AGO Boston 2014

 

It was my privilege and pleasure to attend my first AGO national convention. It was a wonderful week filled with interesting and inspiring activities. The Cleveland chapter was represented by 16 individuals. We had the largest number of chapter attendees in our region. The convention had overall nearly 1,700 attendees which is about ten percent of our total national membership.

 

With apologies to Mr. Letterman, here is my own personal top ten list . . .

 

Top ten list of memories of the Boston National AGO convention

 

10. Taking the MBTA trains to Harvard for concerts at Harvard venues - no need to park your car in the Harvard yard

 

9. Experiencing beautiful, amazing, breathtaking historic churches - architecture, stained glass, sculpture, and paintings

 

8. Enjoying church life from a simpler time before everything was air-conditioned - grateful for the fan swag from exhibiting companies

 

7. Running along the serene waters of the Charles River in the morning

 

6. Waiting a long time for the elevators at the Copley Marriott - taking advantage of the long wait times to meet new and interesting people

 

5. AGO Executive director James Thomashower encouraging all of us to learn "Let It Go" on the organ to get kids interested in organ music

 

4. Solemn Evensong at Church of the Advent followed by an outstanding recital by John Scott - interrupted when the organ developed a cypher that was repaired in short order by the onsite organ technician - it happens to all of us

 

3. Opening concert at Symphony Hall - organ and orchestra - repertoire that would be great at Severance Hall

 

2. Opening worship service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross - 1,700 musicians singing hymns and one of the best sermons for church musicians I've ever heard - I'm hoping they'll make the text available

 

1. Inspiring, uplifting, spirit transporting, thought provoking, jaw dropping, and just downright amazing organ recitals - made you want to come home and practice really hard

 

The conventions alternate every other year between national and regional. Next year our regional convention will be held in Indianapolis. I encourage everyone to consider attending. It will be a wonderful enriching experience.   

 

 

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

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

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American Guild of Organists Cleveland Chapter
21600 Shaker Blvd
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
216-751-2320