Tennessee Deans Meeting

On Saturday, October 8, a great meeting occurred at Concordia Lutheran Church in Nashville, hosted by Melvin Potts. What was the event? Ah, yes, the meeting of the Tennessee AGO deans! About 12:30pm, I was joined by Philip Newton, District Convener for Tennessee; Sumner Jenkins, Memphis Webmaster; Jon Johnson, Nashville Dean; and Jeff Schofield, Chattanooga Sub-dean. The meeting consisted of sharing programming ideas (things that worked, things that didn't); guild initiatives (annual fund); upcoming conventions (national in Nashville this summer and the regional in Columbia, SC, in 2013); and general fellowship. I am constantly reminded of all the great people doing great things in this region.

Thanks to those that were able to attend. Look for a deans meeting to occur near you soon!

National Council meeting, day two and three

The AGO National Council meeting continued with meetings on Friday, October 7. Following business, the group had the opportunity to listen to three more organs that will be highlighted at the Nashville Convention: the Lively-Fulcher at Christ Church Cathedral where Michael Velting performed; the Moller at West End United Methodist Church where Wilma Jensen demonstrated; and the 2009 Fisk at Convenant Presbyterian Church where Gregg Bunn played. Another opportunity to hear some fantastic instruments. Conclusion? The Nashville Convention will be wonderful!

The council reconvened on Saturday morning for more meetings . . . the top five things from the meeting? 1) The Nashville Convention this summer will be great; 2) all are excited about the new color pages in the TAO; 3) the budget is tight . . .  cuts of 10% for all expenditures except salaries for the next budget year; 4) the council is considering ways to trim expenses, including streamlining council and committee structure; and 5) a $5 increase in dues for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. None of us like to see increases, but this will be the first increase in four years and dues will still be under $100. When I think of all that the guild does for us . . . a bargain!

Nashville, the music city . . . join us this July!

National Council Meeting in Nashville, Day One

My Thursday (Oct. 6) began with flights from Florida to Nashville. The Councillors for the Regions had an afternoon meeting, with President Eileen Guenther and Executive Director James Thomashower joining us for the discussion. The steering committee for the upcoming Nashville National Convention invited the council to visit some venues we'll see this summer: Jon Johnson played a mini-recital on the 59-rank Schantz at First Baptist Church; then to Schermerhorn Symphony Center to hear the Nashville Symphony perform; and following this concert Andrew Risinger played a mini-recital on the 64-rank Schoenstein in the hall. What a full and exciting day. Nashville will be a great spot for this summer's National Convention!!

Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter has opening dinner

On Friday, September 30, the Durham-Chapel Hill chapter began its 2011-2012 program year with a kick-off dinner at the Top of the Hill restaurant in Chapel Hill. Twenty-five organists and friends enjoyed a meal and fellowship with each other. This was followed by an Organ Dedication Recital at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill. Organist John Allegar dedicated the recently installed 2 manual Casavant organ by playing pieces from Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Rogg. This was followed by an organ-piano arrangement of Franck’s Prelude, Fugue, et Variation performed by husband-wife team of Valerie and Adam Lefever Hughes on organ and piano, respectively. Valerie is Organist at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The opening festivities were concluded with a Masterclass led by Allegar on Saturday, October 1. He demonstrated ways organists can reduce tension at the console. He discussed methods of physical and mental preparation before services or performances and encouraged attendees to try out those techniques by playing a piece or a hymn they had prepared beforehand.