The Opus - January 2013 - PDF file

Events in January

The Spirituality of the Church Musician

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you survived the Advent Season, your Christmas Cantata or Concert, the 12/21 apocalypse, and your Christmas Eve and Day services!

How wonderful this time of year feels. I try to stop myself from saying “I’m so glad Christmas is over!” Instead, I try to enjoy (and cope with) the Advent and pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. No doubt, when it’s all over, I greatly enjoy the sense of accomplishment and also rejoice in my colleagues’ successes. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year’s Celebration!

A staple in our program year is the Epiphany (also, Survival of Christmas) Party. This usually takes place at the Estate of Dr. Bill Wade and Mike Kaberline, however, construction on their home has forced us to move this event to the Tavern of Fine Arts. Bill and I saw this a fitting venue, and certainly a better alternative than canceling the party! The chapter will provide some food for members. Appetizers, small plates, and a cash bar will be available to members at a discounted rate. Please send positive RSVPs to me (subdean@agostlouis.org) by December 31st. The Tavern of Fine Arts is in the Central West End area - an Epiphany Party location easy enough to find, even if you aren’t traveling with three wise friends.

Just in case you didn’t know - The Tavern of Fine Arts is a relaxed and comfortable wine bar and café. They feature fine wines, select liquors, and craft and specialty beers. The menu includes a selection of seasonal appetizers and small plates, including pastries and desserts. Here’s where the name comes in - They are dedicated to providing an environment that encourages and fosters the patronage and presentation of musical, visual, and literary fine arts. Local artists are given opportunities to display artwork, and musicians are welcomed to perform chamber music of all sorts as entertainment for guests.

Our regular monthly meeting will be held at Our Lady of Providence where I serve as Organist and Choirmaster. This meeting will be a joint event with the St. Louis NPM Chapter. Msgr. James Telthorst, former rector of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis and a founder of the Cathedral Concerts, will present a talk on “The Spirituality of the Church Musician”. In the midst of our line of work, we’re so focused on enhancing the worship experience of others, that we often neglect our own spiritual lives. This event will welcome musicians from all faith denominations, so don’t be shy! The dinner will be held in the parish center, which is the old church building. The event will be held in the new church, which was completed in 1989 with a 21 rank Martin Ott organ that was built for the space shortly after. It’s a delightful space and will serve us well for this event.

— Stephen Eros, Sub-Dean

FROM THE DEAN . . .

A word from the Dean for 2013: Preparation

prep·a·ra·tion [prep-uh-rey-shuh n]
noun

1. A proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something: preparations for a journey.
2. Any proceeding, experience, or the like considered as a mode of preparing for the future.
3. An act of preparing.
4. The state of being prepared.
5. Something prepared, manufactured, or compounded: a special preparation for sunbathers.
6. A specimen, as an animal body, prepared for scientific examination, dissection, etc.
7. Music:
8. A. The preparing of a dissonance, by introducing the dissonant tone as a consonant tone in the preceding chord.
9. B. The tone so introduced.
10. New Testament. The day before the Sabbath or a feast day.
11. British. Work done by students in preparation for class; homework.
12. the Preparation, the introductory prayers of the Mass or other divine service.

I would like to wish each and every member of the Saint Louis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists a very sincere Happy 2013! It is my hope that our work, recreation, and hospitality are both personally and professionally abundant and fulfilling.

As I write this New Year article, it is mid-December, we just finished Advent 3, and have emerged whole and resilient from several shared losses as a country, community and congregation. Our future is as uncertain as ever, but we continue to plan and to prepare. Perhaps, December 21st will have come and gone without the expected apocalyptic outcome, if so, I’m prepared. If not, well, you won’t be reading this!

The AGO continues to be an inspiration and resource for me personally and professionally. I am grateful for the preparation our members make to design and assemble our programs, organize Pipe Organ Encounters, coordinate certification opportunities, share their wealth of experience and wisdom with those of us less knowledgeable, maintain membership rolls and the yearbook, and faithfully attend our programs and committee meetings. All of the opportunities to serve the Guild are available to the prepared and willing members of this extraordinary chapter. Thank you for all you do, and keep doing, to contribute to the growth and success of this chapter.

The New Year continues to offer us opportunities for:

1. growth and improvement in such areas as redesign of our substitute list,
2. expansion of our instrument and organist picture directory,
3. radical new member outreach,
4. individual hospitality and personal welcoming of visitors,
5. monthly improvisation workgroup,
6. certification preparation classes, and
7. discussion of better ways to meet members’ needs for days of programs and meetings.

Please send an e-mail to your board, sub-dean, or me about your thoughts on how we can improve, revise, or rethink any of the enumerated opportunities above. Re-read the definition of preparation and share your ideas about how the Guild can be responsive to and better prepared to meet the needs of you and your colleagues. Soli Deo Gloria,

— Dr. Bill Wade CAGO, Dean

Upcoming Concerts

January

Sunday, January 13—4:00 pm
Second Presbyterian Church
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. Members of the St Louis Symphony present OlivierMessiaen’s powerful Quartet for the End of Time, based on the Book of Revelation. Messaien wrote this haunting composition while imprisoned in a German Prisoner-of-war camp. The work’s texts are just as powerful for audiences today as they were at the quartet’s premiere in 1941. Clarinetist Diana Haskell, violinist Erin Schreiber, cellist Alvin McCall, and pianist Patti Wolf perform this challenging an aweinspiring work. Presented as part of the Couts Series.

Sunday, January 27— 3:00 p.m.
Second Presbyterian Church
Young Artist Recital—The 2012-2013 Young Artists, four outstanding vocalists under the age of 30, are featured in an afternoon of Bach arias and their personal favorites.

February

Saturday, February 2— 8:00 pm
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Luther College Nordic Choir. For ticket information contact: www.CathedralConcerts.org

Sunday, February 3—4:00 pm
Second Presbyterian Church
Mesmerizing and exhilarating, this Emmy Award-winning duo are Florida A&M music scholars, masters of several woodwind instruments and true ambassadors of music. Their renditions of jazz, R&B, funk, and gospel have gained them international fame. Over the years these talent siblings have energized audiences from St. Louis to London.

February 21-22-23—8:00 pm and February 24—2:00 pm
The Touhill
CARMINA BURANA. The Bach Society Chorus steps ‘out of the Bachs’ to join MADCO, the Nashville Ballet and the Chorus and Orchestra of the University of Missouri-St. Louis for a fresh look at an audience favorite. Sponsored by Dance St. Louis. Not on our season membership. Ticket Office Phone number: 314-516-4949 or 866-516-4949.

Sunday February 24 4:00 pm
Third Baptist Church
Dr. Frederick Hohman in recital on the church's restored Kilgen-Moller Organ. The newly re-installed 71-rank organ will be re-dedicated by St. Louis native Fred Hohman.

Thursday, February 28— 8:00 pm
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Chanticleer. For ticket information contact: www.CathedralConcerts.org

Open Positions

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC/ORGANIST
The parish of St. Gabriel the Archangel is looking for a full-time Director of Music and Organist to oversee their liturgical music program. This program has a rich history and takes pride in reflecting the best of tradition and contemporary liturgical music, acknowledging the spirit of Vatican II and incorporating music as an essential and integral part of the liturgy. Responsibilities include playing the organ at regularly scheduled masses on weekends, holy days, and for 3 weekday masses during the school, direction of the adult and children's choir, development of the cantor program, and cooperation with the parish and school staff. Qualifications: the candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Organ or Church Music (Master's preferred) and several years of experience working in the Catholic Church with a broad range of musical styles. Compensation (with benefits) within Archdiocesan guidelines. Deadline for application: December 18, 2012 (or until filled). For more information, contact Fr. Bob Samson at frsamson@saintgabes.net, or: 314-353-6303.

MUSIC LEADER
First United Methodist Church of Webster Groves is seeking a Music Leader to engage the congregation in compelling, energetic and Christ-centered worship through music. The Music Leader will help to build and support a blended music ministry. This person must have experience as a worship leader, band leader, and/or choir director. The Music Leader must be musically talented with the ability to lead, arrange and perform various styles of worship music, as well as instruct and lead other instrumentalists, vocalists, and the choir. The Music Leader will build an exciting music ministry for children and youth in collaboration with Youth and Children's Ministries. A music degree is preferred. Proficient piano/and or organ skills are required. Guitar proficiency is highly desirable. This is a part-time position: 10-12 hours/weekly. Compensation: $10,000/yr. to $15,000/yr. depending on experience. Please inquire for a complete job description. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to secretary@firstumcwg.org.

MUSIC ASSOCIATE
St. John UCC - Collinsville, IL is seeking a part-time Music Associate to support a vibrant and growing church music ministry. Candidates to possess all or part of following skills: • Piano/Organ Proficient • Choral Accompaniment Experience • Congregational Accompaniment/Experience Hymn playing • Choral Direction Experience For more information or to apply contact Todd Pettit, Minister of Music at 618-409-8404.

ORGANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR
he Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1166 South Mason Road, Town & Country, is seeking an enthusiastic choir director and organist to lead the musical element of our worship. This is a part time position requiring approximately 10 hours per week. The Church of the Good Shepherd looks to the past for tradition and to the future for the welcoming of new ideas. To that end, it is expected that contemporary music be used in some fashion on a regular basis in the service. Primary responsibilities include playing for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service and special services dur-ing the year, leading weekly choir rehearsals, choosing liturgically appropriate service music, and working collaboratively with the Pastor and choir. The instrument is a 13 rank 2 manual Moller. A Technics keyboard is also available and two octaves of handbells. We are looking for a choir director with a joyful approach to music and a skilled organist. Experience with the liturgy of the Episcopal Church is preferred, but we are willing to work with a creative and talented person who has an appreciation for liturgical music (simple and complex) and a willingness to learn. This position can be structured for two individuals but may be able to be filled with one. Resumes may be sent to: Brooke Forsyth at : bhforsyth@sbcglobal.net or mailed to: Music Director Search Committee, The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1166 S. Mason Rd., Town and Country MO 63131

WORSHIP LEADER
Bellefontaine United Methodist Church is looking for a part-time worship leader to lead our worshippers deeper into the presence of God. We believe a deeper connection with God through worship will bring believers into a stronger relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit and will lead them to transform themselves, our community, and our world. The applicant should be musically proficient in both traditional and contemporary worship music, possess strong leadership abilities and excellent people skills. Responsibilities will include a weekday evening rehearsal with choir and band, Sunday morning warm up, leading music during service, and assist in planning worship services monthly. Applicant must also understand that the church and service are Christ-centered. The position would require 15 hours per week; bi-vocational candidates are encouraged to apply. Salary negotiable with experience. Please send resume to office email at bumc@bellefontaineumc.org.