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p i p i n g s Spring 2015

On a new note, dear AGO members and friends, happy Spring and a joyful Eastertide to you.I've received a variety of reports from organist friends regarding Easter and the Triduum--Well done O good and faithful ones. Indeed lately we've also been graced with a whole lot of concert activity among our ranks. It's wonderful from my vantage point and see such talent and good will in our chapter. For myself, I had a blast this season, and even got to play an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. Embarking on Bach's D Major Prelude and Fugue for the Easter prelude two things came to mind: from Vincent Ferrer (his 'saint day' is April 5) who spoke of our asking to be "filled with charity" which re-focused me on my duties; and a buddy earlier had said to me "have fun", so I looked down at my hands and said, 'let's try this'! Yipee!

I hope you will rest well knowing that your service, devotion and support touch many hearts through this wonderful instrument, the organ.

A few brief notes: —Our Lenten series at the Wilhelm featured a variety of composers and styles and a high caliber of performance, thanks to all who played. —I hope to see you at our upcoming fundraiser for the Michigan Theatre and the AGO. David Hufford of the Renaissance Pipe Organ Company says the Barton organ is coming along splendidly and Andrew Rogers, the performer is very fine and nationally known. I recall my mother saying that when she first saw the Phantom of the Opera at theToledo Paramount as a girl she was scared out of her wits. Ah, the power of the organ. —We will be soon laying out next year's AGO Calendar of Events. If you have an offering or idea, please write this down in concise abstract format (title of event, what it would entail, schedule, venue, budget etc) and send to myself and our SubDeans. —Party! Mark your calendars for a 90th !! Birthday Bash for Marilyn Mason on Sunday June 28, details forthcoming.

Pax et summum bonum (Peace, and all good things)Timothy Huth

Dean, Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

F r o m t h e d e a n A New Note

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Go to the movies & support our chapter. The Michigan Theater and the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organist are partnering to present a special May 17 screening of the silent film PHANTOM OF THE OPERA with live accompaniment on the Michigan Theater’s Barton Organ by Andrew Rogers.  The event is a benefit for the Barton Organ Restoration Project and the Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The film stars Lon Chaney at Erik, the Phantom, in what is probably his most famous and certainly his most horrifying role.  Produced by Universal, the film was shot in 1923 and shelved for nearly two years while it was subjected to intensive studio tinkering.  While many expected a disaster, the film turned out to be a rousing success.  It was both the stepping off point for Chaney’s run as a superstar at MGM and the prototype for the horror film cycle at Universal in the 1930s. The Michigan Theater has one of only a handful of historic pipe organs that remains in its original home. Now nearly 100 years old, the Barton Organ originally accompanied silent films such as the one being featured at this screening, bringing the action of the film to life for those in the theater.  It has been played almost daily since 1972 and currently provides audiences with a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience before movies, lectures, and concerts and offers a glimpse of the past as it accompanies screenings of classic silent films several times a year.  This screening will help to raise funds toward of the Barton Organ necessary to keep the music playing for future generations of theater goers. The Ann Arbor Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) works to support and foster the enrichment of lives through organ and choral music. The chapter has enjoyed long and deep ties with local arts organizations and universities, making Ann Arbor the epicenter of commitment to fine organ and choral music for 45 years. Beyond providing professional development and inspiration to organists of all ages, the chapter engages wider audiences with the historic and evolving roles of organ and choral music through free public concerts and lectures.   Reserved seat ticket prices are $10, $12 & $15. VIP tickets are $50. Patrons who purchase the VIP package are invited to a special pre-show dessert and champagne reception sponsored by Zingerman's Bakehouse from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Michigan Theater grand foyer. The VIP package also includes reserved seating for the film screening at 7 PM.

Visit www.annarborago.org/phantom for tickets!

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Emanuel United Church of Christ, ManchesterHonors Susan E. Goodson on the occasion of her 80th birthday

For the past fifteen plus years the congregation of Emanuel United Church of Christ, Manchester has been blest by the ongoing music ministry of Susan E. Goodson as their organist. She is generous with her time and gifts to the church. Her music brings the joy of faith as it is expressed through the sanctuary organ and piano.

On Sunday, April 12th the congregation of Emanuel Church had a “surprise” celebration for Susie and her husband, Gene, on the occasion of their 80th birthdays that happen in April. When thinking of a gift for Susie, Rev’d Dr. David Williams, suggested that the congregation collect a gift to sponsor a student or more to attend the “POE” program directed by the American Guild of Organists. Funds to date have been received to sponsor two students. One of the students will actually be from the Emanuel Church who will attend in the summer of 2016. The other student scholarship recipient will be named by the Ann Arbor Chapter of the AGO.

Mrs. Goodson was also feted with roses, a reading from Acts 29 by Garrison Keilor; “The Stoning of the Organist,” Dr. Williams’ message that morning was “Organist, Put This To Music,” and of course a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday!” was sung.

The congregation of Emanuel Church wish Susan & Gene Goodson a blessed 80th birthday! We thank God for all that you bring to the life and ministry of music at Emanuel and to Ann Arbor!

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AGO PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS WITH THE KING OF INSTRUMENTS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION AND FELLOWSHIP

NEW YORK CITY—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 16–23 in 2015. 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 www.agohq.org. The summer schedule follows:

POE for ages 13–18June 14–19 Wichita, Kans.July 5–10 Valparaiso, Ind.July 12–17 Columbus, Ga.July 26–31 Brooklyn, N.Y.

POE (Advanced) for ages 13–18 • June 14–19 Norman, Okla.

POE (Technical) for ages 16–23 • June 14–19 Norman, Okla.

“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 by the AGO, AIO, APOBA, the Organ Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society in 1996. Collectively, APOBA and the AIO have contributed more than $475,000 in support of the AGO’s educational programs during our long association. For their ongoing, committed generosity in supporting the Guild’s mission—to enrich lives through organ and choral music—we are extremely grateful.”

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.

 

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Notifying all improvisors!

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Please join us in celebrating 50 glorious years of our Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1427 which was dedicated in 1965 by Dr. Marilyn Mason. Dr. Mason's former student, Dr. James Kibbie, current chair of the organ department at the University of Michigan, and his former student, Dr. Timothy Huth, organist at First Presbyterian Dearborn, will celebrate this magnificent instrument with a concert of hymns and diverse organ masterworks by Bach, Tournemire, Ropek, Dupré, Alain, and more!

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April 19 2015, ANN ARBOR, MI Kola Owolabi, Associate Professor of Organ at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, will perform an organ concert on Sunday April 19 at 4pm at First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, 608 East William Street.  The program will feature baroque works by Girolamo Frescobaldi, Georg Muffat, Heinrich Scheidemann, Johann Gottfried Walther, J. S. Bach and C. P. E. Bach.  The instrument is a 3-manual Karl Wilhelm Organ built in 1985.  Admission is free. 

April 26 2015, YPSILANTI, MI Three area church choirs will present a concert featuring Zoltán Kodály’s powerful Missa Brevis on Sunday, April 26th at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti. Presented as part of the Ypsilanti Pipe Organ Festival, organist Aaron Tan will accompany the combined choirs of First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti, St. Lukes Episcopal Church of Ypsilanti, and Bethlehem United Church of Christ, Ann Arbor under the baton of Arianne Abela. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will also feature organ works by Wagner, Duruflé, Elgar, Bovet, Schumann, and Reubke.

April 28 2015, ANN ARBOR, MI The University of Michigan Department of Organ will present a Hymn-Sing and Improvisation Concert at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, on Tuesday April 28 at 7pm, in the organ studio 2110.  Students will present work from the Creative Hymn Playing and Organ Improvisation courses offered in the Winter 2015 term.  Please come and lend your voices, and listen to improvisations on hymn tunes, as well as free improvisations.  

May 3 2015, DEARBORN, MI The First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn invites you to join them in celebrating 50 glorious years of our Aeolian-Skinner Organ, Op. 1427 which was dedicated in 1965 by Dr. Marilyn Mason. Dr. Mason's former student, Dr. James Kibbie, current chair of the organ department at the University of Michigan, and his former student, Dr. Timothy Huth, organist at First Presbyterian Dearborn, will celebrate this magnificent instrument with a concert of hymns and diverse organ masterworks. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 3rd at 3pm at First Presbyterian Church of Dearborn, 600 N. Brady Road, Dearborn, MI 48124.

May 3 2015, DETROIT The Fort Street Chorale and Chamber Orchestra present Haydn’s Mass in D minor, known as the “Lord Nelson Mass,” Sunday, May 3 at 3 p.m. in Detroit’s historic Fort Street Presbyterian Church. Guest artist Dr. David Wagner also performs Poulenc’s Organ Concerto in G minor. Tickets are $20 for general admission and group rates are available. For more information call (313) 961-4533 or go to fortstreet.org.

May 3 2015, ANN ARBOR, 30th Anniversary Concert of the Wilhelm Organ at First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor. Performers include Michelle Johns, Kipp Cortez, Gale Kramer, and Glenn Tucker. Concert will take place at 4 p.m.

C o n c e r t s

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MUSIC POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT PLYMOUTH FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Accompanist/Assistant OrganistQualifications - Candidates should have excellent organ and piano skills with ability to play a wide variety of styles of repertoire. Experience as choral accompanist, preferably in a worship setting, preferred. Ability to assist in leading choir rehearsals and conducting a plus. Position includes accompanying the Chancel Choir for rehearsals and worship services on Sundays, and additional occasional services, September through June. Lead congregational music with organ or piano as requested. Play for one worship service for three Sundays in July and/or August. Additional responsibilities may include serving as Handbell Choir Director. Approximately ¼-time position. Handbell Choir DirectorQualifications – Experience leading 5-octave bell choir in advanced repertoire, knowledge of bell techniques and strong conducting skills.

Position includes leading bell choir in weekly rehearsals September through May and lead them in playing for worship once a month and on Christmas Eve. Prepare bells to ring at other times as requested. Recruit new members and substitute ringers as needed. Engage in outreach events such as playing at nursing homes, etc. Children’s Choir Director (3rd – 6th graders) Qualifications – strong ability to teach children to sing, basic music skills and understanding of worship. Experience teaching classroom music and/or experience leading children’s choir in church setting preferred. Ability to incorporate handbells, drum circle and dance in choir curriculum desirable.

Position includes leading children in rehearsals September through April and preparing them to offer music in worship monthly in traditional and/or contemporary worship services.

Send letter of interest, resume and references to:Dr. Marcia Van Oyen, Minister of Music, Worship and Fine Arts, First United Methodist Church, 45201 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, MI 48170. 734.453.5280 or marcia@pfumc.org ormarcia@mvanoyen.com

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INTERIM POSITION AVAILABLE AT Northminster Presbyterian Church of Troy, Michigan

Northminster is open and inclusive, a welcoming and caring congregation. We honor the Reformed approach to worship, which gives us the flexibility to worship in a variety of styles, including traditional and contemporary hymnody, and using music of various

ethnicities and countries.

Position DescriptionTitle: Interim Director of Music Ministries (6-12 months)20 hrs/wk; $20,000 – 25,000 annual salary

Purpose: To provide musical leadership for the adult choir, handbell groups and congregation

Responsibilities:Work with the Pastor to plan weekly worship and select hymnsPlan and schedule choir, handbell, and other musicDirect and accompany the adult choir, and the adult and children’s handbell choirs, at an evening rehearsal and Sunday ServiceServe as primary organist/pianist for all worship services (including occasional weddings and funerals)Be a leader in the creation and establishment of choral/instrumental groups that provide music for the congregation’s worship life, using qualified congregational volunteers

Relationships:Work under the direction and guidance of the Pastor Work in a team relationship with the Pastor and other staff membersRelate well with congregation, both youth and adults

Requirements:A university degree in music (preferably church music), or currently in a music degree programOr 5+ years experience in church music as choral director and organistCompetency on both organ and piano

Contact: apply by April 30, 2015 Bea Smits Smitsb41@gmail.com 248-709-2065