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!

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!!!!)

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

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:

A visit to Charlotte!

On the evening of Tuesday, October 9, your regional councillor visited the Charlotte Chapter. Charlotte will be our host for the 2015 Regional Convention. Convention Coordinator, Patrick Pope, hosted a lovely dinner at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter. My goal was to garner energy for the upcoming convention and encouraged chapter members to offer their ideas and support. I also took a few moments to discuss the upcoming changes to the national structure. Here's a photo of those in attendance.  

Thanks to the Charlotte chapter for their commitment to the ideals of the AGO!

And now, the national council 'top ten'

Lots of information for the AGO membership was discussed at national council meeting in Atlanta. To keep you up-to-date, here's my 'top ten' list:

10) We have a challenge to increase membership by 5% -- how can YOU help increase membership in your chapter?
9) Chapter Leadership -- don't forget to keep your IRS paperwork up-to-date. Each chapter must submit those pesky IRS forms to retain non-profit status. Please stay up to date!
8) The annual fund -- contribute as an individual; check to ensure that your chapter contributes.
7) Oh, did I mention that the hotel where we met was across the street from the Fox Theatre? Now, that is cool!
6) The guild is completing the search for a new I.T. director. The goal is to identify a candidate by October 31 and have someone in place by January 1. Hopefully, changes ahead!
5) A stop at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer to visit with our former Regional Councillor, Sarah Hawbecker. Always great to see you Sarah!
4) Get inspired by our new chaplain Dr. Don Saliers. Look for his columns soon.
3) Be on the watch-out for January Jubilees -- a new initiative for musicians in part-time employment.
2) The vote for changes in National By-laws will occur in November. For complete information: http://www.agohq.org/national/reorganize.html
1) Don't forget to put this summer's Region IV Convention in Columbia (July 3-6, 2013) on your calendar. Registration is now available at: http://www.regional2013.org/registration.html

Atlanta Meetings, Day Three

Day three in Atlanta found National Council Meeting in the morning. One of the highlights was a visit from our new AGO chaplain, Dr. Don Saliers, Emory University Emeritus Professor of Theology and Worship. Pictured below of Saliers, President Eileen Guenther, and Treasurer Calvert Johnson. Look forward to some great articles in the TAO from Dr. Saliers.