ON OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS... FROM THE DEAN

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1 ON OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS... FROM THE DEAN For the Protestant membership especially the Lutherans and organists who serve Lutheran churches this month of October is a special anniversary. It is the 500th anniversary of Luther s nailing of the 95 Theses on the Castle church at Wittenberg, Germany. Despite beginning efforts elsewhere in Europe preceding Luther (e.g., Wycliffe in England and Hus in Prague) this event is commonly known as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. 000Nonetheless, for us as church musicians, Luther was a musician who composed music for hymns as well as lyrics for his own tunes and those of others. During this 500th anniversary, it is interesting to me as an organist to search out what Luther had to say about music. One of the first quotes that I came up with was this: The organ in worship is the insignia of Baal.... The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews. After getting over the initial shock of the quotation, I discovered the source of this particular quote to be Realencyklopädie für Protestantische Theologie und Kirche, Bd. 14, s.433 as was cited in Martin Luther, McClintock & Strong: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, VI: 762. It turns out that there is no evidence that Luther ever said this and that article from which this was taken was written to promote a capella singing! 000Rather, Luther said this a long quote rarely read or heard today: I, Doctor Martin Luther, wish all lovers of the unshackled art of music grace and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ! I truly desire that all Christians would love and regard as worthy the lovely gift of music, which is a precious, worthy, and costly treasure given to mankind by God. The riches of music are so excellent and so precious that words 1

2 fail me whenever I attempt to discuss and describe them.... In summa, next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits.... Our dear fathers and prophets did not desire without reason that music be always used in the churches. Hence, we have so many songs and psalms. This precious gift has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God. However, when man s natural musical ability is whetted and polished to the extent that it becomes an art, then do we note with great surprise the great and perfect wisdom of God in music, which is, after all, His product and His gift; we marvel when we hear music in which one voice sings a simple melody, while three, four, or five other voices play and trip lustily around the voice that sings its simple melody and adorn this simple melody wonderfully with artistic musical effects, thus reminding us of a heavenly dance, where all meet in a spirit of friendliness, caress and embrace. A person who gives this some thought and yet does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God, must be a clodhopper indeed and does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and the grunting of hogs. Martin Luther 000A special service that will be nur auf Deutsch, Reformation 500 German Worship Service, will be held on Sunday, October 8, 11:00 a.m. at St. John s German Lutheran Church in Reading, Pennsylvania. I will: be playing Bach s chorale setting of Ein Feste Burg (part of the Leipzig chorale prelude set); directing the Pagoda Brass in Benjamin Culli s Reformation Suite for Organ and Brass; and leading the singing of five of Luther s hymns; and directing the Reading Liederkranz Singers in three anthems, the lyrics of which were written by Luther. This special service will be broadcast on WEEU-A M 830 in Reading. 000I hope that you, also, will be engaged this month in special music or attending events celebrating the works of Luther. 000Soli Deo Gloria! MARK V. HERR, Dean000 UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS Your Lancaster chapter has a busy time planned for October. 000Join Lancaster and Harrisburg chapter members at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 8 at 3:00 p.m. for Part One of the Hands and Feet Across the Counties program. Lancaster chapter members will perform a program on the newly relocated Reuter organ (formerly at Millersville University) in Parmer Hall, Calvin and Janet High Center, Mechanicsburg. 2

3 000On Friday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. we install Lancaster chapter officers and welcome Hungarian organist and composer Balint Karosi to St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a class on improvisation. 000Mr. Karosi performs a concert on the Schantz organ at St. Peter's the following afternoon, Saturday, October 14th, at 4pm. ROB HORTON, Sub-Dean000 Balint Karosi Source: karosi.org CHAPTER AND AREA PROGRAMS Indicates a Lancaster Chapter Event Oct. 7 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Starlight Tea Concert Series: Internationally Acclaimed American Violinist Andrew Sords; accompanied by Elizabeth DiMio (piano) and guest artist Ian Petruzzi (French horn). Location: Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Avenue, Lancaster, PA. Oct. 8 (Su), 3:00 p.m. Recital: Hands & Feet Across the Counties: Lancaster Organists in Harrisburg. Location: Parmer Hall, Calvin and Janet High Center, Messiah College, College Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA. The Reuter Organ Parmer Hall, Messiah College Oct. 13 (Fr), 7:00 p.m. Presentation: Improvisation in Hymn Playing, Balint Karosi, Location: St. Peter s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA. Oct. 14 (Sa), 4:00 p.m. Concert: Balint Karosi, Location: St. Peter s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 Delp Road, Lancaster, PA. Oct. 14 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church Concert Series: Music of the Reformation, Larry Roff, organist, and Westminster (Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA) Brass Quintet. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA. Free-will offering. Oct. 15 (Su) 4:00 p.m. Hymn Sing and Concert: Annual OctoberMusicFest. Hymn sing and concert; a meal follows at 5:45 p.m. Location: Mellingers 3

4 Evangelical Lutheran Church, 80 Gockley Road, Stevens (Schoeneck), PA. Info: Carl W. Tobias, DOM/Organist, (717) Free-will offering. Oct. 21 (Sa), 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Liturgical Training Day: David Hurd, Organist and Choirmaster at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Episcopal), New York, NY. Keynote Address, Choral and Organ sessions. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Further details at Oct. 21 (Sa), 12:30 p.m. Concert: Rob Horton: Music composed for the European harmonium played on the Tannenberg pipe organ. Michael Hendron: Music composed for the harmonium and reed organ played on two 19th century, York-made reed organs. Location: York Historical Society, 250 E. Market St., York, PA. Oct. 21 (Sa), 4:00 p.m. Theatre Organ/Silent Movie: Don Kinnier accompanies the silent movie The Great K & A Train Robbery. Location: Appell Center for the Performing Arts/Capitol Theatre, 50 N. George St., York, PA. $10 general admission. Oct. 22 (Su), 3:00 p.m. Concert: Reed Organ Society: A concert on the Knauff tracker pipe organ and three reed organs performed by three members. Location: Union Meeting House, 60 N. Waterford Ave., Marietta, PA. Free-will offering. Oct. 22 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Choral Evensong; 7:00 p.m. Organ Recital: David Hurd, Organist and Choirmaster at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Episcopal), New York, NY. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Free-will offering. Oct. 29 (Su), 7:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: Don Kinnier, theater organist provides accompaniment to Alfred Hitchcock s production of The Lodger. Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 South Duke St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. Nov. 3 (Fr), 7:00 p.m. Recital: Hands & Feet Across the Counties: Harrisburg Organists in Lancaster. Location: First United Methodist Church, 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA. Nov. 4 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church Concert Series: Musicians of Westminster I. Individual soloists and instrumentalists presenting sacred, classical, and secular music. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA. Free-will offering. Nov. 5 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: Temple Avenue, graduates of Temple University s jazz program presenting familiar standards and little-known gems. Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 South Duke St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. 4

5 Nov. 11 (Sa), 7:00 p.m. Starlight Tea Concert Series: Chapter Member Margaret Marsch, Organ and the Lancaster Brass Quintet. Location: Lancaster Church of the Brethren, 1601 Sunset Avenue, Lancaster, PA. Dec. 3 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Choral Evensong and Handel s Messiah: Part I sung by the St. Luke s Festival Choir. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Free-will offering. Dec. 10 (Su), 4:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Concert Series: Heritage Chorale, under the direction of Barry Sawyer performing a concert of holiday delights. Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 South Duke St., Lancaster, PA. Free admission. Dec. 17 (Su), 6:00 p.m. Concert: Home for the Holidays, the Eaken Trio (piano, violin, cello) at 6 PM. Location: St. Luke s Episcopal Church, 22 S. Sixth St., Lebanon PA. Free-will offering. Dec. 29 (Fr), 7:00 p.m. Christmas at the Organ: Carol Sing & Recital. Location: Covenant United Methodist Church, 110 N. Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA. AREA POSITIONS AVAILABLE If you wish to list available positions here, please your info to Dr. Terry Heisey: terryleb@aol.com Complete detailed listings are available at the Chapter web-site: www.lancasterago.org00000 cover letter and résumé to bethany@bethanyucc.com or to Bethany UCC, 140 E. Main St., Ephrata, PA 17522, attention: Rev. Wm. LaSalle. Bethany United Church of Christ, Ephrata, PA Organist and/or Director of Music. Organist provides music for 9:00 a.m. blended worship service using piano and new Rogers Infinity 3 manual organ. Director of Music directs the choir and other ensembles. Our musicians should be experienced in a variety of music genres. If interested, contact Rev. Wm. LaSalle at (717) or send 5 St. Edward s Episcopal Church, Lancaster PA Permanent Part-time Organist to play one service every Sunday (10:15 a.m.) as well as other special services during the church year (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, etc.) and serve as accompanist for the adult choir and rehearsals. Contact Patrick Ishler, (717) or stedsmusicdirector@gmail.com

6 Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, PA Handbell Director, two handbell choirs plus possibilities for expanding the program; approx. 5 hours/week. Contact Pat Bleecker at bleecker@westpca.com for application and job description. with skill level and experience, and is negotiable. To apply for this position contact the church: office@stmaryanne.org or (410) ; or Rick Waterhouse, Junior Warden: wate6585@zoominternet.net or (410) Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, in Lancaster Township, PA Permanent Part-time Director of Music to provide leadership for the church music ministry. This includes an adult choir, small music ensembles, soloists, and possible future development of a childrens and intergenerational choirs. Applicant must have an appreciation for both contemporary and traditional church music, possess strong leadership skills, and be talented and proficient in choir directing and piano accompaniment. Music education or equivalent choir directing experience is required. Please mail or résumé to: Hamilton Park United Church of Christ, Attention: Search, 1210 Maple Ave., Lancaster, Pa 17603; admin@hpucc.org St. Mary Anne Episcopal Church, North East, MD Part-time Director of Music to serve as Organist and Choir Director accompanying hymns, service music, and choir anthems at the Sunday services (8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.); special services of the liturgical seasons of the Episcopal Church year; one weekly choir rehearsal (early September through late June). The Director of Music reports to the Rector and works collaboratively with the Rector and Worship Committee to provide musical leadership for the church. The applicant should possess proficient pipe organ (Möller) and piano skills to accompany the choir and congregation; experience and capability in choral conducting; at least a bachelor s degree in music, performance, conducting, or related field; and at least 3 years experience in a music/choir leadership role. The annual salary, ranging $18 $22,000, is commensurate 6 St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Littlestown, PA Organist (with piano abilities) to lead the traditional Holy Communion worship service Sundays at 10:15 a.m. (9 a.m. in the summer). Additional special services throughout the year are Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, midweek Lenten services, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and occasionally as many as two community services every few years. The organist would work with the choir director under the Worship and Music committee and would accompany the Chancel Choir on piano. Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00 8:30 p.m. The Chancel Choir rehearsals begin on the last Wed. in Aug. and conclude in late May. St. Paul s has a very strong music program with about 16 members in the Chancel Choir. The organ is a Möller Pipe Organ Opus 4961, installed in 1930 (rebuilt in 1963 and 2012). For more information please contact Ben Messinger at (717) or benmessinger@comcast.net Faith United Church of Christ, Lancaster, PA Organist for Sunday worship and other services throughout the church year. For more information, please call (717) , or send a résumé to the church at 1204 Wabank Road, Lancaster, PA Grace United Church of Christ, east of Lancaster, PA Director of Music (parttime) for Sunday morning worship, choir rehearsals, and coordinating the music program. We currently have a praise band and bell choir. Versatility in music styles for blended worship and proficiency in organ and piano are required. Grace UCC ( is a

7 small, vibrant congregation truly dedicated to welcoming diversity. Send résumé to: St. Richard Catholic Church, Manheim, PA Part-time Organist-Piano/Choir Director for weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and Sundays at 8:00/10:30 a.m. as well as special services during the year. Should be accomplished in one or more of the following areas: organ, piano, voice, and choral direction. Contact Fr. Steve Weitzel at (717) or send résumé to (May mail résumé to St. Richard Church, 201 Adele Ave., Manheim, PA 17545, Attn: Fr. Stephen Weitzel.) The Presbyterian Congregation of Middletown Part-time Organist/Choir Director for 10:30 a.m. Sunday service as well as special services during the year. The job description for this hours per week position is available at Please résumé to or by mail to: Presbyterian Congregation of Middletown, 290 North Union St., Middletown, PA (717) Willow Street UCC, Willow Street, PA Part-time Accompanist and/or Organist. Piano proficiency is required, but organ preferred. Gundling Organ. Approx. 3 5 hours/week on site and private practice as needed. Sight-reading desired. Playing by ear and improvisation a plus. Send cover letter and résumé to: hrwsucc@comcast.net MID-ATLANTIC Please check for the current list. It is published as a courtesy by the Lancaster AGO Chapter. The Lancaster AGO Chapter assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of substitute organists. THE HERALD TROMPETTE is a monthly publication (no July issue) of the Lancaster Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The deadline for publication in the November 2017 issue will be October 20, Forward all material to: ago_lanc_news@comcast.net Lancaster Chapter Officers Dean Mark V. Herr (2019) (717) minstrel52@hotmail.com Sub-Dean Rob Horton (2019) (717) bombarde16@gmail.com Secretary Terry Heisey (2018) (717) terryleb@aol.com Treasurer Pat Bleecker (2018) (717) pbleecker@dejazzd.com Chapter Chaplain Rev. Robert Kettering bobket@juno.com Members at-large Jennifer Fritsch (2019) (717) f @windstream.net Glenn Lehman (2018) (717) office@harmonies.org Eileen Laurence (2019) (914) laurence@concentric.net Nancy Maurer (2018) (717) nmaurer@embarqmail.com Placement/Substitutes Terry Heisey (717) terryleb@aol.com Newsletter Scott Chambers (717) ago_lanc_news@comcast.net 7