Welcome to the Southeast Region Blog!



Welcome to the Southeast Region Blog!


Greetings to all members in the Southeast Region of the American Guild of Organists. I hope that this blog can be an easy way for us to keep in touch. Please contact me for news and events from your chapter that should be included. I'm happy to spread the word! Scroll to the bottom of the page for the regional events calendar.


Best wishes for a wonderful 2015-2016 season.


Laura


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Councillor on the road . . .

In her never-ending quest to visit all AGO chapters within Region IV, Laura Ellis appeared (well, she WAS invited!) at two recent chapter events: Sunday, September 25 found her in Vero Beach, Florida, for the combined choral festival sponsored by the Treasure Coast Chapter. Included in the afternoon event was the installation of officers. On Tuesday, September 27, Ellis ventured to the St. Petersburg Chapter to give a presentation aimed at "Growing the Guild." The title of the 'talk' was "What the AGO can do for you & what you can do for the AGO." A raffle was held for Non-AGO members--the prize? A free year membership in the AGO. Feel free to invite your councillor to one of your upcoming chapter meetings!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Dr. Robert Parris, remembering a colleague . . .

Dr. Robert W. Parris, 59, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2011 following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Macon. Father David Probst will officiate. Interment will be private. Dr. Parris was the Charles B. Thompson Professor of Music and University Organist of Mercer University, where he was appointed to the faculty in 1979. In that capacity he taught organ and harpsichord, as well as courses in both music history and music theory at graduate and undergraduate levels. He was also Choirmaster and Organist of Christ Episcopal Church in Macon. A native of Virginia, Dr. Parris received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester he earned a Performer's Certificate, and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Post-doctoral studies were undertaken in Boston and in northern Germany. An international concert artist, Dr. Parris toured under Windwerks Concert Management. His command of historic performance technique has caused his frequent performances on significant antique instruments in northern Europe. In 2004 he was a featured performer at the AGO national convention in Los Angeles, appearing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in Walt Disney Hall. Dr. Parris recorded repertoire by Mozart and Reger on the Spectrum label and music of Sowerby in an album titled "Jubilee" on Premier. His most recent recording was released in early 2006, a recital titled "Land of Rest" on the Loft Recordings label, including music of Buxtehude, Bach, Franck, Sowerby and Dupre. Dr. Parris is survived by his wife of 31 years, Ellen Gifford Parris; four children: Lindley Wood (Gary), John Parris, Lauren Parris and Leah Parris all of Macon, Georgia; parents Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Parris of Salem, Virginia and sister Dale Lee (Robert) of Salem, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Robert Parris Scholarship, Mercer University. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart’s Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Upcoming concerts at Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta

Please add these spring 2012 concerts to your calendar: 

February 3, 7:30 PM: Joby Bell, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta, GA

April 15, 2:00 PM: Rodland Duo (Catherine Rodland, organ, and Carol Rodland, viola), Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta

Information can be found at http://www.redeemer.org/Concert_Series

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

East Carolina University Organ Competition

East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) is pleased to announce its Sixth Annual Competition for Pre-college Organists! Organists in Region IV are encouraged to apply. Significant cash prizes are awarded.  For details, visit: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/music/organsacredmusic/youngartistscompetition.cfm

Columbia 2013 . . . Steering Committee Meeting

On Saturday, August 27, I traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, to join the Steering Committee for their initial organizational meeting for the 2013 Region IV Convention. We met at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church -- coffee in abundance. I was excited to be able to attend and meet all of the steering committee members. I appreciate the efforts of Tony Roof, convention coordinator; Patrick Hawkins, Greater Columbia Chapter Dean; Frank Ballard, Registrar; Christopher Nash, Publicity/Program Book; Polly Watts, Hospitality/Volunteers; Frances Webb, Gifts and Grants; Sara Beardsley, Secretary; Susan Sturkie, Treasurer; Mark Husey, Program; Thomas J. White, Exhibits; and David Lowry, Quimby/RCYO. What a great cast of characters for a great event. Stay tuned!