TN AGO Centennial Plans

In February, 1914, a group of organists in Memphis met to form a chapter of the AGO, and named it the "Tennessee Chapter".  As the AGO expanded across the state of Tennessee, the chapter was renamed the "Memphis Chapter", and today there are six chapters in our state.  The Memphis chapter is planning to celebrate the beginnings of the AGO in Tennessee by a big celebration spanning our season from September 2013 to May 2014.  Their plans include several exciting events:

• Recital and Master Class by Paul Jacobs of The Julliard School, March 7 and 8, 2014  
• A program of Organ Concertos, November 3, 2013 
• A Theatre music program, performed by Memphis organist and composer Dennis Janzer, date TBA
• Performance of a centennial anthem composed by Daniel Gawthrop  

The chapter also plan to showcase winners of our chapter scholarships, honor our past Deans, explore our history as our Archives Committee updates our records, and have a gala banquet in May, 2014.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jane Gamble: drjanegamble@aol.com  or check out the Memphis website: http://www.agomemphis.org/

A visit to the Birmingham chapter

Your Region IV Councillor took a trip to Birmingham this week for their chapter meeting on Monday, September 10. The meeting was held at First UMC downtown. What a great time (and a wonderful catered meal)! 

This past summer, the Birmingham chapter provided financial support for students to attend a POE (Pipe Organ Encounter) and a POE-Advanced. These two students had the opportunity to share with the membership the highlights of their respective POEs. Pictured below are Justin Westley (attended the Gainesville POE), me, and Christopher Hendley (attended the POE-Advanced). 

Later in the meeting, I had the honor to speak to the chapter about the upcoming changes in the national governance structure. The title of my presentation, "The American Guild of Organists: What can the organization do for you?", also reminded those in attendance of the myriad of services and opportunities that the guild provides. Below is a photo of all those in attendance!