The Opus – September 2009
Cleveland Recital Inaugurates Chapter.s New Program Year
Date:
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Douglas Cleveland
Event:
Douglas Cleveland Recital
Location:
Second Presbyterian Church
4501 Westminster Place
St. Louis, MO 63108
Time:
4:00 p.m. (Reception follows)
Host:
Andrew Peters
Directions:
Due to the ongoing reconstruction of I-64/U.S. 40, specific directions are difficult.
. For those living south, it would be advisable to take a road leading to Kingshighway north.
. From west, Forest Park Expressway or Lindell Blvd. to reach Kingshighway might be appropriate.
From the intersection of Kingshighway and Lindell, go east on Lindell two blocks (second traffic light) to Taylor and turn north (left) on Taylor. Proceed north on Taylor; you will see the church on the corner of Westminster and Taylor. To reach the parking lot, turn left (west) on Westminster. The lot entrance is just past the church on the right.
Welcome back! We begin another exciting year of Guild programs with an organ recital at Second Presbyterian Church. Internationally known organist Douglas Cleveland will present what promises to be an exciting program. Douglas Cleveland is director of music and organist at Plymouth
Congregational Church, Seattle, Wash., where, in addition to playing, he directs three choirs and administers a concert series. He is also a visiting professor of music at the University of Washington in Seattle. During his career, Cleveland was assistant organist at The Church of St. Michael and St. George (Episcopal), in St. Louis.
He began organ study at age 13 with Jane Edge and later with Edward Hansen. He holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Indiana University where his teachers were Russell Saunders, Larry Smith and Marilyn Keiser. He also studied at the Haarlem Academy for Organists and, under a Lilly grant, advanced choral conducting at Douglas Cleveland Winchester Cathedral with David Hill.
In 1994, he won the American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition. He has played recitals throughout the United States, Europe and Australia and has recorded for the Gothic label. He has performed with noted symphony orchestras, including the St. Louis Symphony. He has also served as assistant professor of organ at Northwestern University and as a visiting faculty member at St. Olaf College.
Second Presbyterian Church was built in 1900. The building is a beautiful example of Romanesque Revival architecture and contains an exquisite collection of Tiffany windows. Second Presbyterian has a IV/60 Schantz with 3,307 pipes. The organ was installed in the church.s balcony 1965. To facilitate the concert, Cleveland.s console and pedal work will be projected on a screen in the front of the sanctuary.
Come join us for a first class recital in a beautiful space.
. Henry Evans
From the St. Louis Chapter Dean.
Food Channel or Stone Soup?
As we begin another program year, we look forward to an excellent slate of events prepared by Henry Evans and the Program Committee. You.ll see a complete listing of these activities on the following page. You.ll also find some ideas from Shawn Portell, our Professional Concerns chair, about what you can do to prepare and protect yourself in employment situations. This is all part of an ongoing effort to support you in doing your work.
To sum up my thinking and that of your representatives on the Executive Committee: We need you to think about your Chapter as less like the Food Channel and more like Stone Soup. On the Food Channel, wonderful things happen in that two-minute commercial break. Whole meals appear; tables are lavishly set. Sometimes a fully completed dish is waiting to be substituted magically for the final shot. Isn.t it wonderful how it all works out, with the viewer (and sometimes, it seems, the host!) barely lifting a finger?
Some AGO members view our organization just like that. Things need to be wrapped up in a neat package for them. We should do this or that. We should see that National does this or that. We should call their church and chew out their priest or senior minister. When it doesn.t happen, we.re asked, .Why did I even join this group?. The problem is, when you get right down to it, they don.t have a .we. concept. It.s a GUILD, it isn.t a union. There really is no.we. unless you intend to deposit something in the .We. bank. You can.t just make withdrawals, it isn.t designed that way.
Contrast that with the story of Stone Soup. The beggar entering the impoverished village starts with an empty pot, water, and a stone. The residents, at first claiming to have nothing themselves, become interested in the project and scrounge up the barest of ingredients . a tiny head of cabbage, a chunk of salt beef, potatoes, onions, carrots. Before you know it, there is a community united and a wonderful meal. That is more like how a Guild really functions. What .we. get out of it depends on what .we. put in.
We only have a newsletter like this because Wayne volunteers to do it year after year. Dennis and Denis keep our finances on track.a thankless job if ever there was one. It.s the same with Bill and the minutes, Al and the membership directory/mailing list, Cathy and all those dinner reservations (hint-hint, remember to make them!). We.ll have a POE next summer because Andy Peters said, .That.s how I began. I feel I should do it for someone else.. Forgive me but the danger of listing anyone is that I can.t list everyone. There are so many people who pitch in so selflessly. But, not surprisingly, there are many more who don.t. Let.s change that, little by little if need be.
Be a Stone-Soup-Contributor, not a Food-Channel-Spectator!
Your Executive Committee and Officers wish you the very best as you begin your fall season!
. Chuck Peery
Executive Committee Meetings Summaries
The Executive Committee of the St. Louis Chapter, American Guild of Organists met at Trinity Presbyterian Church on the following dates:
May 10, 2009
* There were no applications for scholarship assistance to the Kansas City POE. We have received official notification of St. Louis as a POE site for 2010, with the St. Louis Chapter as sponsor. Andrew Peters from Second Presbyterian Church has agreed to chair this event.
* The Professional Concerns chairman reminded the membership that the purpose of the AGO grievance process is to serve as a healing process and does not carry any legal or official arbitration authority. There are currently two cases of wrongful termination in review.
August 17, 2009
* The Dean extended a big note of appreciation to Norbert Krausz for organizing the program and to Christopher Moore of Centenary United Methodist Church for hosting the annual meeting and awards banquet in May. Marianne Webb, the Avis Blewett Award recipient, was very appreciative of the recognition and the engaging program.
* The Sub-Dean presented the final 2009-2010 program schedule for approval. The Program Committee has assembled a diverse, exciting and engaging schedule that will surely appeal to both current and prospective members.
Focus on Professional Concerns
Recently leaders of our chapter have had a variety of calls regarding .wrongful termination.. Your executive board thought that it might be helpful to members to outline the AGO.s rules and regulations regarding when to seek assistance for wrongful termination. This is a long process, so continue to look in this newsletter for an on-going discussion of the issues. For immediate and complete details you may go the National Web site to download the entire document called .AGO Grievance Procedures..
Examples of wrongful termination may include:
* Dismissal inconsistent with the existing employment agreement, the Institution.s personnel policy and/or past practice.
* Failure to communicate
* Discrimination
* Intimidation and harassment
* A record of good performance reviews followed by sudden termination
* Conduct that offends the Institution.s sense of fairness, e.g., .whistleblowing. wherein the employee has alerted the authorities to specific unlawful activity.
(AGO Grievance Procedures II.O)
Next month . examples of non-wrongful termination
. Shawn Portell
Here We Go Again!
An All-New Season of Meeting Variety
The 2009-2010 season is full of a variety of programs. Recitals by internationally known organists, workshops by area specialists and opportunities for fellowship have been scheduled. Our committee comprised of David Erwin, Cathy Bolduan, Henry Evans, Pat Partridge, Chuck Peery, Suzanne Manelli, and Bill Wade have been hard at work. The following represents their efforts:
September 27, 2009 (Sunday)
Douglas Cleveland Organ Recital
Internationally known recitalist
4 p.m., Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster
Andrew Peters, host
October 26, 2009 (Monday)
What Would You Play in Church?
Chapter members will perform organ music for the liturgical year. Performers will include John Cargile, Charles Collins, Heather
Martin Cooper, Henry Evans, Brent Johnson, and Max Tenney.
Village Lutheran Church, 9237 Clayton Road, Ladue
Judy Berger, host
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.
November 15, 2009 (Sunday)
Quimby Organ Dedicatory Recital
Zach Hemenway, Recitalist
4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 600 North Euclid
Jeffery Nall, host
( AGO-sponsored reception follows concert)
January 4, 2010
Epiphany Gathering
6:30 p.m., Home of Dr. Bill Wade
This event, now in its third year, it on its way to becoming a Chapter post-holiday tradition. More details will be provided later.
January 25, 2010 (Monday)
To Twitch or Not To Twitch: Thoughts on Choral Conducting and Meaning It!
Lecture by Jeffrey Carter, chairman of the Music Department, Webster University
Joint meeting with the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Blvd. (at Skinker)
Kathleen Bolduan, host
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.
February 28, 2010
Lynne Davis in recital
Internationally known recitalist and clinician
2:30 p.m., St. Louis Cathedral Basilica
John Romeri, host
March 1, 2010 (Monday)
Presentation by Organist Lynne Davis
St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Blvd.
John Romeri, host
6:30 p.m. Dinner (Boland Hall) 7:30 p.m. Program
March 22, 2010 (Monday)
Rebuilding the Organ of Saint John the Divine
Lecture and slide presentation by organbuilder Michael Quimby
Kirkwood Baptist Church, 211 North Woodlawn
Tom Pearce, host
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.
April 18, 2010 (Sunday)
Juget-Sinclair Organ Dedicatory Recital
Clive Driskill-Smith, Recitalist
4 p.m., St. Mark.s Episcopal Church, 4714 Clifton Ave.
Robert Mullgardt, host
April 19, 2010 (Monday)
Presentation by Clive Driskill-Smith
English organist and sub-organist at Christ Church, Oxford
St. Mark.s Episcopal Church, 4714 Clifton Ave.
Robert Mullgardt, host
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.
May 17, 2010 (Monday)
Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 5300 Delmar
Rick Burk, host
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.
Complete details of each meeting, as well as any changes to the schedule, will be provided in the appropriate monthly issue of The OPUS.
Avis Blewett Award Presented to Marianne Webb
Marianne Webb, distinguished university organist and professor of music at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, knew she would be the recipient of this year.s Avis Blewett Award for her contributions to music and music education when she came to St. Louis on May 18. But little did she expect the surprises that came during the St. Louis Chapter.s annual banquet and presentation event.
First, while awaiting the start of dinner, Ms. Webb was greeted by friends and former students from as far away as Kansas and Indiana. Following Dean Chuck Peery.s .state of the chapter. address, he presented a specially inscribed certificate as the Chapter.s official recognition.
Guests then moved to the sanctuary of Centenary United Methodist Church where Ms. Webb.s former students . Norbert Krausz, Wes Kassulke, and Nathan Johanning. provided an evening of organ music, interspersed with the reading of congratulatory messages.
Classified
FOR SALE . Allen Model 7050-D organ – $6,750.
II/41 Stops, no unification or duplexing. MOSS II twin computers. 32-note AGO radiating pedalboard and two 61-note manuals. Excellent practice instrument or an instrument for a small church. Double memory capture combination action w/ 56 combinations total capacity. Computer card reader for additional digital stops includes multiple additional digital stops on computer cards. Recently refurbished 8 speakers: 4-HC12 speakers and 4 RPP speakers and 1 amplifier tower. Purchased new in 1984 and maintained by one owner. Original price $23,000. Recent appraisal at $7,500. Located in St. Louis, MO 63114. Buyer to arrange for and pay shipping. Contact Bill Wade at Trinity Presbyterian Church, drwewade@gmail.com or 314-258-2520. Stoplist and pictures available.
WANTED . Handbells and/or Handchimes.
If you have handbells or handchimes packed away or not being used, please consider putting them back into musical service! Trinity Presbyterian Church is interested in borrowing or leasing those instruments for expansion of the handbell ministry for groups, solo, and ensemble use. Please contact Bill Wade, minister of music/organist, at drwewade@gmail.com or 314-258-2520.
WANTED . Local tenor seeking paid choir position.
Experience includes many years as paid choir member of different Protestant churches in St. Louis area. Also, past experience includes membership in the Bach Society, St. Louis Chamber Chorus and St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Please contact John C. Thomas, 314-894-0342 or jj.t@sbcglobal.net.
FOR SALE . Harpsichord.
Eric Herz .s model., two 8′, buff. AA – f …, 57 notes, @440. Instrument has been professionally maintained. Cherrywood cabinet. $5,000. May be seen in St. Louis. Photos can be e-mailed on request. Phone Jim, 217-891-1974.
WANTED . Practice Facility.
An local organ student with church service experience is looking for a small congregation to practice at their pipe organ, with a possible trade-off playing for Sunday services if I met your qualification. Martha Ping, 314-719-7001.
FOR SALE . Residence Pipe Organ.
Wicks two-manual, two-rank pipe organ with full pedalboard. Built in 1982. No swell box or expression pedal. Disposition: Manual I (top) . Gemshorn 8., Koppel Flute 4., Spitz Quint 1 1/3.. Manual II (bottom) . Copula 8., Gemshorn 4., Block Flute 2.. Pedal: Gedeckt 8., Flute 4., Choral Bass 2.. Asking $10,000. Contact James Havranek, 5415 Nottingham, St. Louis, MO 63109; 314-352-4007; havranekj@mir.wustl.edu.
On the Concert Horizon…
Sunday, September 27, 9 a.m. (traditional service) and 11:15 a.m. (informal service)
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 West Lockwood, Webster Groves, Mo.
Oliver Hazard, a contemporary worship duo.
Free. Information 314-962-9210, ext. 3108.
Sunday, September 27, 4 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Walnut at Edwards Street, Springfield, Ill.
Recital by Janette Fishell, professor of organ and chair of the organ department at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
.To the Glory of God. includes works of Bach, Bohm, Bolcom, Howells and Eben. .For the Refreshment of the Soul. includes the complete Widor Symphonie VI.
Free. Information 217-522-4415.
Tuesday, September 29, 7 p.m.
St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 6303 Nottingham, St. Louis, Mo.
Vespers for the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Bruce Ludwick, Jr., director of music.
Information 314-353-6303, ext. 131.
Friday, October 2, 7:30 p.m.
Hettenhausen Performing Arts Center, McKendree University, 701 College Road, Lebanon, Ill.
.A Gallery of Song. multi-media presentation of music and art. The Masterworks Chorale. Dr. Steven Mager, conductor.
Tickets $15, $10. Information www.singmasterworks.org.
Saturday, October 3, 9:30 a.m. . 2 p.m.
Midwest Music Recital Hall, 15977 Clayton Road (at Clarkson), Chesterfield, Mo.
Rudy Lucente, assistant organist at the Grand Court Organ in Philadelphia, will present a comprehensive seminar for church organists/keyboard musicians. Appropriate for all skill levels. A light luncheon will be served.
Free, but reservations are needed to Jim Dedera, 618-876-1708; musicatste@aol.com.
Sunday, October 4, 4 p.m.
St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church, 2300 Pontoon Road, Granite City, Ill.
Rudy Lucente in concert.Program will include classics, theatre organ favorites and other surprises.
Free-will offering. Doors open at 3 p.m. Information 618-876-1708.
Sunday, October 11, 3 p.m.
St. John Evangelical United Church of Christ, 307 West Clay, Collinsville, Ill.
Jazz and sacred sounds of the accordion. Amy Joe Sawyer, accordionist.
Information 618-344-2526.
Tuesday, October 13, 7:30 p.m.
First Congregational Church of St. Louis, 6501 Wydown, St. Louis, Mo.
Organ and orchestra recital on the occasion of Director of Music Ministries Ron Hall.s 20th anniversary.
John McDaniel will conduct the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony and Jongen.s Symphonie Concertante with members of the First Church and St. Louis Symphony orchestras.
Sunday, October 18, 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (traditional services)
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 West Lockwood, Webster Groves, Mo.
Eileen Gannon, Irish harpist. Free. Information 314-962-9210, ext. 3108.
Friday, October 23, 7:30 p.m.
St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 West B Street, Belleville, Ill.
Fiveplay a capella vocal ensemble.
Free-will offering. Information norbert-krausz@stpaulucc.org.
Friday, October 23, 8 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Mo.
Tenebrae, English chamber choir.
Performing by candlelight, this choir creates an atmosphere of spiritual and musical reflection.
Tickets $37, $27, $17. Information 314-533-7662; www.cathedralconcerts.org.