Our first meeting of the season, an Anthem Reading Session, took place October 10th at the Huron Prebyterian Church with seven members in attendance.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 2:00 for an organ music reading session at Holy Angels Church (1605 W. Jefferson St, Sandusky) on their newly restored organ. We have the church from 2:00-4:00 at which time another group comes in to get ready for their Mass and program.
Work has begun on the directory “AGO Members Today,” which will be the first AGO Directory to feature both photos and contact information of our national membership. If you wish to be included call the toll free number 1-800-347-7562 on the yellow card each of you should have received.
Reading the account of the AGO National Convention in Washington, D.C. caused me to think of program possibilities for the future. A Taize Service, and a Bach Vespers (pg. 62) are certainly possibilities for advertised and promoted public events. If our Chapter is to survive, such public events are essential.
Reading “The Last Page” is a reminder that strife between pulpit and Choir/Organ Loft is an ancient, if regrettable art, long pre-dating guitar services and the introduction of pop and contemporary styles into our Worship Services.
As serious work begins on our loaded Autumn/Winter Music Schedule, I wish each of you great success in fulfilling your seasonal and Holiday projects.
A new feature to assist our membership in music preparation and planning, called “The Dean’s List” is being introduced with this installment. This list will consist primarily of suggested organ and choral music which has come to your Dean’s attention, to be included in our Chapter Newsletter every other issue. While this list might prove late for Advent – Christmas – Epiphany Season this time it might be helpful for some last minute planning.
As prices are subject to change without notice, these have not been included, but may be obtained on the internet, directly from the publisher, or from your favorite music dealer.
Your Dean,
Henry Kihlken
Tuesday, November 23
DEANS LIST
ORGAN:
Bach: “Ausgewahlte Werke Fur Kleinorgel” complied and edited by Hermann Keller (Edition Peters No. 4510). This is the same editor who compiled “80 Chorale Preludes by German masters of the 17th and 18th Centuries,” and is just as useful, perhaps more so, since most if not all of the selectionas are playable on manuals only.
Bach: “J. S. Bach: An Album for Manuals Only” edited by Lionel Lethbridge (Oxford Organ Music, Oxford University Press). A good companion to the previous volume mentioned as it contains only two duplications.
Willan/ Ed Gerike: “Organ Works of Healey Willan,” (Concordia No. 97 – 6676U1). This volume contains, under one cover, all the Hymn and Chorale Preludes by Willan ever published by Concordia Publishing house. All previous editions have been discontinued. These works were commissioned by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod but are useful in all types of services.
Richard Proulx: “Preludes on Four Hymns” (Augsburg/ Fortress No. 11-10051). Contains all of the Hymn Preludes by Proulx pubished by Augsburg/ Fortress. Variations on the Purcell Tune WESTMINSTER ABBEY, was composed expressly for this volume. It makes a brilliant Festival Prelude and is ideal for Pre-Nuptial Prelude Music.
Paul Manz: “Three Hymn Settings for Organ” (Morning Star Music, No. MSM-10-522). Hymns in this volume are “When Long Before Time/The Singer and the Song,” “Beautiful Savior,” and “Who Trusts in God, a Sure Abode.” This volume should be in every organists library.
CHORAL:
“Most Highly Favored Lady, Basque Carol (Gabriel’s message)” arr. By Garry A. Cornell, Celebrations Unlimited No. CU 237. A little late for this Season, but hold the thought for next year. Delightful. SATB
“Keep Your Lamps” Spiritual arr/ Andre Thomas. Includes optinal parts for Conga Drums. Orff instruments could certainly be substituted in any varied combination. SATB. Hinshaw Music No. HMC577. Great for early Advent.
“Lord of All Hopefulness” Hymn-anthem based on SLANE, arr. By Healey Willan, C.F. Peters No. 6985, C. F. Peters Corp. SATB with organ. A lovely setting, unison passages alternation with SATB, melody alternates between parts on the last verse, men leading the way.
“Father, We Praise Thee” Hymn Anthem on the French Church Melody “Christe Sanctorum” arr. By Healey Willan, easy SATB on verse 1, Soprano unison on verse 2, full unison on verse 3 with an SATB “Amen.” C. F. Peters Corp., No 6125. Gorgeous. A favorite of the St. John Choir.
“Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” A Hymn Anthem on LASST UNS EFREUEN arr. by Healey Willan, moderate SATB, alternating full with unison passages, full organ accompaniment, C. F. Peters Corp., No. 6238.
All listed Anthems are in the repertoire of St. John Lutheran Choir, Port Clinton.
Bach: “Ausgewahlte Werke Fur Kleinorgel” complied and edited by Hermann Keller (Edition Peters No. 4510). This is the same editor who compiled “80 Chorale Preludes by German masters of the 17th and 18th Centuries,” and is just as useful, perhaps more so, since most if not all of the selectionas are playable on manuals only.
Bach: “J. S. Bach: An Album for Manuals Only” edited by Lionel Lethbridge (Oxford Organ Music, Oxford University Press). A good companion to the previous volume mentioned as it contains only two duplications.
Willan/ Ed Gerike: “Organ Works of Healey Willan,” (Concordia No. 97 – 6676U1). This volume contains, under one cover, all the Hymn and Chorale Preludes by Willan ever published by Concordia Publishing house. All previous editions have been discontinued. These works were commissioned by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod but are useful in all types of services.
Richard Proulx: “Preludes on Four Hymns” (Augsburg/ Fortress No. 11-10051). Contains all of the Hymn Preludes by Proulx pubished by Augsburg/ Fortress. Variations on the Purcell Tune WESTMINSTER ABBEY, was composed expressly for this volume. It makes a brilliant Festival Prelude and is ideal for Pre-Nuptial Prelude Music.
Paul Manz: “Three Hymn Settings for Organ” (Morning Star Music, No. MSM-10-522). Hymns in this volume are “When Long Before Time/The Singer and the Song,” “Beautiful Savior,” and “Who Trusts in God, a Sure Abode.” This volume should be in every organists library.
CHORAL:
“Most Highly Favored Lady, Basque Carol (Gabriel’s message)” arr. By Garry A. Cornell, Celebrations Unlimited No. CU 237. A little late for this Season, but hold the thought for next year. Delightful. SATB
“Keep Your Lamps” Spiritual arr/ Andre Thomas. Includes optinal parts for Conga Drums. Orff instruments could certainly be substituted in any varied combination. SATB. Hinshaw Music No. HMC577. Great for early Advent.
“Lord of All Hopefulness” Hymn-anthem based on SLANE, arr. By Healey Willan, C.F. Peters No. 6985, C. F. Peters Corp. SATB with organ. A lovely setting, unison passages alternation with SATB, melody alternates between parts on the last verse, men leading the way.
“Father, We Praise Thee” Hymn Anthem on the French Church Melody “Christe Sanctorum” arr. By Healey Willan, easy SATB on verse 1, Soprano unison on verse 2, full unison on verse 3 with an SATB “Amen.” C. F. Peters Corp., No 6125. Gorgeous. A favorite of the St. John Choir.
“Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones” A Hymn Anthem on LASST UNS EFREUEN arr. by Healey Willan, moderate SATB, alternating full with unison passages, full organ accompaniment, C. F. Peters Corp., No. 6238.
All listed Anthems are in the repertoire of St. John Lutheran Choir, Port Clinton.
SCHEDULE NOTE
The Port Clinton Community Choir under the direction of Craig Dietterich and accompanied by Henry Kihlken will present large sections of Handel’s “Messiah” at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams St., Port Clinton, at 3:00 PM Sunday, December 19, 2010.
Monday, September 27
DATE CHANGE
Our program on "Anthem Reading" which was scheduled for Sunday, November 14 HAS BEEN CHANGED TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 3:00 P.M.
We will still meet at the Huron Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St. in Huron. Bring one to three of your favorite choir anthems to share with everyone. Please bring 10-15 copies of each anthem so everyone can use a copy during the reading session.
We will still meet at the Huron Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St. in Huron. Bring one to three of your favorite choir anthems to share with everyone. Please bring 10-15 copies of each anthem so everyone can use a copy during the reading session.
Wednesday, September 22
FROM OUR DEAN FOR SEPTEMBER 2010
Greetings to all of you on this Labor Day Weekend. Our next program is Sunday, November 14, 2010, 3:00 p.m. when we will have an anthem Reading Session at the Huron Presbyterian Church. Bring one to three of your favorite choir anthems to share with everyone. Please bring 10-15 copies of each anthem so everyone can use a copy during the reading session.
I, for one, will not be sad to see this extremely torrid and exhausting summer draw to a close.
It is, however, time to plan Fall / Winter / Spring once more, as I note that our first choir rehearsal at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church occurred on September 9th.
There are some interesting points made in the September issue of TAO. I call your attention, in particular, first to the Correspondence page and the Second, I call attention to “The Last Page,” on page 96.
In over 50 years on the organ bench, my experience, even at their most discouraging, never mirrored those of Dale T. Stanton: conversely the exalted idealism expressed on “the Last Page: has never been fulfilled in my own experience.
The actual reality of the Church Music Condition rests now, as I believe it always has done, somewhere between these two polarities.
Also of great interest is the article on page 40 regarding the new Leupold Bach edition, which begs the question, “How many Bach editions are actually needed?”
The article on page 52, the new feature “Part Time Church Musician” certainly took me back in time at least 52 years.
I wish all of you a successful and rewarding new season.
Your Dean,
Henry B. Kihlken
I, for one, will not be sad to see this extremely torrid and exhausting summer draw to a close.
It is, however, time to plan Fall / Winter / Spring once more, as I note that our first choir rehearsal at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church occurred on September 9th.
There are some interesting points made in the September issue of TAO. I call your attention, in particular, first to the Correspondence page and the Second, I call attention to “The Last Page,” on page 96.
In over 50 years on the organ bench, my experience, even at their most discouraging, never mirrored those of Dale T. Stanton: conversely the exalted idealism expressed on “the Last Page: has never been fulfilled in my own experience.
The actual reality of the Church Music Condition rests now, as I believe it always has done, somewhere between these two polarities.
Also of great interest is the article on page 40 regarding the new Leupold Bach edition, which begs the question, “How many Bach editions are actually needed?”
The article on page 52, the new feature “Part Time Church Musician” certainly took me back in time at least 52 years.
I wish all of you a successful and rewarding new season.
Your Dean,
Henry B. Kihlken
Sunday, August 15
FROM THE EDITOR
As many of you will remember, our AGO email account was hacked into this past winter. That is why everyone is receiving this newsletter through regular mail this month. I have set up a new email account at agosandusky@gmail.com . If you could please email me with your email address so I can create a new address book with everyone’s email in it. Then I can email the newsletters and other notifications to you which will save our Chapter money in postage. Please do this ASAP. Thank you.
FROM THE NEW DEAN
Greetings from your new Dean. A Tentative schedule has been set for the new season, with exact dates, times, and details to be finalized by the Planning Committee.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The following schedule has been proposed, subject to change: November 14, 2010: Anthem Reading Session, Huron Presbyterian Church.
Late January or Early February: Organ Repertoire Sharing, Holy Angels RCC. The Tracker renovations should be completed at that time.
Late March or early April: Hymn Festival, St. Mary’s Church. “Hymns Based on the Psalms” will be the theme of the Festival. A Committee will select the Hymns and determine the format at it’s meeting set for the end of August. This committee consists of Randy Ruthsatz, Ron Borchardt, and Tim Claubaugh.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Our Chapter has received excellent publicity in the July issue of TAO; on page 56 the J. S. Bach Recital, which was presented at three area churches on March 21, 2010, is reported in detail.
In closing, also in reference to J. S. Bach, this Dean encourages each Chapter Member to read the Chaplain’s column on page 16 of this issue. This needs little comment from me as it is a masterpiece.
It is the time of year when dues must be sent in to National Headquarters. Those of you who have not already done so, please mail your dues to Charles Scroggy at his home: 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.
I am please once again (how many times has it been?) to serve this Chapter as Dean.
(signed)
Henry Kihlken
Dean
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
The following schedule has been proposed, subject to change: November 14, 2010: Anthem Reading Session, Huron Presbyterian Church.
Late January or Early February: Organ Repertoire Sharing, Holy Angels RCC. The Tracker renovations should be completed at that time.
Late March or early April: Hymn Festival, St. Mary’s Church. “Hymns Based on the Psalms” will be the theme of the Festival. A Committee will select the Hymns and determine the format at it’s meeting set for the end of August. This committee consists of Randy Ruthsatz, Ron Borchardt, and Tim Claubaugh.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Our Chapter has received excellent publicity in the July issue of TAO; on page 56 the J. S. Bach Recital, which was presented at three area churches on March 21, 2010, is reported in detail.
In closing, also in reference to J. S. Bach, this Dean encourages each Chapter Member to read the Chaplain’s column on page 16 of this issue. This needs little comment from me as it is a masterpiece.
It is the time of year when dues must be sent in to National Headquarters. Those of you who have not already done so, please mail your dues to Charles Scroggy at his home: 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870.
I am please once again (how many times has it been?) to serve this Chapter as Dean.
(signed)
Henry Kihlken
Dean
FROM THE OUT-GOING DEAN
This will be my last letter to you as Dean of the Sandusky Chapter, AGO. Henry Kihlken has agreed to take my place, and I ask you to join me in expressing thanks for his willingness to serve. He has served as Dean previously, so he brings experience to the office. Randall Ruthsatz will take Henry’s place as Sub-Dean, while Louise Rogers continues as Secretary and Charles Scroggy as Treasurer. They deserve our support, so be ready to assist with Guild activities as you are asked.
Six Guild members met with me several weeks ago to plan some programs and activities for the 2010-2011 season. We hope to go to the First Presbyterian Church in Huron this fall for an anthem reading session. Bring your favorite anthems to share and listen to new anthems your choir would enjoy.
Early in 2011 we hope to have a comparable program of organ music. We expect this to be at Holy Angels Catholic Church in late January or early February.
We are asking a guest director to lead the community of church members in a hymn festival (not a massed choir festival). Narration and hymns will be based on the Psalms. Date and place will be announced later, and we have approached a guest director. Further information will come from Henry Kihlken.
Thank you for the support you have given me as Dean. Some good things lie before us as an AGO Chapter. Be an enthusiastic part of it!
(Signed)
Laura M. Stellhorn
Retiring Dean
Six Guild members met with me several weeks ago to plan some programs and activities for the 2010-2011 season. We hope to go to the First Presbyterian Church in Huron this fall for an anthem reading session. Bring your favorite anthems to share and listen to new anthems your choir would enjoy.
Early in 2011 we hope to have a comparable program of organ music. We expect this to be at Holy Angels Catholic Church in late January or early February.
We are asking a guest director to lead the community of church members in a hymn festival (not a massed choir festival). Narration and hymns will be based on the Psalms. Date and place will be announced later, and we have approached a guest director. Further information will come from Henry Kihlken.
Thank you for the support you have given me as Dean. Some good things lie before us as an AGO Chapter. Be an enthusiastic part of it!
(Signed)
Laura M. Stellhorn
Retiring Dean
Tuesday, July 6
FROM OUR DEAN FOR JULY 2010
Charles Scroggy, our treasurer, reminds us that 2010-2011 AGO dues are past due. Several members have already sent him their dues. Several members still have outstanding dues. Regular membership is $70.00. Of that amount, $55.00 is sent to the national office, and $15.00 remains in our Chapter treasury. Special Memberships for those over 65 are $52.50. We keep $37.50 in our treasury, and pass $15.00 on to the national office. Charles’ address is: 218 W. Bogart Rd., Sandusky, OH 44870. Please mail your dues promptly, payable to “Sandusky Chapter AGO” so Charles can take care of this important task.
If you have any program or chapter ideas for this coming year, contact me by July 26 so that we can incorporate them, If possible, into this coming season. We welcome any and all ideas that you may have.
In sorting out papers from a bulging filing cabinet, I found a page from the June 1999 AMERICAN ORGANIST titled, “A Survivor’s Manual for the Church Organist” by James Pethel. He admits some of his suggestions are silly and some serious, but you will recognize all of them contain an element of truth. Here is a sampling from the article:
It’s a good idea to hit the cancel piston before you get on or off
the bench.
Don’t walk on wet surfaces in your organ shoes on the way to the
organ.
Be careful getting onto a freshly waxed bench too quickly.
Learn to talk and play at the same time during the postlude.
When playing a hymn and you forget what stanza you are on,
watch the pastor’s eyes and hands. He will look away from the
hymn and start to close his hymnal on the last phrase.
If you accidentally make a sound during a silence, don’t react
at all. Look up at the chambers as if somebody in there did it.
And if you still have your copy of the 1999 AMERICAN ORGANIST, you can enjoy the rest of the suggestions.
Have a harmonious summer!
(signed)
Laura Stellhorn,
Dean
If you have any program or chapter ideas for this coming year, contact me by July 26 so that we can incorporate them, If possible, into this coming season. We welcome any and all ideas that you may have.
In sorting out papers from a bulging filing cabinet, I found a page from the June 1999 AMERICAN ORGANIST titled, “A Survivor’s Manual for the Church Organist” by James Pethel. He admits some of his suggestions are silly and some serious, but you will recognize all of them contain an element of truth. Here is a sampling from the article:
It’s a good idea to hit the cancel piston before you get on or off
the bench.
Don’t walk on wet surfaces in your organ shoes on the way to the
organ.
Be careful getting onto a freshly waxed bench too quickly.
Learn to talk and play at the same time during the postlude.
When playing a hymn and you forget what stanza you are on,
watch the pastor’s eyes and hands. He will look away from the
hymn and start to close his hymnal on the last phrase.
If you accidentally make a sound during a silence, don’t react
at all. Look up at the chambers as if somebody in there did it.
And if you still have your copy of the 1999 AMERICAN ORGANIST, you can enjoy the rest of the suggestions.
Have a harmonious summer!
(signed)
Laura Stellhorn,
Dean
Wednesday, May 12
FROM OUR DEAN FOR MAY 2010
Another AGO season is winding down, and this may be my last newsletter until fall. Here are a few items to share with you now:
Sunday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Choir will present their annual
spring concert under the direction of Tim Claubaugh. Various
instruments will add color to the vocal program. Admission is free.
Sunday, May 23, 3:00 p.m. The Community Choir will present their
spring program at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. Henry
Kihlken is organ accompanist.
As planned, I attended the meeting of Ohio AGO Chapter deans at the Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organ Co. in Columbus on April 24. Regional Councillor Paul Barte from Ohio University, Athens, OH was present and presided over the meeting.
He urged us to contact potential members personally and offer
them a warm, encouraging welcome.
Organists say their # 1 reason for joining AGO is to receive monthly
issues of THE AMERICAN ORGANIST.
Chapter deans reported many of the concerns we have regarding
meeting days and times that meet everyone’s schedule, and the
lack of member attendance at meetings.
The AGO has a national website, and there is no charge for using it.
Next year’s Regional Convention will be in Lexington, KY.
A minimum of $3 per member for the Annual Fund would cover
liability insurance costs.
St. John Lutheran Church (Union Corners) at Scheid Rd. and Rt. 250 is still looking for a permanent organist / choir director since Bill Scheid retired earlier this year. The congregation has a loyal choir of 12-15 members who rehearse Wednesday evenings. Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. If you now of someone who might fill this position, have them call Sandra Thompson at 419-433-4530.
Be thinking of program ideas for next season. What can we plan to be a help to you and / or an event for the community? I am open to any and all ideas.
Have a good summer. Continue your high standards of music during the summer months even though your schedule allows you to relax a bit.
Sunday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Choir will present their annual
spring concert under the direction of Tim Claubaugh. Various
instruments will add color to the vocal program. Admission is free.
Sunday, May 23, 3:00 p.m. The Community Choir will present their
spring program at St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. Henry
Kihlken is organ accompanist.
As planned, I attended the meeting of Ohio AGO Chapter deans at the Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organ Co. in Columbus on April 24. Regional Councillor Paul Barte from Ohio University, Athens, OH was present and presided over the meeting.
He urged us to contact potential members personally and offer
them a warm, encouraging welcome.
Organists say their # 1 reason for joining AGO is to receive monthly
issues of THE AMERICAN ORGANIST.
Chapter deans reported many of the concerns we have regarding
meeting days and times that meet everyone’s schedule, and the
lack of member attendance at meetings.
The AGO has a national website, and there is no charge for using it.
Next year’s Regional Convention will be in Lexington, KY.
A minimum of $3 per member for the Annual Fund would cover
liability insurance costs.
St. John Lutheran Church (Union Corners) at Scheid Rd. and Rt. 250 is still looking for a permanent organist / choir director since Bill Scheid retired earlier this year. The congregation has a loyal choir of 12-15 members who rehearse Wednesday evenings. Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. If you now of someone who might fill this position, have them call Sandra Thompson at 419-433-4530.
Be thinking of program ideas for next season. What can we plan to be a help to you and / or an event for the community? I am open to any and all ideas.
Have a good summer. Continue your high standards of music during the summer months even though your schedule allows you to relax a bit.
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