tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66762894158836250302009-11-07T13:34:01.836-06:00Welcome to the blog for members of Region VI (North Central States, U.S.A.) of the American Guild of Organists! Our Region includes the states of CO, KS, MO, WY, NE, SD, IA, ND, MN, and WI. CHECK OUT THE REGIONAL CALENDAR, BELOW!Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-24447584976890907102009-09-13T23:59:00.002-05:002009-09-14T00:11:22.103-05:00

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

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-23879043991562501422009-07-11T16:47:00.002-05:002009-07-11T17:27:42.516-05:00

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

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-67520936688753136002009-06-10T16:47:00.005-05:002009-06-10T16:56:42.673-05:00

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

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-89398222167720776822009-05-05T16:20:00.004-05:002009-05-05T16:39:03.555-05:00

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,

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-60716891829771361442009-02-07T11:57:00.010-06:002009-04-02T15:17:36.173-05:00

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

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-29626598399673250982009-01-03T09:29:00.002-06:002009-01-03T09:54:32.365-06:00

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

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-10771092473913720042008-12-24T22:38:00.002-06:002008-12-24T22:45:50.693-06:00

On Christmas Eve 2008, my wish for each of the Guild's members in Region VI is that, no matter what your religious beliefs are, you re-discover the joy and wonder of this season in your everyday music-making activities. We are privileged to make our mark on our world with our music. May you find inspiration from the music in your care -- passed down through generations of musicians and

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-59173708252893939972008-11-24T14:37:00.006-06:002008-11-24T14:47:56.345-06:00

Are you looking for holiday gift ideas for your favorite organist, or for your personal list to give to family and friends? The AGO store has lots of great ideas for you. You might want to try dropping a hint to your church or synagogue as well! The best news: from now through December 23, AGO members can take advantage of significant discounts! The below information is from Headquarters.

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-80142055221333689402008-11-12T11:31:00.003-06:002008-11-12T12:34:13.104-06:00

This important reminder from James Thomashower, AGO's Executive Director, was sent by e-mail to all chapter Deans today, November 12, 2008. If you are a chapter Dean, it is essential that you complete this IRS requirement. If you are not a chapter Dean, offer your help to see that your chapter's tax-exempt status is secure! Thanks - JanWe are writing to remind you that the deadline for filing

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-32976017540368630952008-11-03T20:36:00.004-06:002008-11-03T20:59:06.857-06:00

At the upcoming Regional Convention - June 15-18, 2009, in Wichita, KS - we will have a chance to honor someone within the ten states as our 2009 Regional Honoree. Who has impacted your musical life? Who comes immediately to mind as the person who most exemplifies Guild's mission?The AGO mission statement: "The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72834193374009602682008-10-28T17:50:00.001-05:002008-10-28T18:16:08.883-05:00

An amazing collection of resources that can help your chapter is available on the AGO Headquarters website. Check it out!Here are some of the offerings. All are free downloads:International Year of the Organ brochure. Throughout this exciting year (June 2008 through June 2009), I hope you will distribute these brochures at all chapter events and other IYO organ events in your community.AGO

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-49456912818836626782008-09-23T16:19:00.002-05:002008-09-23T16:34:40.644-05:00

One of the benefits of the entire Guild working together on the International Year of the Organ is the advertising exposure nationally. Oct. 19, 2008 will be an international day of celebration, and a focal point of the 2008-09 International Year of the Organ Celebration. If your chapter is presenting an Organ Spectacular event on October 19, the national AGO office wants to help you get

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-65382775317427372352008-05-23T16:30:00.003-05:002008-05-23T16:34:27.481-05:00

The following press release was published by the AGO on May 15. Join the international effort and make your chapter plans now! Jan2008–2009 International Year of the Organ to Be Inaugurated at the AGO National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., June 22–26, 2008More than 200 Organ Spectacular Concerts Worldwide on Sunday, October 19, 2008 Will Celebrate the King of InstrumentsNEW YORK

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-66318450247275904752008-05-02T19:27:00.002-05:002008-05-02T19:30:28.280-05:00

From May 18-23, the Tri-State Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter+, a special week for adults wishing to improve their skills at the organ. This is a great opportunity for adult organists to get away, spend time in a beautiful setting, and focus on musical skills with expert instruction on beautiful instruments. Please help spread the word!Two tracks

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-34832884283513927542008-04-27T10:29:00.002-05:002008-04-27T10:46:42.988-05:00

[From time to time, guest authors will be featured on our blog. The following is an article which impressed me very much when it appeared in the Springfield, MO, AGO chapter newsletter earlier this year. Its author, T. Daniel Hancock, Dean of the chapter, has given permission to re-print it here. Jan]As organists or lovers of organ-associated music, much indeed is said about the current role

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-75221896734146062862008-03-28T18:47:00.002-05:002008-03-28T19:06:58.080-05:00

This is the time of year when your AGO really is in your hands. The direction set for your organization by national and regional leaders depends on your making your opinion known. One of the easiest ways to do this is to vote! This is an important election for the future of the Guild. Due to term expirations and other moves, we will be electing a new AGO President, Vice President, Secretary,

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-88610162808789966022008-03-04T09:55:00.003-06:002008-03-04T10:11:52.516-06:00

As you probably know, the AGO has declared the 2008-2009 program year as the "International Year of the Organ." Many chapters are currently planning their programs for the upcoming year, and I encourage you to plan an extra-special event on October 19, 2008, the date of the "Organ Spectacular." You will be able to take advantage of international advertising to a very diverse potential audience,

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72174880178805500572008-02-24T18:05:00.002-06:002008-02-24T18:11:28.698-06:00

For the period of February 1 through March 31, 2008, AGO membership is available at special reduced dues rates for new members.Now is an ideal time to invite your organist, choral director, and clergy friends to join the AGO! Check with your chapter registrar for the dues rates for new members during this time period. Share with your friends your enthusiasm about the world of the organ and

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-26074201999821026182008-02-20T09:21:00.002-06:002008-02-20T09:50:33.008-06:00

The AGO has named 2008-09 as the International Year of the Organ (see my previous post on the IYO - January 8, below). The year will begin with special events at the 2008 National Convention this summer in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and will conclude with the Regional Conventions in summer 2009. I highly encourage you to plan special events in your area!As a part of the celebration, the AGO

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-44095826643941547722008-02-11T16:46:00.000-06:002008-02-11T17:19:12.795-06:00

Summer 2008 will see not one but two Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) in Region VI! This initiative to support the next generations' interest in our profession is one of the most wonderful and successful programs of the Guild. (See additional information, including a video, in my previous post about POEs, below.)My colleague, Lary Grossman, Councillor for Region I (New England - see his blog),

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72595636290130031992008-01-31T12:42:00.000-06:002008-01-31T12:44:07.594-06:00

In browsing the 2008 National Convention website today, I learned that the Early Bird Registration Deadline has been extended 3 days, to Sunday, February 3. Find out more here. Hope to see you at the convention!

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-79732162739095816832008-01-25T11:47:00.000-06:002008-01-25T12:06:14.103-06:00

You won't want to miss the 2008 AGO National Convention! The early-bird registration closes January 31, 2008.Join us June 22-26 for the National Convention in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota - right in our own Region! To register on-line and learn the latest about all the details of this exciting convention, visit www.ago2008.org. Here are just a few of the

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-49796170231545178632008-01-13T19:25:00.000-06:002008-01-13T19:57:30.236-06:00

"The graying of the Guild." Have you heard this expression? It's a fact that our profession is "graying" -- most chapters have many more older than younger members, and sometimes we wonder what will happen with our beloved instrument in the next generation and beyond.The AGO has great news to share! The Guild's premiere program for youth, Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs), now in its 10th year, has

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-32729254979729343092008-01-08T11:57:00.000-06:002008-01-08T12:45:23.027-06:00

Over the past year and a half as your Regional Councillor, I’ve carefully read the chapter newsletters and e-newsletters sent to me from many of the 48 chapters in the 10 states of Region VI. It’s obvious that many exciting programs, workshops, and events are being sponsored by our chapters! However, sometimes those programs go by unnoticed by those outside chapter membership. (Fred Swann once

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-48287811168752413042008-01-08T11:52:00.001-06:002008-01-08T11:56:18.643-06:00

If you are not currently pursuing AGO Certification, this new year is the time to start on that goal! I made this goal for myself when I invited members attending the Regional Convention in Lincoln this past summer to join me in a “Region VI Certification Group.” The members of this group will attempt to attain their next (or first) level of certification – whether the SPC, CAGO, AAGO, FAGO, or

Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0