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


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Joby Bell visits Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter


On Saturday, November 3, Joby Bell, University Organist at Appalachian State University, came to Christ United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill to lead a workshop on tips and tricks in hymn playing. Over 20 organists, young and old, were present. He led it in an informal style, encouraging questions from the attendees. Several hymns, including ‘Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty’, ‘Holy God, We Praise Thy Name’, and ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’ were used to demonstrate techniques such as effective hymn leading, tempo, pulsing, rhythm, and registration. Bell also demonstrated, with good humor, ways to lead a congregation astray, and he solicited ideas on how to avoid those issues to be a more effective leader from the bench. He also asked for volunteers to demonstrate their ideas in hymn-playing. In the question and answer session, some great questions were asked, including what to do if someone were to complain the organ was too loud (watch the tuning, and get information about why this perception is made), how to break up repeated bass (pedal) notes, and how to play more pianistic hymnody on the organ. It was a very effective workshop.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Central North Carolina Chapter celebrates 90th Anniversary!

The Central North Carolina Chapter celebrated it's 90th anniversary on Friday, November 16th at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh. Your Regional Councillor was able to join them for this exciting event! The evening included a social gathering, dinner, short program, and a hilarious presentation of the 10-Minute Messiah. A great time was had by all.

The picture below includes all former CNCAGO chapter deans in attendance. From L-R: Laura Ellis [Region IV Councillor], Carolyn D. Brockwell [1982-1983], Dr. W. David Lynch (1970-1971],  Lee Harris [2003-2005], Leonard A. Smith [1980-1982, 1985-1986], David Witt [1986-1987],  Janet Cherry [2001-2003], Dr. William J. Weisser [1976-1978, 1984-1985; 2011-current]. 




Congratulations Central North Carolina!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Three Florida chapters join for Organ Crawl


On Saturday, November 11, three Florida chapters (Central Florida, Jacksonville, and Gainesville) met in St. Augustine for an organ crawl. We visited The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Trinity Parish (Episcopal), and Memorial Presbyterian. What a fun day! Thanks to the Central Florida chapter for organizing the trip and inviting the rest of us. The photo shows some of the attendees in front of the door of the Cathedral Basilica (I'm excited to point out that University of Florida organ studio members grace the front row!!!!)

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

UNCSA/Salem College/Winston-Salem AGO HS Festival and Competition

Attention High School Organist (& their teachers): UNCSA/Salem College/Winston-Salem AGO HS Festival and Competition application and CD due December 14. For more info, visit: www.timothyolsenorganist.com/OrganCompetition.html

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Crowds line up for AGO event in Columbus, GA!


Who says there are no audiences at organ recitals? I just received news of a very successful “Four Hands/Four Feet” program hosted by the Columbus, Georgia, chapter. Rick McKnight, Dean of the chapter, shares these thoughts about their event: "We considered a regular member’s recital but that “same old, same old” idea was quickly overthrown. Deciding we would concentrate on audience-friendly duos and duets, we named the program “Four Hands/Four Feet.” . . . The concert was free and began at 4 PM. When the doors opened at 3:30 there were over 300 people in the lobby. We left the doors open at the rear of the hall and still turned away 200! By 3:45 the hall was completely full at 318. Who would think that over 500 people would show up for an organ recital? And not a ‘star’ performer in sight!”

The event celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the installation of the Le Tourneau, Opus 60, at River Center in Columbus. Players included Rose Slonaker, Paul Culp, Jack Buchanan, Nancy McKee, Rick McKnight, Janie Lee Bullock, Ken Bailey, Sue Dietrich, Adleyn Scott, Zack Wright, Tom and Denise Bernard, Joseph Golden and Aesook Lim. Here are folks pictured at the organ: