Early registration for Columbia Regional

In the midst of all of your Easter preparations, don't forget that the early registration deadline for the Columbia Regional is April 1, 2013. The folks from the Greater Columbia chapter have a splendid schedule for us -- I look forward to seeing you all there! To make it easy, here is the link to register: http://www.regional2013.org/registration.html

Durham-Chapel Hill Chapter Hosts PPP

Submitted by Laurel Siviglia: 

On February 3rd, our chapter's Pedals Pipes and Pizza took place at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill. Thirty children attended the event. The children had the opportunity to play both organs and the harpsichord at the Chapel of the Cross. Van Quinn explained how the organ works and let the students see and go inside the organ. Michael Bennett played for the students and worked with them in adapting their piano pieces for the organ. Laurel Siviglia worked with several of the students in the small chapel. Several of the students and their parents expressed an interest in learning more about the organ and taking lessons. The children had fun eating pizza and socializing with old and new friends. There have been several articles in the TAO about "growing the guild." I believe that this is where we need to begin.

(The photos above show all of excited students! Top photo: Michael Bennett on the bench; Bottom Photo: Van Quinn on the bench). 

A visit to Greensboro

Your regional councillor visited the Greater Greensboro Chapter on Monday, February 25 for a general business meeting at Guilford Park Presbyterian Church. Following a lovely meal, Ellis provided an update on structural changes within the AGO and the chapter voted on updated operating procedures. Members in attendance are pictured in front of the Walcker organ housed in the sanctuary. (Yes, I was actually there, but took the picture!)

Gainesville Chapter Hosts Masterclass

In conjunction with Olivier Latry's recital at First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, Florida, the Gainesville chapter hosted a masterclass with the artist on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Participating in the master class were University of Florida students Shawn Thomas, Matt Gender, and Wagner Schulz. Also performing was Christopher Henley from Talladega, Alabama. (Pictured from left: Thomas, Gender, Latry, Schulz, and Henley.)

Central Florida presents Stephen Tharp

Stephen Tharp will be in concert at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke (Episcopal), 130 North Magnolia, in Orlando, Florida, on Sunday, February 24 at 3:00PM. The 2011 NYC International Performer of the Year, Tharp is hailed by the American Organist as "every bit the equal of any organist." Sponsored by the Central Florida chapter, the concert is free and open to the public.

2013 Region IV POE

The Birmingham Chapter announces the POE 2013 for Region IV will be held July 14-19 in Birmingham, Alabama. The chapter is proud to be hosting a POE for the second time. Please see the following link for all sorts of information on POE 2013: http://POE2013.BirminghamAGO.org/.  

 

Please share the information with all your chapter members, area piano teachers, and interested students!

ECU's 7th Annual Organ Competition for High School Students

The East Carolina University Young Artist Competition for Pre-College Organists is an innovative outreach program designed to inspire young musicians in our region to strive for the highest level of musicianship and technical accomplishment in organ performance. The competition is open to any pre-college student in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida.    From the recorded application round three finalists will be chosen to compete live on April 13, 2013.

For more information: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/music/organsacredmusic/fisk.cfm