Happy holidays to all

To all members of the AGO in Region VI: I wish you the very happiest of holidays! Our profession involves many demands on our time and creativity this time of year. I hope that you are able to find inspiration and rejuvenation in the midst of your music-making, and that you bring these gifts to everyone who hears your music.

Jan

Exciting Times - Your Feedback Needed!

An exciting new face of the AGO will soon be developed: one that includes our rich history and identity, but also embraces new trends, the desires of our membership, and the desires of the non-members we wish to serve.

Your input is needed to help craft the future of the Guild!

All Guild members with current e-mail addresses on file at our National office received the below e-mail from John Walker, the Guild's Vice President. Please go to the attached link to complete a survey about the AGO and its initiatives. If you did not receive John's e-mail, please consider this your invitation to complete the survey. Thank you in advance for your time and your opinions -- they are needed and appreciated!

Jan

E-mail from John Walker:

On Thursday morning, November 19, the AGO Task Force on Long-Range Planning distributed a survey by blast email to all members of the American Guild of Organists. All members of the AGO with e-mail addresses on file at National Headquarters have received invitations to take exactly the same electronic survey as you. Within just a few hours of its release, more than 1,000 members completed that form and submitted their results! To take the survey now, Click Here.

The Task Force has been working for many months to develop and to refine this survey. Results from this survey will be strategic as we shape the vision and create plans for the important work of the AGO in the second decade of the 21^st century. To optimize the value of this process, it will be vitally important that all AGO members complete and submit this survey in a timely manner. We hope to analyze the results of this survey and communicate that information to our entire membership during the early months of 2010.

Will you please assist us with this project by encouraging all AGO members within your constituency to spend the estimated 15-20 minutes to complete and submit this survey? We hope for every member, every chapter, and every region of the AGO to be fully represented in this process. The deadline for all submissions is December 31, but the best time to complete this survey is now!

On behalf of all members of the Task Force on Long-Range Planning and all members of the National Council, I extend our sincere appreciation to you for helping us to maximize the success of this strategic planning process. My best greetings to you for the upcoming holidays!

Cordially,

John Walker, FAGO, DMA
Vice President

New Program Years Begin

In many AGO chapters in Region VI, kickoff events of the 2009-10 program year are occurring this month. Best wishes to all of you for exiting and motivational program years! Check out the Regional calendar, below, to see what your fellow chapter members are up to this year.

My sincere thanks to all of you who are serving in a volunteer leadership role in your chapter this year. The Guild could not function without volunteer leadership at all levels. You may not be aware that my position as Regional Councillor and all of the other Regional officers (ten District Conveners, the Coordinator for Education, and the Coordinator for Professional Development) are all volunteer positions. In addition, all of the AGO's National Council are volunteers. When you meet or see one of these many people, please join me in thanking them their role in making the Guild a vital and energetic organization!

The diverse membership of the American Guild of Organists needs a variety of services from the organization. I hope that this year you are able to find the inspiration and information you need from your Guild. If you don't, I encourage you to volunteer for future program committees to help create the Guild you need.

Speaking from experience, serving as a volunteer leader in this organization is very gratifying and rewarding (and yes, very time- and energy-consuming). It's worth it! Join me in working to make the Guild always vital, always better.

All best to you for 2009-10.

Region VI Convention a great success!

The first of the eight AGO regional conventions of 2009 was held in Wichita, Kansas, and I'm glad to report it was a great success! Thank you to the 135 registrants who attended this year. For those unable to join us, perhaps due to the current economic climate or other concerns, I hope that after reading the below report you'll be inspired to attend a future regional convention!

I am so proud of the Region VI convention steering committee, the Wichita chapter, and all of the other volunteers who worked wonderfully together to create this convention for us. There were so many highlights; at the risk of leaving anyone or anything out, here are some that attracted many compliments from convention attendees and the public:

• Family pipe organ fair, a pre-convention event run by the Wichita chapter’s POPs for Kids program, attracting many young children and their parents

• Regional Competition for Young Organists (RCYO), which showcased four very talented competitors and garnered a TV interview I saw the next morning on the local news station, when competition coordinator Anna Jeter and winner Michael Emmerich spoke eloquently about the future of our profession

• Recital and concert programming that was varied and excellent – including:

Opening hymn festival, a complicated event to put together, but which paid off by opening the convention with joyous sounds of choir, brass, a premiere of a new work for flute and organ, competing mightily with the sounds of a Kansas thunderstorm outside

Many wonderful solo organists, including two recitals on the grand Marcussen organ at Wichita State University, the largest organ by this builder in the U.S. – and a chance to hear its story from Dr. Robert Towne, Lynn Davis’ predecessor and professor of organ when the Marcussen was installed

Wichita Chamber Chorale’s performance of Kodaly’s “In Praise of Organs,” a virtuosic and rarely-heard work for choir and organ commissioned by the AGO for a past national convention, accompanied masterfully by organist David Josefiak

An “organ-plus-instruments” day that included a huge variety of ensembles, ending with a dynamic and well-received performance by “Organized Rhythm” (organist Clive Driscoll-Smith and percussionist Joseph Gramley)

A fascinating demonstration recital by early-music group “Musica Antiqua” at Wichita’s beautiful botanical gardens, in which we learned about the early instruments which inspired many organ stops

Brett Valliant, a Wichita native and a brilliant young theatre organist, at Wichita’s Mighty Wurlitzer

and many more!

• Convention hotel – we were treated wonderfully, and many (including me) said this was the best convention hotel they’d ever experienced

• Great public response for most of the concerts – and capacity crowds for the theatre organ concert and the closing concert by Lynne Davis!

• Two wonderful worship services in diverse styles: Catholic vespers and black gospel

• Great media coverage for the world of the organ – I saw newspaper articles and heard TV and radio reports, and an electronic billboard greeted us outside of the Century II convention center, announcing “The Organists Are Coming!”

• Many lunches and dinners included in the convention, which many participants said made each day’s scheduling seem more relaxed than other conventions, and offered more fellowship opportunities

• Workshops on a wide variety of topics – many participants told me the only problem was having to choose between excellent options

• A variety of exhibits in a very well-lit, well-maintained, and well-organized space which made it easy to browse and shop
  

• Well-run and well-maintained convention transportation, kept on-time and even early, and volunteers who provided good humor to entertain us as we rode

• “Tracker Organs of Kansas” post-convention tour to see many gems in the central part of this state

• Hospitality volunteers who provided a warm welcome at every convention venue

I have to stop before this posting gets way too long, but suffice it to say it was a fabulous week!

We have all returned home inspired and motivated for another year, thanks to the hard work of this great committee, and all the convention presenters and hosts! The entire effort was headed by Marlene Hallstrom, this year's convention coordinator, who is a treasure in every way. All involved in this effort pitched in to do what was needed during the whole week – whether the tasks fell “within job description” or not. And, and when there were things that needed to be adjusted, everyone was flexible and approached each challenge with good humor. What a great party we had together!

Extremely proud of the Wichita chapter and Region VI –
Jan

AGO Membership Enjoys New Growth

This is great news, worthy of celebration! Kudos to all Guild members who invited musical friends and colleagues to join our "ranks"! See the press release from the National Office, below.
A special note to Independent Members: this blog is for you! Let's use it as a way to keep in contact virtually, when we can't meet in person.
Jan

18,409 Individuals Renewed Membership or Joined the American Guild of Organists During the 2008–2009 Membership Year

NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO), the largest organization in the world dedicated to organ and choral music, is pleased to announce the first increase in membership in more than a decade, as reported by AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. At the close of the 2008–2009 membership year, AGO membership totaled 18,409 voting members, an increase of 167 over the 2007–2008 membership year. "Independent Membership is our fastest growing category," declared Thomashower, "while chapter membership remains our largest and most vital membership segment."

AGO Director of Membership and Administration Jennifer Madden noted that the membership increase resulted from three initiatives: a chapter-based phonathon designed to renew lapsed members; a solicitation to lapsed members prepared by AGO National Headquarters; and restricting access to portions of the AGO Web site to members only. "Because of this three-phased approach, we had a surge in renewals and new independent memberships, ending the year with over 700 Independent Members." While Independent Members have no local chapter affiliation and receive no local chapter benefits, they receive all other voting membership benefits and privileges.

Founded in 1896, the American Guild of Organists has more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The Independent Membership category was created in 2003 in response to individuals living in remote geographic areas not otherwise served by a local AGO chapter. Although independent members have no chapter affiliation, they are served by their district convener, regional coordinators for education and professional development, and their regional councillor. Independent members receive full membership benefits, including eligibility for all health and insurance plans offered through the AGO, national election voting privileges, a subscription to The American Organist Magazine, and discounts on AGO convention registration fees and education resources from the AGO Bookstore. "While Independent Membership is available to all, even to those living where a local chapter exists, it is the AGO's hope that individuals joining the Guild for the first time as independent members will soon discover the many additional benefits and programs available through chapter affiliation, and will choose to join their local chapter, if one exists, at the time of membership renewal," noted Herbert Buffington, director of the AGO Committee on Membership Development and Chapter Support.

AGO membership is open to all and includes working professionals—organists, choir directors, teachers, organbuilders, technicians, and suppliers to the field—as well as students, clergy, amateur musicians, and dedicated supporters. Individuals wishing to join the AGO for the 2009–2010 membership year can find a local chapter online at <www.agohq.org> or by contacting AGO National Headquarters at 212-870-2310. For further information or to request a membership brochure, please contact Jin Kang at 212-870-2311 (ext. 7512) or e-mail <jkk@agohq.org>.

End-of-the-year Thanks and Update

As our chapter program years draw to a close, I want to thank all Chapter Deans, elected officials, and volunteers for all of the work you have done for Guild members and friends of the organ in your area this year. I am grateful for all of your time, talents, and energy!

Two weeks ago, I attended AGO national council meetings. During four days of very challenging and very productive meetings, we discussed many topics and also participated in long-range planning for the future of the AGO.

There is good news to share: Guild membership is UP nationally, reversing a downward trend of several years! The fastest-growing category is that of Independent Member, especially in Regions like ours, in which Guild members may live long distances from the nearest chapter. All of us will need to find ways to connect with our fellow AGO members, perhaps through increased use of technology to “virtually” diminish the distance between us.

More good news: individual and chapter donations to the Annual Fund are UP nationally! The Annual Fund provides vital support for many, many Guild initiatives. An example: a software program is in development which will soon allow on-line membership renewal, changes of address, etc., thereby considerably reducing the paperwork burden on chapter registrars and treasurers. Another example: free insurance is supplied to every AGO chapter for chapter events. (The cost of that insurance alone is almost $3 per member. If you or your chapter are not yet contributing to the Annual Fund, I highly encourage you to consider contributing at least that much.) Contributions are easily made on-line here. Thank you to the chapters who contributed to a 7% increase, and to the individuals who increased giving by 6%, in our Region this year.

Yet more good news: more young people are getting involved with the Guild! This is due in great part to the phenomenal success of the Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) program. Each POE participant is given a one-year AGO membership. During the twenty-year history of the POE program, many of these students have become active chapter members, bringing much-needed youthful energy and ideas to the Guild. Remember, we have two POEs this summer in Region VI: in Sioux Falls, SD, and in Kansas City, MO. Considering the amount and quality of instruction and activities, with all housing and meals included, these “camps” are a fantastic value for the dollar compared to other summer activities available to young musicians. Click here to learn more. It’s not too late to enroll in these fun and inspirational programs!

Our adult members also have an opportunity for inspiration and fun this summer: Pipes on the Plains, the Regional convention in Wichita, June 15-18. A unique pre-convention event is a fun family organ fair the Sunday preceding the convention. On Monday, join in an organ crawl or hear our most talented young organists in the Regional Competition, before the convention’s opening convocation that evening. Help us fête the first-ever Regional honoree, Quentin Faulkner, during the Regional dinner. There is too much wonderful information to list it all here – suffice it to say that we will hear many wonderful programs and instruments … we’ll participate in inspirational worship services … we’ll learn from talented workshop presenters … and perhaps most importantly, we’ll share in the fellowship and networking that are so important in these challenging times. The convention hotel is a bargain, and the room rates include a breakfast for each guest. Your convention registration includes another five meals – what a deal! It’s not too late to register. Learn more here.

Of course, as well as good news to share, we also face challenges as an organization and as individuals, in large part due to the current economic climate. Income from the Guild’s investments is down, and facing that fact was the main focus of our national council meeting. We are committed to the financial health of the Guild, and we request and appreciate your continued help and contributions to carry out the AGO’s many worthy initiatives despite current economic challenges. If your personal financial situation would allow you to help someone else with their membership or convention registration … if you can make a contribution to the Annual Fund … if you can support the POEs or Regional convention by writing a check … I urge you to consider helping the Guild continue to function well during this economic downturn. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of this request.

Please remember that the first task of Deans (either outgoing or incoming) for the new program year is to submit the Officer Report Form (ORF) for your chapter. It’s easily done on-line, and is an important component of maintaining your chapter’s not-for-profit status. Even if your officers remained the same this year as last, the form still must be completed again. As soon as you have elected your officers for 2009-10, please click here to complete this form.

I highly encourage all members to frequently visit the AGO national website. There is much helpful information there, on many subjects, free for the downloading. Incoming Chapter Deans will find the Chapter Management Handbook particularly valuable.

Please join me in thanking your District Convener, and Marlene Hallstrom and Jeff Verkuilen, our Regional Coordinators for Professional Development and Education, respectively. Their current terms expire in June, like yours; several who have not reached their term limits have agreed to serve another two years. The current and new DCs and Coordinators will be introduced at the Regional Convention, and in a convention follow-up letter from me. I am grateful to all of them!

I hope to see you at Pipes on the Plains or at one of the chapter events I’ll be visiting in the coming program year. All good wishes to you!

Pipe Organ Encounters

One of the best programs of the Guild is the Pipe Organ Encounter (POE), a summer experience for young and young-at-heart organists and budding organ technicians. POEs are summer organ "camps," typically 4-5 days in length, in which participants enjoy playing country's most significant instruments, benefit from instruction from well-known faculty in workshops and lessons, go on field trips to organ companies and additional venues important in the organ world, and most of all -- have fun! Offered at locations across the country for over ten years, these week-long intensive experiences have proved to be fertile ground for the development of the art of organ playing and organ building.

Watch the YouTube video below about the San Francisco POE in 2005, and be motivated by these students' enthusiasm for the King of Instruments. (Video produced by Vic Ferrer Productions, San Francisco © 2008.) One of the comments about this video says, "Great great great video! I've been to 3 POEs now, and they are sooo much fun. it is what really got me into the pipe organ, because I found out what a cool instrument it is, and there are other kids out there who love it too! :)"

This year, two POEs will be hosted in Region VI: in Kansas City (sponsored by the Greater Kansas City chapter) and in Sioux Falls (sponsored by the South Dakota chapter). Anyone between 13 and 18 years of age is invited to attend these two events. Participants should have some keyboard proficiency, but previous organ experience is not required.

Don't miss this opportunity!

• If you are a young person, consider attending one of the POEs in Region VI - see the links to application forms below.
  
• If you are an adult, encourage students you know to attend a POE. Consider offering a personal or chapter scholarship to help local students attend. Consider attending a POE yourself -- the POE+ program is offered for adults.
• If you are interested in organ building, consider attending the first-ever POE-Tech.
  

To access application forms for Region VI POEs in 2009, click one of these links:
Kansas City
Sioux Falls

Information on all 2009 POEs, including POE+ for adults, and the first-ever POE-Tech, is available on the AGO Headquarters website - click here.

New Year's Resolutions

Those who know me well know that New Year's Day is my favorite day of the year. I really enjoy the idea of a clean slate -- a new year full of new possibilities. I relish the opportunity to review the past year, and am grateful for the ability to make plans for what I'd like the new year to include. I have my New Year's resolutions in place for 2009 and am excited about beginning to work toward the goals they represent.

I would encourage each Guild member to set this goal for yourself for 2009: to take full advantage of the benefits of your Guild membership. The American Organist arrives in your mailbox each month, full of information - but if that's your only contact with the AGO, you're missing out on many other benefits! Each member will find different advantages to membership, depending on your own needs and interests. But I am serious when I say there is something for every organist under the wide-ranging umbrella of the Guild - no matter your age, ability, location, employment, or type of instrument. We are a diverse group, and the Guild has evolved to address and embrace those differences with many different types of programs and resources. What's in it for you? Make it a goal to find out!

A great way to begin is to visit the National AGO website. You'll be amazed at the treasures there, many of which may be downloaded for free. Visit it today, bookmark it for frequent return visits, and make the Guild part of your New Year's Resolutions for 2009.