsletter@agocleveland.org. The deadline each week is Wednesday at noon for Thursday publication.
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From the Dean
 | | Fern Jennings |
Happy Birthday, J.S. Bach! Our muse, our patron saint. Whatever else we organists play there is always Bach. At the beginning of Lent - which generally speaking Unitarian-Universalists are not really big on - our minister, Daniel Budd, challenged us not to give something up but to take something on. So in addition to taking on some devotional reading - "Help, Thanks, Wow" by Anne Lamott and "Benediction" by Kent Haruf - I took on playing a Prelude and Fugue each day from "The Well-Tempered Klavier. The discipline of playing one each day gives one a grasp of the inventiveness of the Master. The sheer variety of themes, the working out of each key, each fugue is stunning! As Ann Lamott writes: " Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds." Yes, she really says "Bach". So, even though I hate it that the weather is crummy and I have too much to do I have Bach! So wow! Just wow!
We are taking an Easter break from this update for the next two weeks and will resume on April 11. I wish you a Happy Easter or Passover and some time off afterward for a richly deserved break.
Fern
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Upcoming Cleveland Chapter Events
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AGO Competition for Young Organists- March 23, 1:30 pm
Fairmount Prestyterian Church
2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Members are welcome to come to listen to the competition. We ask no applause and no talking during the competition. There are two competitors. The winner will be announced and introduced after the judges have completed their work. Our winner will receive a $500 prize and will compete at the Regional Convention in Kalamazoo in June. The2nd place runner-up will receive a $300 prize.
Friday, April 19 7:30 pm
Guest Artist Recital: Christopher Houlihan, organ
Fairmount Presbyterian Church
2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
 HAVE YOU HEARD HOULI?
Concert Organist Christopher Houlihan is widely acknowledged as one of the brightest stars in the new generation of American organists. His Summer 2012 tour in which he played Louis Vierne's complete symphonies in 6 cities through-out North America was acclaimed by several major media outlets including the New York and Los Angeles
Times.
Program:
Symphony III - Louis Vierne
Fantasy and Fugue on the chorale, "Ad nos, ad salutarem undam" - Franz Liszt.
Guests are welcome to attend the concert and reception.
A free-will offering will go toward the concert expenses.
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NEXT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, April 29: Location: Trinity Cathedral, E.22nd St. at Euclid Ave., downtown Cleveland. (parking off of Prospect Ave. one block south of Euclid.)
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CHAPTER NOMINATIONS
Ballots for next year's Executive Committee and Officers will be mailed on April 1. The Nominating Committee is proposing the following candidates for election:
Dean, Fern Jennings: Sub-Dean, Barbara MacGregor; Secretary, Jan Jones; Treasurer, Don Jackson
Executive Committee (three to be elected), Pat Bowers, Paul Guyer, Annie Kaschube, Ron Potter, and Grant Wiswell.
Additional nominations may be made by petition, if each petition is signed by five (5) members of the Chapter in good standing and submitted to the Chapter Secretary within thirty (30) days of the announcement of the slate to the Chapter membership.
Submitted by the Nominating Committee: Tim Hemry, Carmen Massaro, Don Shultzaberger, Hildred Tornberg, and Peg Limkemann, Chair.
Chapter Nominations
The Nominating Committee is proposing the following candidates for election:
Dean, Fern Jennings: Sub-Dean, Barbara MacGregor; Secretary, Jan Jones; Treasurer, Don Jackson
Executive Committee (three to be elected), Pat Bowers, Paul Guyer, Annie Kaschube, Ron Potter, and Grant Wiswell.
Additional nominations may be made by petition, if each petition is signed by five(5) members of the Chapter in good standing and submitted to the Chapter Secretary within thirty (30) days of the announcement of the slate to the Chapter membership.
Submitted by the Nominating Committee: Tim Hemry, Carmen Massaro, Don Shultzaberger, Hildred Tornberg, and Peg Limkemann, Chair.
CANDIDATE BIOS
(Incumbent Officer's Bios have not been included)
For Secretary
Jan Jones is the organist at Dover Congregational Church in Westlake. Although she was trained as a scientist, she was "drafted" to learn the instrument to assist at the church she was attending at the time. She joined the Guild right away and has been an active member for over twenty years. Gradually she began to freelance, and she was thrilled to earn her Service Playing Certificate. Her teachers have included Peg Limkemann, Nicole Keller, David Blazer, and the many generous Guild members who taught and encouraged inexperienced organists in workshops and classes. She also studied piano with Dr. Gerald Evans at Lorain County Community College while taking the Associates Degree music course sequence there. Although her organ education is unconventional, she is passionate about the instrument and is eager to give back to the Guild, which has been so helpful to her. She is living, enthusiastic proof that there is more than one way to become an organist.
For Executive Committee
Pat Bowers
In my many years as a member of the Cleveland Chapter AGO, I have served terms as treasurer, registrar and member of the Executive Committee. I also worked on one of the committees for the 1974 AGO National held in Cleveland. I have attended many national and regional conventions. My career as organist/choir director/handbell choir director began at the age of 15. I have a Bachelor of Music degree from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory majoring in organ performance and sacred music. My areas of special interest in the AGO include copyright laws, professional concerns and educational programs such as panel discussions and workshops.
Paul Guyer
Paul Guyer brings over thirty years experience of musical leadership having served in congregations large and small. Paul believes in an inclusive approach to making music, incorporating a wide variety of styles, interests, and abilities. He has served in various denominations; Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopal, and Church of the Brethren. He holds a degree from Westminster Choir College, has completed the Education For Ministry course from the University of the South School of Theology, and has earned the CAGO certification. Paul has sung in the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, the Westminster Symphonic Choir and has performed with Robert Shaw, Robert Porco, Franz Welser-Möst, Zubin Mehta, and Leonard Bernstein. Paul has also worked in business as an IT professional and has earned the Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute.
Annie Kaschube
Annie Kaschube earned her Masters of Music in Organ Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music in 2008, studying with Dr. William Porter. She earned her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Baldwin-Wallace College in 2006 studying organ with Nicole Keller and piano with Laurent Boukobza. Following graduation from Eastman, she served as the Director of Music at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio where she was also an active member of the Columbus Chapter AGO and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Annie is happy to have returned to the Cleveland area. Currently, she serves as the Organist and Children's Choir Director at Westlake UMC. Annie, her husband, and one-year old son Benjamin live in Middleburg Heights. Annie is excited about the potential opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee of the Cleveland Chapter AGO. She would like to foster a greater sense of community amongst members of the guild through participation and attendance at guild sponsored events.
Ron Potter
I am a retired Deacon of the United Methodist Church, having served Church of the Saviour in Cleveland Heights, and Epworth-Euclid (now University Circle UMC) as Minister of Finance and Administration. This included the handling of all finances, supervision of all lay employees, including hiring and firing, in addition to supervising the maintenance of the building and grounds. I was also honored and privileged to have been on staff at Epworth-Euclid during the tenure of L. Max Bunker, who enriched my high enthusiasm for the organ. I have previously served the Cleveland AGO chapter as Co-Treasurer, along with Juanita Schubert, and as Treasurer. I was Co-Treasurer of the Cleveland Chapter of the A.G.O. along with Juanita Schubert, and then Treasurer for many years. My past business experience would be an asset to the Executive Committee, and I would like to continue the high standards and vitality of our Cleveland Chapter.
Grant Wiswell
Grant Wiswell has been Organist/Accompanist for East Shore Church United Methodist in Euclid since December, 2009. This past year he has been an appointed member of the Executive Committee, completing an unfilled term, and he would like to continue serving the Cleveland chapter. He was editor of the 2012-2013 Yearbook & Directory. Was a History major but studied with Herbert Nanney, Stanford University Organist. In the 1970s studied with Robert Clark at the University of Michigan. Worked briefly for an organ maintenance firm in the 1960s.During high school and college years and a career in business, Grant played for church services. He was an AGO member part of that time, active in the Detroit chapter in the 1970s, serving on the chapter Board. Other musical experience included piano and bass viol studies, choral singing (member of Good Company, 2007-2012).I am pleased to support the Guild in the activities which benefit us members and the institutions we serve. I am also mindful that new styles of music and worship invite us to rethink how we can keep the organ and its literature relevant and inspirational in the 21st century.
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MEMBER NEWS
We welcome new members James Hopkins and Fred and Marlene Dray.
Marlene is a retired school music teacher and is organist at Divinity Lutheran Church in Parma Heights. Her husband Fred is Co-chair along with Marlene of Divinity's Arts in Action. Fred writes: "Ever since I can remember I've had a love for the organ and its music. I can play for my own enjoyment but Marlene's music soothes my savage soul! I am quite familiar with the mechanical working of the instrument and how to effectively register it for performance. Marlene and I corroborate on each piece she performs to get the perfect registration." They sound like a great team!
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REGIONAL CONVENTION
Great Lakes / Swell Organs --The time is NOWThe decision is YOURSEarly Registration ends February 28. One fee covers it all -- the convention, three meals, the choral academy, all transportation. A roster of Region V royalty awaits. Renew! Refresh! Reconnect with the music and the instruments you love. www.agokalamazoo.org
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TODAY IN CLASSICAL MUSIC HISTORY
Happy Birthday, J.S. Bach!
 | | J.S. Bach. Toccata and Fugue in D minor. BWV 565, played by Marie-Claire Alain. |
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Concerts of Interest
Some of our concert listings have been gleaned from ClevelandClassical. For a complete list of concerts plus previews, reviews and more from Cleveland's classical music scene click the link www.clevelandclassical.com.
Sunday, March 24, 5:00pm Featuring the Motet Choir from Baldwin Wallace University
presenting J.S. Bach's Cantata 131, Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir Church of the Covenant. 11205 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.
Wednesday, March 27 12:15 pm Robert Myers, organ."Music for Holy Week" by J.S. Bach, Marpurg, Brahms, Pepping & Walcha. Music Near the Market Series. Beckerath organ. Trinity Lutheran Church, W. 30th & Lorain, Cleveland. Freewill offering.
Friday, March 29 7:30 pm - Trinity Cathedral Choir, Todd Wilson, conducting, with Judith Overcash, soprano, Zachary Rusk & Ray Liddle, basses & Elizabeth DeMio & Elizabeth Lenti, duo-pianists. Brahms's A German Requiem with the composer's original four-hand piano accompaniment. Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Freewill offering.
Sunday, April 7, 7:30 pm Swing to the Lord a New Song a concert showcasing sacred works written in jazz styles. The Forest Hill choirs (Anne Wilson, director)and a jazz combo featuring members of the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (Paul Ferguson, trombone; Jack Schantz, trumpet; Dave Morgan, bass; Rock Wehrmann, piano; Val Kent, drums). Forest Hill Church 3031 Monticello Blvd. Cleveland Hts. Free-will offering; reception
Friday, April 12, and Saturday April 13, 7:30 pm. Creation Mass by Franz Joseph Haydn. The choirs of CWRU and Covenant combine with the University Circle Symphony to present Franz Joseph Haydn's Schöpfungsmesse. The CWRU early music department presents G.F. Handel's Organ Concerto No. 1 with Jonathan Moyer on the Newberry Organ. Church of the Covenant. 11205 Euclid Ave. Cleveland. Admission: $8 general, students free
Sunday, April 14 3:00 pm Rachel Kurtz, singer/songwriter in concert. First Lutheran Church, 603 Washington Ave., Lorain
Friday, April 19, 7:30 PM, Christopher Houlihan, concert organist. The Cleveland Chapter of The American Guild of Organists joins with Fairmount in presenting the brilliant 24 year-old American concert artist in recital. Fairmount Presbyterian 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Sunday, April 21 3:00 PM. Malone large group chorale and select chamber chorale at Church of the Savior United Methodist. 120 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton OH in historic downtown Canton. There will be a cookie/punch/coffee reception after the program.
Friday. April 26 7:30 pm, Schola Antiqua of Chicago, Michael Anderson, artistic director. Machaut's Musical Monuments: a program of notable works by the 14th century's most celebrated composer, Guillaume de Machaut. Highlights include a complete performance of Machaut's Mass for Our Lady, as well as a sampling of the composer's enigmatic motets and playful song repertory. Cathedral of St John, Helen D Schubert Concert Series, 1007 Superior Ave (at E 9th St), downtown Cleveland. FREEwill offering; Free secure parking: Cathedral Garage on Rockwell Ave at E 9th St
Sunday, April 28 3:00 pm Gesu Combined Choirs with tenor Leodigario del Rosario. Gesu Church. 2740 Miramar Blvd., University Heights.
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About Us
The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.
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Contact Us
American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter
21600 Shaker Blvd
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
216-751-2320
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A Note About Job Postings
Gerry Mass, our Cleveland Chapter Placement Officer collects and updates job openings in the area. Although they are not listed in the weekly updates, there is a link in the "Quick Links" section every week that will take you to the updated list on the chapter website. Questions or need help finding a position? Email: placement@agocleveland.org
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