November - December 2009

NEWSLETTER of the Cincinnati Chapter /American Guild of Organists

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2009

LETTER FROM THE DEANOur opening meeting at the home of David and Elaine Billmire was festive and fun. We met new members, discussed chapter business, and enjoyed an impressive concert by former chapter Dean, Marilyn McClain on the Billmires’ Robert Morton theatre organ. All this was followed by a delicious potluck meal provided by the members.

It became clear at this gathering that the chapter is eager to embark on a number of projects that will prove valuable to members, to the music community of Cincinnati, and to the AGO in Ohio. There was enthusiasm and support for new programming of various kinds and for hosting a regional meeting. Please see the minutes published for this meeting in this newsletter and thanks to Kristy Swift for her work as Acting Secretary.

On November 14, we will hold the student scholarship competition, hosted by Howard Helvey at Calvary Church in Clifton. Frank Jordan has agreed to be the head juror, and Yun Kyong Kim, Organist at Christ Church in Dayton, has agreed to join Howard and Frank as a juror. Have you encouraged young musicians you know to participate in this event? The information is on the chapter website.

The late November program is a joint venture with the American Society of Theater Organists. This is the inaugural recital on the restored Wurlitzer that once graced the Albee Theatre and is now installed in the Ball Room of Music Hall. Chapter member Ron Wehmeier undertook the restoration; and the renewed presence of this historic instrument is an important contribution to the musical culture of Cincinnati.

In February, we are planning a major symposium on the organ and choral music of Adolphus Hailstork, who is by any measure the dean of African-American composers. Much has already been put together for this event; and we will announce the program and participants in our next newsletter. However, we are still looking for organists and choirs who would be willing to perform works by Hailstork for this event. For information, please call me (513.523.4684 or 513.255.7721) or email me (bensonra@muohio.edu). (Continue on Page 2)

LETTER FROM THE DEAN BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES ! PAGE2

November - December 2009

(Continue from page 1) Yet, to do these things and the many others that we would like to plan, we have one major goal to focus on: we must increase the membership of the chapter—both the number of members on the rolls and the number of members willing to become active in the life of the chapter. Have you asked another organist, choral director or clergyperson to join the chapter? Have you told them what the chapter is doing and have you explained the high value for the future of organ and choral music to them?I’m asking all members to make the effort to attend chapter programs, to be present at membership meetings, to volunteer time and talent to the future of AGO in Cincinnati, and especially to recruit members for the chapter. We will have another chapter members meeting early in the new year and I urge every member of the chapter to be present and to commit to active participation in the work of the high value of AGO. You can make a huge difference!

Faithfully yours,Bob Benson - Dean, Cincinnati Chapter, AGO

Business Meeting Minutes Residence of Elaine and David Billmire,

Cincinnati, OhioSunday, 4 October 2009, 4:00 p.m.

Members present: Don Auberger, Terrie Benjamin, Bob Benson, David Billmire, Elaine Billmire, John Deaver, Kim Heindel, Wayne Kaeser, Larry Klug, Barbara Liszniewski, Marilyn McClain, Tom McGraw, Donna Spivey, Kristy Swift, Winston Vaughan, Barbara Welch, and Paul Welch

Call to Order: Dean Bob Benson distributed an agenda and called the meeting to order at 4:15 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions: Bob welcomed and introduced everyone, and thanked hosts Elaine and David Billmire.

Election of Executive Committee Member:Bob explained that one more member is needed for the executive committee, class of 2010 because Isaiah Hyman is moving to the class of 2011. Don Auberger nominated Sandy Martin. Bob asked if there were additional nominations, and there were none. John Deaver seconded the nomination. A vote was taken, and the motion passed for Sandy Martin to serve in the class of 2010.

Events for the 2009–2010 season:Choral Conducting Workshop with Kent Tritle16–17 October 2009 at St. John the Evangelist Church (9080 Cincinnati-Dayton Road West Chester, OH) This event is co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Archdiocese and the Cincinnati chapter of the AGO.The workshop was cancelled on October 7th due to lack of participants

Scholarship Competition:November 2009 at Calvary Episcopal ChurchJudges: Frank Jordan (Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Oxford) Howard Helvey Calvary Episcopal Church, Cincinnati), Yun Kyong Kim (Christ Episcopal Church, Dayton)

Area students are encouraged to apply. Larry will design a flyer to publicize the event to local schools. Volunteers are needed to distribute (Continue on Page 3)

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November - December 2009

(Continue from Page 2)flyers and entry forms. Additional details will be forthcoming.

Inauguration of Albee Wurlitzer Organ at Music Hall’s BallroomRon Rohde, organistSaturday 28 November 2009, 2:00 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA), and the Society for the Preservation of Music Hall (SPMH). More details will follow in the next issue of the newsletter.Tickets are $30 a piece and are available at Music Hall, the Aronoff Center, or online.http://www.soc-pres-music-hall.com/wurlitzer_organ.htm

Choral and Organ Music of Adolphus Hailstork Symposium20 February 2010, 9:00–12:00 a.m.Christ Church Cathedral

Performances of Hailstork’s choral and organ music will alternate with discussion of his music by the composer. Miami University Chamber Singers, Schola Cantorum of Christ Church Glendale, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, and John Deaver, Frank Jordan, Stephan Casurella and other organists, will perform. The composer will be in residence at Miami University, Oxford, during the preceding week.

Future Programs and ActivitiesLong-range planning:Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza (PPP) was discussed. This event for young students will feature three diverse organs from the area organs. Larry volunteered to help coordinate PPP. Additional information forthcoming.

Bob proposed hosting a region V convention. Cincinnati last hosted a meeting in 1995. Bob suggested that we consider programming to attract and serve those in our community who we have not

yet reached. A program on resources for new music, particularly church music, is one idea.

General Planning Chapter’s profile: Bob asked for suggestions for increasing our chapter’s membership, profile, and presence in the Cincinnati area. Discussion ensued. Don said that we currently have 106 members. He also explained that the national AGO office offers introductory packets, which may be sent to potential new members. He suggested that if members of our chapter sent a few of these, we may rouse additional interest.

Chapter meetings: Bob proposed having chapter meetings at least once per year. John suggested having them twice per year perhaps in the fall and after the New Year. Discussion ensued and a second chapter meeting for this year is planned for late January or early February.

Newsletter development: Submission deadline is 14 October. Send articles to Larry Klug, editor and webmaster, at klugpro@mac.com.Larry reported on the development of the newsletter, and the chapter thanked him for his work. He thanked Barbara Liszniewski for inviting him back to the chapter, and explained the new columns in the newsletter. Bob suggested sending the newsletter to those members who have not yet renewed as its new format may urge them to join us.

Presentation of Dean’s Pin to Marilyn McClain:Bob thanked Marilyn for her service to the chapter and presented a dean’s pin to her. Marilyn graciously accepted.

Meeting was Adjourned at 5 p.m. Bob asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.

Larry made a motion, and Paul Welch seconded. Meeting adjourned, and members enjoyed dinner and demonstrations of the Billmire’s theater organ.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING! PAGE4

November - December 2009

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING Cincinnati Chapter - Back in Time - Part 2Our own Emily Adams found a book on Google Books web site. It is the first volume of The American Organist magazine that was published in 1918. The bounded volume was part of a huge magazine collection in the Music Library of the University of California, Berkeley.

Once again, here is our chapter’s (Southern Ohio Chapter) second report that appeared in the first volume of The American Organist 91 years ago.

APRIL 1918 Volume 1, Number 4

Page 228

SOUTHERN OHIO

Dean: Sidney C. Durst, F.A.G.O., 137 West 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Sub-Dean: John Yoakley, A.A.G.O., 222 West 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Secretary: C. Hugo Grimm, 2232 Fulton Avenue, Walnut Hills, Cincinnati,

Ohio. Treasurer: J. Alfred Schehl, A.A.G.O., 1137 Seton Avenue, Price Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio.Registrar: Wm. H. Grubbs, 322 West 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.Executive Committee: Alois Bartschmid, F.A.G.O.; Paul S. Chance, A.A.

G.O.; H. D. LeBaron, A.A.G.O.; J. \Varren Ritchey, Gordon Graham, Leo S. Thuis, Carl W. Grimm, Mrs. Nell Rowlett Kemper, Mrs. Lillian Arkell Rixford, Adolph H. Stadermann.

The Southern Ohio Chapter was founded September 27th. 1913, as the result of a meeting called June 28th, 1913, by Alois Bartschmid, then newly arrived in Cincinnati from Boston, and Sidney C. Durst, a member of the original Ohio Chapter, with headquarters in Cleveland.

The idea was taken up enthusiastically by the organists of Cincinnati and the neighboring cities, and the Chapter feels that it can point with justifiable pride to its record of accomplishment in its four and a half years of existence. During that time it has held a public service each year, one each at Christ Episcopal Church. St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church, the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and the Mt. Auburn Baptist Church.

Many recitals have been given by both the local members and the nonresident members, and we have given to the public of Cincinnati two recitals by Edwin H. Lemare, and two by his successor in Pittsburg. Charles Heinroth. Dr. Charles E. Clemens and James H. Rogers of Cleveland, are also included among our guest-recitalists. as are also Herbert Hyde of Chicago, and Albert Riemenschneider of Berea.

Social affairs have often been held, the chapter having been the guests on various occasions, of Gordon Graham at Grace Church, Fenton Lawson at the Sweden- borgian Church, Warren Ritchey at the Church of the Covenant. Sidney Durst at his home, which contains a lovely two manual organ, and Mrs. E. R. Stearns at her residence, which is graced by the presence of a large three manual instrument.

Dinners have been held at the Hotel Alms, and at the Oakwood, in the lovely suburb of College Hill. Not the least pleasant have been the informal suppers given by the officers after the recitals of our visitors. Good feeling extends throughout the membership, and the relationship with the sister chapter of Northern Ohio is extremely cordial.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING WEIRD OCCURRENCES ! PAGE5

November - December 2009

Alois Bartschmid is rejoicing at last in a reconstructed and enlarged organ at St. Francis de Sales. We are glad that he has survived the ordeal of playing the ancient tracker* that was there.

* Editor’s Note - That “ancient tracker” was a two-manual pipe organ built by Koehnken & Co. in 1864 (cost: $3,200) just two years before one of their largest installations, a three-manual organ at the Isaac M. Wise Templet. It goes to show you how tracker organs in Cincinnati were respected in the early 1900’s.

J. Alfred Schehl - Since council has relieved him of the most pressing of his duties as treasurer of the chapter, has been devoting his extra time to composition. A cantata, and some anthems and madrigals, are the results, and most excellent results, as the writer, who has looked them over, can testify.Gordon Graham transferred his activities from Grace Church to the Church of the Advent, January first. In a few years he built up a fine boy choir out of nothing at Grace Church. The Advent is to be congratulated.

C. Hugo Grimm's cantata. The Coming of the Anointed, was given a splendid performance at St. John's Church, Twelfth and Elm streets. February 24th, by the choir of thirty-five, with organ and orchestral accompaniment.

Edwin W. Glover, one of our best loved charter members, died February 8th. after a long illness. He was organist of the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, for seventeen years, director of the Orpheus Club, the Musical Art Society, Christ Church Choir, and formerly director of the May Festival Chorus. A committee consisting of Gordon Graham. Adolph Staderman. and John Yoakley was appointed by the Dean to draw up resolutions.

Adolph H. Staderman has again been appointed organist of the May Festival. He is uniformly successful in this trying and responsible work.

To be continued in the next issue of our newsletter

WEIRD WEDDINGS by Paul Welch

Our editor has asked for newsletter articles from the chapter members, so I would like to submit this true story of a weird wedding (a funny story rather than things like the bride who sent me hate letters after her wedding, or other downers). We all have wedding stories that are outrageous. Why don't we write these up and send them to Larry? We could have a regular "Weird Occurrences" feature in the newsletter. Anyway, here's mine:

Back around 1979 I received a call from a lady who asked me to play for her daughter's wedding which was about a year off. It was to be across town in the chapel of Mt. St. Joseph's College. Usually I turn down weddings that are not at my church, but the caller said she was the cousin of our pastor (my boss), so I agreed. We spent some time on the phone discussing the music she wanted, which would involve me as the only musician. We agreed to talk again closer to the wedding, and I filed the planning page.

About six months later she called again and we went over the program, making significant changes that she requested. I thought, "That's the problem with planning too far ahead: they change their mind." So I put the revised program back in my wedding file.

Then, a couple of months before the wedding, the lady called a third time. She told me what music she wanted and it bore no resemblance to what we had decided earlier, except that I would be performing alone with no other instruments or singers. With great patience (thinking, "She's just like her cousin: an idiot"), I laboriously got this down on paper and said I'd see her soon at the wedding.

On a sunny August afternoon the wedding finally arrived. I drove over to Mt. St. Joe's, parked and went into the chapel. Arriving at the same time were two singers I'd known for years, Sylvia and Ron. They looked surprised and we said to one another,

WEIRD OCCURRENCES IN THE SPOTLIGHT! PAGE6

November - December 2009

"What are you doing here?" Not one of us knew the other two were coming, but we had all been hired for the wedding. We compared notes and each us had a completely different selection of music. Needless to say, we broke out laughing – suddenly realizing that the mother of the bride was completely nuts!

"Always hire professionals:" we decided to make up the program ourselves, taking pieces from the three "programs" we had been given; it looked great. We went up to the choir loft, made beautiful music, and sent the newlyweds down the aisle to live happily ever after. We came down from the loft and stood together in the back of the chapel waiting to get our checks (and possibly bawled out). Soon the bride's mother spotted us and came to the back. She was delighted – beaming! "The music was wonderful, thank you so much, etc., etc." We collected our checks, thanked her and drove home – wondering how boring life would be without crazy people.

In The Spotlight - Barb Liszniewski Substitute Organist - Fleming Road United

Church of Christ, Finneytown

To help make this newsletter very special, we want to feature a member who brings unique talent, abilities, and character to our chapter. We begin with a member who is celebrating her fortieth year as a member of the Cincinnati Chapter. She shares the same challenges of famous organists Louis Vierne and Jean Langlais.

Barb Liszniewski has been blind since birth. Her organ studies began in the 8th grade of school, under the guidance of Miss Ann Haworth and continued through her senior year of high school at the Ohio State School for the Blind. Barb continued her studies for three years at the College Conservatory of Music with Ardyth Lohuis for two years and Mary Esther Higgs during her third year.

She joined the Cincinnati Chapter in 1969 and has made many friends. Barb has done some substitute church-service playing throughout the years;

especially at her home church, Fleming Road United Church of Christ where Polly DeVaux is organist.

Barb has played at other churches such as Grace Episcopal Church in College Hill; First Christian Church in Covington, Kentucky; Price Hill United Methodist Church in Price Hill; Mt. Healthy Christian Church, and Christ Episcopal Church in Glendale. She also played at some of the all-members recitals in past years. In 2005, Barb was invited to be organist for the graduation ceremony at the Ohio State School for the Blind, forty years after her graduation from that school. The school is home of a two-manual Wurlitzer Church Pipe Organ that was built in 1926 for a church in Dayton, than moved to the Ohio State School for the Blind in 1932.

How does Barb conquer the same challenges as of Vierne and Langlais? She took a moment to share the following with our newsletter editor:

I learn my music by Braille music notation when it's available to me. When music isn't available in that format I have someone play the music onto a tape and I learn it that way, taking the right hand first, memorizing it one phrase at a time. I then take the left hand and pedal sections, learning them in the same manner, putting the hands and pedal together. The whole process is called read, remember, and play.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ORGAN FOR SALE! PAGE7

November - December 2009

When I play an organ not familiar to me, I learn where the stops are, starting with the pedal division and work from there, depressing a key at the console to hear the sound from that rank of pipes. When I've learned the ranks in that division, I proceed to the Swell, Great, and choir division (if the console has three or more divisions).

The organ at my home church is a two-manual console (built by Wicks in 1952, rebuilt by Schaedle in 1993). The organ at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is a five-manual console, built by the Rufatti Organ Company. I played that organ twice while attending two "Church Music Explosions, featuring workshops in organ and other areas of music.”

During the week, Barb currently works at the Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired in North College Hill (www.clovernook.org). She has been employed there since September 1965. She first worked in the bindery, where the Braille books and magazines are assembled. Today, Barb is a Braille proofreader in the Transcription/Proofreading Department since 1974.

During the summer of 2005, Barb provided her musical talents to be part of a musical curriculum during two summer day camp programs for children with visual impairments. She explained about the functions of the pipe organ while performing two mini concerts for the day camp participants at her home church. She also encouraged a co-worker who is Clovernook’s technology specialist to return to the Cincinnati Chapter as their Webmaster (You know the rest of the story).

Today, we honor Barb Liszniewski as the first featured organist in this issue of our newsletter. We thank Barb for her four decades of dedication to the Cincinnati Chapter. May her life-long experience of performing on the “king of instruments” be an encouragement as well as an inspiration to future visually impaired musicians.

Tellers 2/12 Pipe Organ Needs a HomeThe Northwest Community Church is selling a pipe organ that is in the Westwood Salem Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. The organ, built in 1963 is in playable condition, but it will need restoration.

Organ Specifications:GREAT ORGAN 61 notes1. 8' Open Diapason - 73 pipes2. 8' Melodia- 73 pipes3. 8' Dulciana - 73 pipes4. 8' Unda Maris T.C.- 61 pipes5. 4' Octave from No.16. 4' Flute from No.27. 4' Dulciana from No.38. 2-2/3' Twelfth - 61 pipes9. 2' Fifteenth from No.110. Chimes (Removed)11. Great to Great 16'12. Great to Great 4'13. Swell to Great 16'14. Swell to Great 8'15. Swell to Great 4'

SWELL ORGAN 61 notes16. 16' Bourdon - 97 pipes17. 8' Geigen Principal - 73 pipes18. 8' Stopped Diapason19. 8' Salicional - 73 pipes20. 8' Vox Celeste T.C.- 61 pipes21. 4' Octave Geigen from No. 1722. 4' Flute d'Amour from No, 1823. 2-2/3' Nazard24. 2' Piccolo from No, 1825. 8' Trompet - 73 pipes26. 8' Vox Humana - 61 pipes27. Tremolo28. Swell to Swell 16'29. Swell to Swell 4'30. 4' Clarion from No. 25

PEDAL ORGAN 32 notes, (AGO style)31. 16' Sub Bass - 44 pipes32. 16' Bourdon from Swell33. 8' Flute from No, 3034. 8' Principal from Great35. Great to Pedal 8'36. Swell to Pedal 8'

For more details, please contact Dave Suder at (513) 385-8434 or Elvin Friesen at (513) 385-8365.

ORGAN SPOTLIGHT! PAGE8

November - December 2009

The 3 manual, 17-rank Robert MortonTheatre Pipe Organ - Opus 2401 Model 23N

Location: The Billmire House in Cincinnati, Ohio

With the dedication of the Albee Wurlitzer pipe organ at Music Hall approaching soon, it would be appropriate to feature this interesting organ inside David and Elaine Billmire’s home. This instrument has a unique history. It was originally installed as a 3 manual, 11 rank organ in the Empress Theatre in Columbus, Ohio. The interesting Empress theatre, featuring a seating capacity of 500 to 600 seats, primarily served the African American community.

When in the ’fifties the building was razed, as was the fate of so many similar theatres, the organ was removed from the structure and moved to the theatre owner’s house. Following this, it was sold to a farmer in southeastern Ohio who didn’t complete its restoration, but eventually sold it to a person in the seventies who installed it in his house. The new owner was killed in an auto accident. The organ eventually came to the present owner, David Billmare who completely rebuilt it over the next 6 years. He added several ranks to the original 11. There are also six ranks of tuned percussion. “Our house is built around this organ,” stated his wife.

The pipes are in two climate controlled chambers in the basement with the “swell” shades on the first floor. The ranks are set up in the following configuration:

MAIN CHAMBERFlute 32'-2'Violin I 16'-2Celeste Violin II 8'-4'Celeste Violin III 8'-4'Clarinet 16'-4'French Horn 8'-4'Vox Humana 8'-'4'Flute Celeste 4' addition R-MMusette 8' addition Wurli Schopp's copy

SOLO CHAMBERTibia 16'-2'Diapason 16'-4'Tuba 16'-4'Saxophone 8'-4'Kinura 8'-4'Orch Oboe 8' addition R-MFrench Trumpet 8'addition Dennison-SchoppsEnglish Posthorn 8' addition Wicks (modern)The bottom extensions for the Flute, Tibia, Tuba, Diaphone, Violin and Clarinet are Walker (digital ranks).

The painting of the swell shades was designed by David and Elaine Billmire’s daughter. The the RM box over the chambers is the Vibraharp. Specials thanks to David Billmire for providing the information of the organ. More pictures and a complete stop list will be posted on the website soon.

CALENDAR OF LOCAL CONCERTS ! PAGE9

November - December 2009

Time to Take ACTION Members!Chapter Scholarship Competition

Saturday, November 14th 10:00 AM to 12 Noon

Calvary Episcopal Church3766 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati OH

Last year, we had to cancel the chapter scholarship competition—for the first time ever, I believe. The reason was: no students applied. So far this year, one student has applied.

The question is: Why don’t students apply?

The answer is: Because we don’t tell them

about the competition and urge them to apply.

Sometimes, organizations like AGO seem to roll along on some kind of momentum. However, I can guarantee you that such momentum is an illusion. Every one of us has to take initiative and work for the chapter.

So, please ask to announce the competition at your church or school. Talk to individual students and encourage them to apply.

I can mail you sample brochures that are simply print-outs of the beautiful brochure that Larry Klug designed and posted on our web site (http://homepage.mac.com/klugpro/ccorgan/newsletters/CCAGO-Scholarship0909.pdf).

You can download it and print it out. yourself Have you seen it? We all need to make personal contact with potential student applicants and drum up business for the event. We have everything in place for the scholarship competition…except applicants. Please help!

Bob Benson - Dean, Cincinnati Chapter, AGO

Cincinnati Chapter Events2009 - 2010

Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 10 AM to 12 NoonCincinnati Chapter Student Scholarship CompetitionCalvary Episcopal Church, 3766 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OhioStudents will play on the piano before a panel of judges only. Students who have already begun organ lessons may play on the organ. Applications will be accepted from students in grades 6 through 12. November 28th, 2:00 PM - Music Hall BallroomWe will join the American Theatre Organ Society at the inauguration of the restored Wurlitzer Pipe Organ in the Ball Room of the Cincinnati Music Hall. The restoration of this significant instrument which was originally installed in the RKO Albee Theatre (later installed at the Emery Theatre) has been undertaken by chapter member Ron Wehmeier. No one will want to miss this exciting experience. -Tickets: $30 each - To order tickets, call (513) 621-ARTSFebruary 20, 2010 - 8:30AM-12:00 noon at Christ Church CathedralA symposium on the music of African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork, with the composer present to comment on organ and choral compositions performed. More information to follow in the next newsletter.

Calendar of Local Concerts and Special Events*Sunday, November 1, 3:00 p.m.Westwood First Presbyterian Church, 3011 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati.The Westwood First Chancel Choir presents "Requiem" by Faure, along with three short anthems, for All Saints' Sunday. Free admission, reception to follow.Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati.Twenty-one year old CHRISTOPHER HOULIHAN, student of Jean-Baptiste Robin and Paul Jacobs, performs on The Organ Concert Series. Mr. Houlihan has been called one of the brightest stars in the new generation of American organists. FREE. Call (513) 871-1345 for more information.

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November - December 2009

Sunday, November 1, 2009, 5:00 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownChoral Evensong (All Saints' Day) Preces & Responses (Stephan Casurella) Magnificat & Nunc dimittis in D (Roland E. Martin) Anthem: "O How Glorious Is the Kingdom" (Basil Harwood) Closing voluntary: Fantasy & Fugue in C Minor, BWV 537 (J. S. Bach) Free; for more information, call 513.621.1817

Sunday, November 1 at 7:00 P.M.,Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Avenue, Covington,EVENSONG: Amarillo Canticles -- David Ashley White, Anthem: And I Saw a New Heaven – Edgar L. Bainton, Orison: O Lux Beatissima – Howard Helvey, The Choir of Trinity Church (Wine and cheese reception afterwards), Free, contact info: 859-431-1786.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 12:10 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownMusic Live at Lunch Nicholas Bideler, organist Free (lunch available for $5); for more information, call 513.621.1817

Sunday, November 15, 2009, 5:00 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownOrgan Recital Series Bryan Mock, Organist & Director Music, Christ Church, Glendale Free; for more information, call 513.621.1817

Wednesday, November 18 at 12:15 P.M.,Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Avenue, Covington,MUSIC FOR GUITAR, Richard Goering, Guitarist, Free (lunch available from 11:30 AM for $6.00), contact info: 859-431-1786.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - 7:30 p.m.St. Peter in Chains Cathedral (downtown) presents the Vienna Boys Choir in a holiday concert.Tickets $35 in advance / $38 at the door.

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 5:00 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownChoral Evensong (Advent 2) Free; for more information, call 513.621.1817

Sunday, December 6, 2009, 7PMMother of God Church, Covington KYCincinnati Camerata presents its annual Marian Concert with choir and instruments, conducted by Christian Miller, founder and artistic director

Sunday, December 13, 2009 5:00 p.m.St. Boniface Church, 1750 Chase Ave., Northside -Cincinnati's Vocal Arts Ensemble presents its collection of holiday favorites along with some newer works for the holiday. Tickets required.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 12:10 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownMusic Live at Lunch A Ceremony of Carols (Benjamin Britten) The Cathedral Choir sopranos & altos Elizabeth Motter, harp; Stephan Casurella, director Free (lunch available for $5); for more information, call 513.621.1817

Wednesday, December 16 at 12:15 P.M.,Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Avenue, Covington,CHRISTMAS CAROL SING, C. Lawton Daly, Trumpeter; Lewis M. Clements, Jr., Euphoniumist; David A. Bullock, Tubist; John A. Deaver, Organist; Free (lunch available from 11:30 AM for $6.00), contact info: 859-431-1786.

Sunday, December 20, 2009, 5:00 p.m.Christ Church Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, DowntownA Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Free; for more information, call 513.621.1817* Please Note: All non-chapter scheduled events (recitals, concerts, choral services, etc.) will be listed once as soon as we receive the information and then again in the newsletter coinciding with the event. However, all such events will be listed on a comprehensive master calendar on our website. Pay attention to what is listed when the newsletter comes out; but find out about all events by going to the master calendar at www.cincinnatiago.org.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS! PAGE11

November - December 2009

Lasting ImpressionsBy Larry Klug

After reading about the region five convention in Detroit last summer, I did a search of organ pictures from one of my favorite web sites, flickr.com. I came upon some photos of abandoned churches in Detroit. I found some depressing photos of a church building that is slowly dying. The Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church is significant as a major work of the prominent turn-of-the-century church architect, Sidney Rose Badgley, and is a very fine example of the type of lantern-dome-crowned, auditorium church for which Badgley was best known.

Tracy McGregor donated the lot on which the present church stands. The cornerstone for the church was set on January 1, 1910, and the completed church dedicated on June 23, 1911. She also donated funds to built a three-manual pipe organ by the Tellers Organ Company of Erie, Pennsylvania.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. In 1993, the Presbyterians sold this Woodward Avenue church to Abyssinia Interdenominational, a congregation that used it for some years, but more recently, moved away. As you see, the church is abandoned and the inside has fallen into disrepair. It has been a popular site among photographers and “urban explorers.” Sadly, a reality check for organ enthusiast. Photo Source: Flickr.com

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. The Guild serves approximately 20,000 members in 330 chapters throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music.

The purposes of the American Guild of Organists are:1. To advance the cause of organ and choral music,

to increase their contributions to aesthetic and religious experiences, and to promote their understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment.

2. To improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors.

3. To evaluate, by examination, attainments in organ playing, choral techniques, conducting, and the theory and general knowledge of music, and to grant certificates to those who pass such examinations at specified levels of attainment.

4. To provide members with opportunities to meet for discussion of professional topics, and to pursue such other activities as contribute to the fulfillment of the purposes of the Guild.

Cincinnati Chapter / American Guild of OrganistsLarry Klug - Editor9925 Crusader DriveCincinnati, OH 45251

AGO Mission StatementThe purpose of the American Guild of Organists is

to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum

for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.

Chapter OfficersDean:

Dr. Robert Benson

Treasurer & Registrar: Donald C. Auberger, Jr.

Secretary: Kristy Swift (acting)

Executive Committee 2009

Victor Kovacs

2010James A. BronstrupThomas W. Graler

Kristy SwiftSandy Martin

Executive Committee2011

Isaiah HymanTom McGraw

Winston Vaughan

PlacementsJohn Deaver

859-431-1786

Webmaster & Newsletter

EditorLarry Klug

klugpro@mac.com

American Guild of Organists

Cincinnati Chapter Web Site

www.cincinnatiago.org

American Guild of Organists

National Web Site

www.agohq.org

09

The Cincinnati Chapter

of the

American Guild of

Organists

Scholarship

Program For Beginning Organ

Students

About the A.G.O.

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is a national organization for organists, choral

directors and organ enthusiasts with local

chapters all over the country. Founded in 1896 as an educational and service

organization, the Guild seeks to set and

maintain high musical standards and to

promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music.

Here in the Cincinnati area, as across the nation, the Guild and its chapters sponsor

organ and choral concerts and workshops,

offer continuing education and certification opportunities for members, and promote

the cause of organ and choral music in

churches as well as secular venues.

About the Scholarship Program

The Cincinnati AGO Chapter is pleased to

announce a scholarship program to encourage young people to study organ and

to aid in the development of future

organists. This program is in no way intended to dissuade students from piano

study, in which a solid background is

important for any organist! We offer this

opportunity to those who might be interested in organ study to augment and

broaden their musical horizons.

Scholarships will be offered for study with

organ teachers who are members of the

American Guild of Organists. The chapter will help winners select a teacher as

needed. Awards will also include a student-

level AGO membership, with a bi-monthly

chapter newsletter about upcoming local

events in which students are invited to

participate, plus a subscription to The American Organist, the national AGO’s

magazine with articles about organs, organ

and choral music, job listings, college ads,

and other information of interest.

The amount and number of scholarships will be determined by the total funds available,

number of applicants, and proficiency

levels.

It is the chapter’s intent to continue to award scholarships annually, and winners each

year will be encouraged to re-audition.

Scholarship recipients will also be invited to

perform in the Cincinnati chapter’s annual members’ recital.

Applications and Auditions

Scholarship auditions will be held in

November 14th, 2009 at Calvary Episcopal

Church, 3766 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio from 10:00 AM to Noon. They will be

played on the piano before a panel of

judges only. Applications will be accepted from students in grades 6 through 12.

(1) Applicants are asked to prepare and

perform two pieces demonstrating their

highest level of piano proficiency. Students

who have had prior organ studies may play their audition on the pipe organ.

(2) They should also be prepared to play at

least one octave (both hands together) of all

major scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats using standard fingering.

(3) Applicants should bring with them to the

audition a brief essay expressing why they

are interested in pursuing organ study.

How You Can Help

Please share this information with students you know who might be interested. Or pass

along a copy of this brochure to teachers

and others you know who work with young musicians. And, of course, your financial

support is welcome!

Please submit names on the form below and mail by October 29th 2009 to:

Frank Jordan, Audition Coordinator

Cincinnati Chapter AGO,

915 Chestnut Lane Oxford, OH 45056

For more information, phone Mr. Jordan at

513-523-3097. Thank you for your interest!

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Yes, please contact me about the AGO’s scholarship opportunity for organ study. (PLEASE PRINT)

Student’s name: _____________________

Parent/guardian: _____________________

Address: ___________________________

City: __________________ State: ______

Zip: ___________Phone: ______________

E-mail: _____________________________

I hereby give the Cincinnati Chapter /AGO permission to use my child’s image and name on media related materials such as newsletters, website, and other promotional materials.