The Worcester Organist

Transcription

1 The Worcester Organist Official Newsletter of the WORCESTER CHAPTER AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS POST OFFICE BOX WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS JANUARY FEBRUARY 2010 A Message from the Dean Happy New Year! For this letter, I have no theme, but rather, some random notes and FYIs. 1.) Thanks to Tom Ingrassia and some of my own efforts, we are in touch with the Hanover Theatre, Worcester. As many of you know and have been watching and asking there is a theatre pipe organ in the process of installation. When this is completed, we are work on the AGO being a part of (or at least having knowledge of) a grand unveiling of the instrument. Please stay tuned! 2.) Reminder: Valentine s Day is the deadline for early registration for the 2010 AGO National Convention in Washington, D.C. 3.) Appreciation to Brad Hendrickson, Sub-Dean, and his committee, who have provided a program almost every month for AGO members. And to Dave Moulton, Secretary, who has sent regular blasts to inform us of happenings. 4.) In case you are not aware, the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach, recorded by James Kibbie on original baroque organs in Germany, are now available as free internet downloads. The University of Michigan s Block M Records label is offering free downloads of all 270 works in MP3 and high-quality audio formats at James Kibbie recorded the series on seven historic organs by Silbermann, Schnitger, Trost, Bielfeldt, and Hildebrandt. To date, there have been approximately half a million downloads from the site. 5.) The other day, I had an opportunity to have lunch with four fellow AGO members and what a great experience that was. In fact, every time I ve had an opportunity to meet with fellow organists, I m amazed at what I m able to learn and tips that I m able to glean and share. I encourage networking within your geographical area and/or AGO friends as great ideas and synergy can come from these informal get-togethers. 6.) The Rieger pipe organ that was at Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, Haiti may have survived the earthquake. With 3 manuals and 44 stops, it is the largest in the Caribbean. 7.) Finally, I wish us all well in this present economy. Many churches are struggling. Music budgets are cut, lean and/or non-existent. It requires the resilience of our spirit so as to know that our music ministry is maybe more from the heart than from technical know-how or the amount of new anthems required. Courage, Ronna Archbold Davis Dean, rrarchbold@hotmail.com VOLUME III, ISSUE I INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Dean s Message Front Cover 2010 AGO Nat l Convention Page 2 Member News Obituary: Dr. Robert Seamon Chapter Programming Notes Page 3 Photos: Seasonal Recital Page 4 Calendar of Events Page 5 Positions Available Page 6 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Ronna Archbold Davis Dean Bradford Hendrickson Sub Dean Carolyn Graham Treasurer David Moulton Secretary Deborah O Driscoll Registrar Rev. Thomas Garlick Chaplain MEMBERS AT LARGE: Diane French Thomas Ingrassia Dawn Thistle

2 PAGE 2 THE WORCESTER ORGANIST WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH, WE DON'T WANT YOU TO MISS THE Valentine's Day DEADLINE! REGISTER NOW FOR AGO 2010 AND SAVE $70! Early Registration Ends Sunday, February 14th at 11:59pm Visit to register now You'll want to attend what is being called "THE Hottest National Convention in a Long Time!" DON'T DELAY! REGISTER EARLY AND GET FIRST CHOICE FOR CONCERTS & WORKSHOPS & SAVE MONEY! Please excuse the error printed in the recent AGO2010 brochure; the correct Marriott Convention room rate is $179 per night.

3 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2010 PAGE 3 Member News We congratulate David Moulton, Secretary, who recently accepted the position of Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Gardner. As he settles into this new position, he also plans to continue his roles at Saint John s Catholic Church and Saint Joan of Arc Church in Worcester. We wish David continued success in his music ministry. Obituary: Dr. Robert E. Seamon Dr. Robert E. Seamon passed away on December 25, 2009 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Christmas Eve. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on May 18, Robert was stricken by polio in 1946 and spent two years bedridden. Home schooled for second and third grades during his slow recovery, he began the first of many years of piano lessons at age eight because his orthopedist thought piano playing might help his manual dexterity. When a senior in high school and through undergraduate college he was organist and choir director of Saint John s Episcopal Church in Worcester, MA. He obtained his undergraduate degree in physics from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He was accepted to Yale University in their graduate programs both as a physics major and as an organ major. While in Worcester he had studied organ under Dr. Frederick Kinsley FTCL (Fellow, Trinity College London), then recently of Riverside Church in Manhattan. At Yale he received his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Nuclear Physics under Professor Gregory Breit. His 313-page thesis New Data and Improvements in Nucleon-Nucleon Phase Parameter Analysis was published in After obtaining his doctorate he was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and worked there for 25 years except for a two-year assignment in Vienna, Austria with the International Atomic Energy Agency. During his career he published several technical papers and received awards from the Department of Defense for work on nuclear weapons. He retired from the Laboratory in In Los Alamos his musical development continued under the tutelage of organist Philip B. McDermott, former Professor of Organ, Church Music, and Advanced Theory at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. McDermott excelled at organ registration and Robert claimed, It was Mac who really taught me registration. He was organist at many churches there and served as organ consultant for instruments that were built or expanded in Los Alamos. He also gave many organ recitals on various instruments in New Mexico, the Northeast and abroad and was praised for his thrilling performances. He provided significant financial support for: organ expansions and construction in Los Alamos, and Syracuse, New York; the organ console project at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Albuquerque; and particularly the G. Donald Harrison signature Aeolian Skinner organ at Wesley Methodist Church in Worcester, Massachusetts. Robert was very generous and many are the individuals who benefited from his largess, in Albuquerque, in Los Alamos, and in the East. This was always done quietly, so that the recipient would not suffer embarrassment for needing assistance. He knew that such donations were not tax deductible. That did not matter. He did it out of the generosity of his heart. In his later years he was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, which was then revised to Parkinson s disease. His brothers, Kenneth B. Seamon of Annapolis, Maryland, and Thomas B. Seamon of Albuquerque, survive him. Memorial services were held at The Cathedral Church of Saint John in Albuquerque, NM on January 2, Chapter Programming: Member Recital on Feb. 14 February 14, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The Worcester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will sponsor a member recital at Pakachoag Church, located at 203 Pakachoag Street, Auburn. Performers will include Debra LeBrun, Minister of Music at the Congregational Church of Littleton; John Weit, the new Director of Music and Organist at Trinity Lutheran Church of Worcester; and William Ness, Minister of Music and Arts at First Baptist Church of Worcester. A reception will follow. Admission is free, and this event is open to the public. A free-will offering will be accepted to help defray the cost of future programs. Please support our fellow chapter members by joining us for this event. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the music of talented musicians and an amazing instrument. We look forward to seeing you on February 14 at 3:00 p.m.

4 PAGE 4 THE WORCESTER ORGANIST Event Coverage: Member Recital, January 2010 Performers: Malcolm Halliday, Robin Dinda, Renee Waligora, and Brett Maguire. Photography by Worcester AGO Member James LeClaire.

5 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2010 PAGE 5 Calendar of Events January 3, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, sung by the All Saints Choirs and Alumni. Reception to follow; free-will offering. All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call January 10, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. EMCATOS / Pipe Organ Pops is proud to present its Young Organist Concert, featuring Donnie Rankin, the American Theatre Organ Society s 2007 Young Theatre Organist of the Year. Knight Auditorium, Babson College (Wellesley). Tickets are available via advance sale and at the door. To purchase tickets and/or obtain additional information, please visit January 17, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Chapter-Sponsored Event: Seasonal Recital. Please support four fellow organists and Worcester Chapter AGO members Brett Maguire, Malcolm Halliday, Robin Dinda and Renee Waligora as they present a recital at Salem Covenant Church (215 East Mountain St., Worcester, MA). Free admission, open to the public. January 30, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. An afternoon of jazz with the Worcester Children s Chorus, featuring the Monica Hatch Trio. First Congregational Church (19 Church Rd., Shrewsbury). Tickets: $10. For information, call or visit January 31, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Choral Evensong. Free-will offering, preceded by a tea at 4:00 p.m. ($5.00). No reservations required. All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call January 17, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Chapter-Sponsored Event: Seasonal Recital. Please support four fellow organists and Worcester Chapter AGO members as they present a recital at Salem Covenant Church (215 East Mountain St., Worcester, MA). Additional information to follow. February 7, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. Pipes Alive! Series presents William Ness, Organist. Wesley United Methodist Church (114 Main St., Worcester). Vierne: Symphony No. 3. Free-will offering. February 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. In its 25 th Anniversary Season, the Holy Cross Chapel Artists Series presents Heinrich Christensen of King s Chapel of Boston, and winner of the 1999 Erfurt International Organ Competition. Saint Joseph Memorial Chapel, College of the Holy Cross (1 College St., Worcester, MA). Handicap accessible. For more information, visit or call February 14, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Chapter-Sponsored Event: Member Recital. Spend this Valentine s Day afternoon with your spouse, significant other or another loved one, in the presence of brilliant organ music, presented by Debra LeBrun, John Weit and William Ness. Pakachoag Church (203 Pakachoag St., Auburn, MA). Free admission, reception to follow. February 21, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. All Saints Lenten Music Series. Donald Meineke, organist. Reception to follow. Free-will offering. All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call February 28, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Winter Concert presented by Sounds of Stow. Featuring the Stow Festival Chorus and Orchestra, performing works by Durfulé, Fauré and Britten. Hale Middle School (Hartley Rd., Stow). Barbara Jones, Artistic Director; Ernest Goldman & Barbara Jones, Co-Founders; and Pauline Oliver, Accompanist. Admission: $20, Seniors & Students: $15. Tickets available at the door or at: Dunia Ecostore (Maynard), Grasshopper Shop of Concord, and Serendipity in Hudson. Visit for more information. February 28, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. All Saints Lenten Music Series. Choral Evensong, sung by The Choir of the Church of the Advent, Boston. Mark Dwyer, Director. Free-will offering. Preceded by a tea at 4:00 p.m. for $5 (reservations not required). All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call March 7, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. All Saints Lenten Music Series. Henry Hokans, Organist. Reception to follow. Free-will offering. All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call March 14, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. All Saints 175 th Anniversary Three Choirs Festival, combining choirs of All Saints Church, Worcester, the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, NY, and Saint Paul s Church, Fairfield, CT. Dr. Gerre Hancock, Festival Guest Conductor and Improviser; Peter Stoltzfus Berton, Organist. All Saints Church (10 Irving St., Worcester). For more information, visit or call Please submit future calendar and placement listings to Jean Breidenbach by February 15, Contact information can be found on the rear cover.

6 PAGE 6 Positions Available THE WORCESTER ORGANIST East Longmeadow United Methodist Church (Music Director/Pianist/Organist) 215 Somers Rd., East Longmeadow, MA 01028; Immediate part-time opening. Plan and coordinate all music and anthems from diverse musical traditions for Sunday worship services in cooperation with pastoral staff, direct an established adult choir, build a youth music program for pre-k through high school. Lead in worship by providing piano, organ and/or keyboard music for church services and act as primary accompanist for assigned choirs, ensembles and soloists. Candidate should possess enthusiasm for worship and the ministry of music. Strong music skills are needed with emphasis placed on teamwork, people skills and creativity. Two rehearsals (weeknight and Sunday morning). Average of weekly hours. Moeller pipe organ. Annual salary of $12,000 to $14,000 based on experience, 4 weeks paid vacation. Forward resume, including address, telephone number and/or address to the address above, or contact: Diane Chandler (Staff Parish Relations Team Leader) at spr@elumc.org, or Rev. Kelly Turney (Pastor) at or pastor@elumc.org. United Presbyterian Church (Organist/Choir Director) 7 Spring St., Whitinsville, MA 01588; Seeking Organist/Choir Director for minimum of 8 hours per week with additional time required for special services. Playing on Skinner pipe organ and Gulbransen grand piano. Direct adult and children s choirs. Send resume to address above, or contact church office at or office@whitinpres.org. First Congregational Church (Organist/Choir Director) 138 Main St., Westminster, MA 01473; Part-time position (10-12 hours per week) in an active parish of 300 members. Provide music for one weekly service at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays, plus special holiday services (including, but not limited to Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Children s Sunday). Rehearse dedicated adult choir for 90 minutes on Thursday evening and before church service on Sunday mornings (September through June). Select and play preludes, offertories and postludes for services of worship. Select a variety of music for choral anthems, introits, prayer responses and benedictions. Input at staff meetings for worship planning. The music ministry includes a traditional worship service with blended elements. Proficiency in organ, piano and accompanying necessary. Quality digital Allen Renaissance organ. Grand piano in sanctuary. Position available January Response deadline: June For a complete job description, visit our web site (above). Submit letter and resume to Doug Washabaugh, Chair Organist Search Committee, c/o First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 477, Westminster, MA Catholic Communities of St. Joseph & St. Pius X of Leicester (Director of Music) Immediate part-time opening. Weekly commitment consists of two rehearsals and two Masses every Sunday; additional liturgies may be required throughout the year. Applicants should be proficient in organ and piano, possess knowledge of the Catholic liturgy, and be willing to work with groups of all musical abilities, ages and styles. Please forward resume and references to Rev. Stephen D. Johnson, 759 Main St., Leicester, MA Ten Commandments of Organ Practice 1. Thou shalt practice every day, even if only for a short period. 2. Thou shalt never practice faster than thou canst play perfectly, for it is written: Perfect practice makes perfect. 3. Thou shalt not put off working on the hard parts; David did not invite Goliath to come back after tea. 4. Thou shalt work out a usable fingering, inscribe it on thy papyrus and never vary from same, for fumble fingers find fate fickle. 5. Thou shalt never apologize for thy playing, nor say Oops! when thou makest a mistake, for thou wilt only draw attention to things which otherwise would never be noticed by the thick people. 6. Thou shalt practice each composition in short segments; that thy fingers may not break off more than thy mind can chew. 7. Thou shalt listen and not only to organists, for it s written: What this untidy world needs is fewer organists and more musicians who can play the organ. 8. Thou shalt not play pedals without shoes for thy Odor Eaters may be spent, and besides, it leads to sloppy playing. 9. Thou shalt begin and end each practice session with something thou canst play readily, that thou mayest not be discouraged. 10. Thou shalt always remember that they practice is a labour of love and that by persistence (oft proved by thyself in other undertakings) thou canst bring to pass many wonders. TOSA News of New South Wales, Australia

7 JANUARY FEBRUARY 2009 PAGE 7 Worcester Chapter American Guild of Organists P.O. Box 20208, Worcester, MA Web: National Headquarters American Guild of Organists 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260, New York, NY Phone: Web: Chapter Dean Ronna R. Davis 7 Davis Ledge Road, Sterling, MA Home: Mobile: rrarchbold@hotmail.com Region I Councilor E Lary Grossman 24 King Street, Hatfield, MA Phone: Cell: elg@bradygrossman.com Blog: Chapter Newsletter & Website David M. Moulton 10 Maple Drive, Auburn, MA Phone: dmm@dmmoulton.net The Worcester Organist is published six times annually: January, March, May, July, September and November. Newsletter items must be submitted by the 15 th of the month prior to publication. Region I Coordinator for Education Cheryl L. Duerr 267 Concord Avenue, Lexington, MA Phone: Work: clduerr@gmail.com Chapter Calendar & Placement Listings Jean Breidenbach 99 Waterford Drive, Worcester, MA Phone: jeansk8@charter.net Calendar items must be submitted by the 15 th of each month. Placement listing fee is $20.00 for 4 mos., payable in advance to: Worcester Chapter American Guild of Organists P.O. Box 20208, Worcester, MA Region I Coordinator for Professional Development Donald R. Funk 136 South Highland Street, West Hartford, CT Phone: dfnkjr@comcast.net