|
|
|
|
NHAGO Above the Notches Organ Crawl, Sunday 20 September The Crawl starts at 2 pm, which may be too early for some members because of church services that morning and the distance to travel. But we will remain at the first stop until after 3pm which should give everyone time to join the party. For those who do not wish to drive after dark, they may choose to forego the stop at the Dunn’s and go directly home. To get to the starting point at the Randolph Church, one can either go north on I93 or Route 16. If you go on I93, continue through Franconia Notch to the Route 3 Exit. Take Route 3 through Twin Mountain to Route 115. Take Route 115 to Route 2, and turn right. Go approximately 2.5 miles and look for the Randolph Church at the top of the hill on the left, a little white church. If you come to the ‘Town of Gorham’ sign, you’ve gone too far. If you come up on Route 16, continue through Gorham to Route 2 and turn left onto 2. Go approximately 1.5 miles to the top of the hill to Randolph Church, a little white church on your right. 2 pm Randolph Church, Ruggles organ. Continue east on Route 2 to Route 16. Turn left onto 16 and go through Berlin on Route 16 and turn left at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church onto High St., go through one stop sign at Ste. Anne's Roman Catholic church on your right, then turn left at the Fine Arts Center sign onto Emery St. Ample parking across the street from St. Kieran’s at 155 Emery St.. 3:15 Berlin, St. Kieran Arts Center, Hook & Hastings. Retrace steps back to Ste. Anne’s 4:15 Berlin, Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church, Casavant.. Retrace route to Gorham, continue through town on Route 16 to Junction of Routes 16 and 2. Turn right onto Route 16 and the Chapel Arts Center, a former church, is on your left, across from the town Common 5:15 Gorham, Chapel Arts Center, Bedient, Tattershall Regal, Portative, 4' Positiv, Harpsichords and Erard piano, etc.. Go south on Route 16 past the Mt. Washington auto road and Pinkham Notch. Watch on the right for the Dana Place Inn and turn right there, taking the road to the left. Pass several houses until reaching the rather large home of Patti and Jack Dunn. It is the last house before the little road rejoins Route 16. 6:15 Leave for Dunn Residence (or even 6:30; there's lots to see at the Chapel Arts Center for just one hour) The instruments: The Charles Ruggles organ in the Randolph Church is a beautifully constructed, fine sounding small tracker. It is quite an impressive instrument for such a remote, small country church. The Hook & Hasting in the former St. Kieran’s Roman Catholic Church, was partially re-worked by Michael Anthony Loris, and the work was completed by George Bozeman’s firm. It still has its basic Hook & Hastings core, but Mixtures, Mutations, and a Celeste have been added. The Casavant in Ste. Anne’s is early 20th century, although it received a new console later on. It is a large three manual with a beautiful, rich sound that is perfectly suited to the resonant and opulent church interior.The Chapel Arts Center in Gorham houses much of the musical instrument collection of Susan Ferré and Charles Lang. There are harpsichords and virginals, an Erard piano, and organs, including a 2-manual Gene Bedient tuned in quarter-comma meantone and a regal. The home of Patti and Jack Dunn houses two Steinway grand pianos and a handsome organ built by Darrell Wissinger. A Brief Note From Our Dean Welcome back from summer! Here’s hoping that you had some relaxation! Since some of us were very busy this summer with POE, I will defer my writing to Colin’s article about it elsewhere in this newsletter. See you soon! Liz Black
October 2009's deadline will be October 22, 2009. Report on Westminster Choir College Organ Camp Mary Copeley This past July I spent two weeks at Westminster Choir College for their summer Organ Institute. The Organ Institute was held at the same time as the Vocal Institute, so the organ students were able to partake in many of the Vocal Institute’s activities. There were about 120 vocal students and 11 organ students, so the organ crew had to stick together. Daily activities included vocal warm-ups in the morning, sectional rehearsals, and for the organists, organ class. Throughout the two weeks we were able to work with Westminster’s faculty members Ken Cowan, Alan Morrison, and Matthew Lewis, as well as Eric Plutz (organist at the Princeton University Chapel), Paolo Bordignon (organist at St. Bart’s in NYC), and Stephen Buzard, (senior at WCC, organ performance major). With them we had masterclasses, workshops on Mendelssohn, Bach, accompanying, hymn playing, improvisation, and much more. We also had daily individual lessons with them. One thing that set apart this organ camp from any other was the opportunity to sing in a choir of such high quality. We were able to work under some of the country’s finest choral directors. The organists all had a mandatory two and a half hours of choir rehearsal each day, and the vocalists had even more. Most of the organ students weren’t too crazy about this because we were there for organ camp, but I think it is very important for organists to understand the position of the singers, for it is so often that we will have to work with each other. Plus, we got to learn some amazing choral music, including one piece that was composed specifically for us! In addition to choir and classes each day, we had some time set aside for practice and recreation. We had use of all the organs on campus, three of which are used for performances, and about ten practice organs. In the evening there was always an activity. Among these were a scavenger hunt, a concert by a special guest pianist, a counselor recital, and a dance. A big activity the organists were brave enough to do was "V.I. Idol" (after the TV show "American Idol"). It was like a talent show in which the vocalists showed off their skill and were judged by a panel. The ten other organists and I decided on the title "The Diapasons". We sang as a group and made it through to the second round! Although we didn’t win, we had so much fun coming up with ideas for our performance, working and coming together as a group. Actually, the only time the group of organists was not all together was when we were off practicing organ! The rest of the time we were always together, whether it was at meals, concerts, or when we had free time. Because of Princeton’s ideal location, we were able to make a couple fun trips. One of these was a trip to New York City, in which we were given the great opportunity to play some of the country’s finest pipe instruments, including St. Bart’s, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Brick Church, and St. John the Divine. The bliss I felt is almost impossible to describe! As if this trip wasn’t amazing enough already, the day was topped off with a recital given by Ken Cowan at Riverside Church. The other trip was to Six Flags amusement park. It gave us a little break from all the music we had been working on in the middle of the two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, there were many concerts. Friday featured a recital of all of the organ students, which took place in Bristol Chapel, the main performance hall at the College. Saturday was the closing choral concert held in Princeton University Chapel; in which everyone in both the vocal and organ institute participated. For this final concert I was asked to play postlude, an honor I gladly accepted. It was sad to leave at the end, after having formed so many memories in that amazing place, where we worked with musicians and teachers of the highest caliber. It was especially hard for the organists who all grew so close in two weeks. One of the students told me she had been planning on going to college in Egypt, but after camp, she was so taken by WCC that she changed her mind and decided she wanted to be a music major. Who knows, the two of us may end up back at the same place next September!
I am thrilled to report not only that this is the final POE corner, but also that the New Hampshire Pipe Organ Encounter was an outstanding success. When I was asked to take charge of the POE almost a year ago, I had serious doubts that we as a chapter could support such an ambitious program. We needed almost $30,000, almost 20 faculty members of significant merit, almost 20 churches in the Manchester area, and countless work hours. Thanks to the generous support of our members, we not only met our goals but also made a significant impression on 34 teenage organists. Here are some facts and figures: Our POE had an enrollment of 34 students, most of whom came from Regions I and II but also included VA, IL, CA, TX, WA and Canada. We had 19 faculty members, 3 of whom served as chaperones, who came from all over New England, NY, NJ, and GA. Our students visited 17 organs in New Hampshire and 5 organs in MA. The week included 5 concerts, from which we received $642 in offerings, and 2 of which were given by our students. In total, we took in $31,206.50, nearly $4,000 of which came from our chapter members! To quickly sum up our week is nearly impossible, but what follows is an incredibly brief synopsis. Our week commenced with a creative, fun, and informal duet recital by Peter Krasinski and Michael Wayne Smith at Brookside Congregational Church. The recital included everything from Bach to Bernstein, and Tangos to the Battle of Trenton! Later that evening, we gathered for a dorm meeting and snacks. Monday began with morning lessons, followed by afternoon workshops. Beginning students had an introduction to the organ by Barbara Adler and a workshop on practice techniques and tactics by Colin Lynch. Advanced students learned about registration techniques from Peter Stolzfus Berton and had an introduction to improvisation with Peter Krasinski and Vincent Carr. Following the workshops, we spent the late afternoon and evening at St. Paul?s School for recreation, a BBQ, and a dazzling recital by Chelsea Chen. Her program included Bach, Vierne, and her arrangement of themes from the Super Mario Bros. video game. Following morning lessons on Tuesday, students spent the afternoon at St. Paul’s Church in Concord for a masterclass with Ken Cowan and a lesson on organ building by George Bozeman and Mark Nelson from Fisk. The evening included an informal student piano recital and a ‘slumber party’ when Jonathan Ambrosino gave a fun presentation on organs in cinema where we were introduced to the talents of Ethel Smith! Students enjoyed Dunkin Donuts for breakfast on our very early morning bus ride to Boston on Wednesday for an organ crawl. Jonathan Ambrosino , Stephen Loher , and George Bozeman led us through the organs of The Christian Science Mother Church, Trinity Church, First Lutheran, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and King’s Chapel. We had pizza for lunch and after a historical tour through Boston’s Freedom trail from Stephen Loher, students enjoyed free time at Quincy market. They were each given an allowance to find dinner on their own. We spent a beautiful evening outdoors at a wonderful orchestral concert at Boston’s Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Following morning lessons on Thursday, students were given a workshop choice between Anthem Accompaniment with Christian Lane and Hymn Playing with Michael Smith. All came together for a workshop with Bill Degan on the Physics of Tuning and Temperament. A faculty recital was given that evening at Church of the Transfiguration. Our POE ended on Friday with final lessons in the morning, a wonderful luncheon for students, faculty, friends and family, and a student recital. We divided students between Grace Church and First Congregational and ran two recitals concurrently, where we heard some very impressive and talented students. I often hear the refrain from my colleagues bewailing the dire future of the organ because there will be no one left to play. As I reflect on our week, I am happy to report that this prediction could not be further from reality. Comparing our POE to my own experience as a POE student almost 15 years ago, it is clear that students are starting at an earlier age, that more students are playing the organ, and that the quality of playing has improved significantly. I look forward to watching the future successes of these 34 bright young talents. As we as a guild look forward, I believe that it is now our challenge to ensure that there are decent pipe organs, church jobs, and audiences for the flourishing next generation of organists. Next year’s POE will occur in Bridgeport, CT and I wish them luck. Please take the time to encourage any young musician to attend this great program. Finally, on behalf of the entire POE committee, I thank NHAGO for their tremendous support and encouragement over the past year.
POE Reports - Dominic Richards and Christian Copeley
The New Hampshire Pipe Organ Encounter was an enjoyable and fun experience. I am Dominic Richards. I live in Nashua NH I am sixteen years old, a junior at Nashua High School North. I have been playing the organ for three years, and I am currently studying under Mr. William Ness. I have attended two POE’s before this, one at Smith College in North Hampton, Mass, and another at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass. I was very grateful and happy that I was able to attend this year’s POE in Manchester, NH! I arrived at this year?s POE with high hopes and I had a wonderful time. Every morning we had a lesson with one another student and an assigned teacher, these lessons were a valuable learning experience for me. My teacher was, Peter Berton, and I gained a great deal of knowledge from studying under him. After lessons we had master classes. These classes focused on different ideas and ways to play the organ. The Improvisation class was probably my favorite Master Class. I was taught how to broaden hymns and how to improvise to fill up gaps in a service. I came home with some helpful tips on how to enrich music for a service. After the master classes we went to nightly concerts, it is always inspiring to hear amazing organists every day. Throughout the week, we went to many different churches and concert halls. I did not realize that in New Hampshire there are so many good organs! In the middle of the week we went down to Boston and did an organ crawl all around the city! I had an opportunity to play on pipe organs I could only dream about. We visited Trinity Church, Old North Church, The Church of Christ Scientist’s Mother Church; and many others. It was an unreal experience and a wonderful opportunity. At the end of the week the students put on a recital for the parents and teachers to listen to, this was a nice thing to do because it showed how we grew in that little time, and how much work we put into the organ. My favorite thing about a POE is that I get to meet kids my own age that share the same passion of music and for the organ. This year I came back with a great deal of new friends, who I talk to often. This is the best part of a POE, to see and realize that there are kids my age, who understand how much time is needed for the organ and still love it! I had a great time at this year?s POE. It was very well run, had great faculty and it was a lot of fun. I plan on continuing my organ studies, and I look forward to going to next year’s POE. - Dominic Richards On July 19th I went to Southern New Hampshire University for my first Pipe Organ Encounter. We went to many recitals and workshops. My favorite recital was the one given by Chelsea Chen because she entertained us with the Mario theme. My favorite workshop was the physics workshop given by Bill Degan, my teacher for the week. Besides recitals, we also went on organ crawls and got to play different pipe organs. I was fortunate to have my lessons with Bill Degan. He taught me and another student at the First Baptist Church in Manchester. We would start lessons together and the separate into private lessons while the other student would be downstairs practicing on the piano. He taught me from the Wayne Leupold book, which I had the opportunity to purchase at POE. I was able to play a simple piece from that book in the recital, which was on Friday. I was a little nervous, but was grateful he prepared me well. Going to POE has been a learning experience for me. I met a lot of new people and learned a lot about the pipe organ. What I enjoyed most about POE was going to St. Paul’s School and climbing the tower to play the carillon. I am not sure if I will pursue organ lessons, but I am glad I tried. Maybe my sister will teach me. We will see how the year unfolds. Christian Copeley Brass Music Sources For the Church Musician Part I by Robert Stibler
If you’ve been successful in assembling an in-house cohort of brass musicians—whether one or two soloists or a full ensemble—sooner or later you’ll need some additional information, music equipment, or supplies. Where can you turn? In this first installment we’ll consider some of the books that you may wish to add to your library. General Brass Books Some of the best, most comprehensive sources of practical information about brass instruments are texts designed for college "brass methods" classes. These classes are where music education students learn how to teach brass players. I recommend that you consider getting a copy of the "Guide to Teaching Brass" by Bachelder and Hunt, published by McGraw-Hill. An opinionated and somewhat dated, but nevertheless very useful, annotated survey of solo and ensemble music is Mary Rasmussen’s "A Teacher’s Guide to the Literature of Brass Instruments." Long out of print, used copies are often available at Amazon.com at very reasonable prices. Mentioned in an earlier column, the "Brass Player’s Guide" is the full catalog of Robert King Music Sales (rkingmusic.com), updated every few years. Although not annotated, this comprehensive listing is organized by instrumentation, and then by composer. While there is an online catalog, I highly recommend that you order a print copy. Church Music Brass Books "Brass Instruments in Church Services’ by James Ode contains a variety of historical and practical information. Useful to both brass players and music directors, it offers excellent advice on brass scoring. The book is out of print, but is often available from Amazon.com. Also out of print, but occasionally available is John DeVol’s "Brass Music for the Church." This extensive bibliography is arranged by instrumentation. DeVol offers a grading of difficulty, but no other description or evaluation of the music. He does note if a work is especially useful for a particular part of the church year. Philip Cansler’s "Twentieth-Century Music for Trumpet and Organ" is also out of print. (Do we see a pattern here?) Used copies are sometimes available, but prices are generally very high. If you can find a copy to purchase at a reasonable price, you will have a very thorough bibliography of this literature that includes a description of the music, an assessment of difficulty, a composer’s biography, and a recommendation on suitability for concert or service. Finally, Hal Hopson’s "The Creative Use of Instruments in Worship" is published by Hope, and is, thankfully, not out of print. As one might expect, Hopson provides many interesting scoring ideas in an arranging "mini-course," as well as in his sample orchestrations of close to 300 hymn tunes. Next time: sources of music, equipment, and supplies. Dr. Robert Stibler is Professor of Music at the University of New Hampshire, where he teaches trumpet, and serves as Chair of the music department. He is active as a trumpet soloist and brass clinician, and can be reached at rstibler@unh.edu or at 603-862-3253. Your questions, comments, and suggestions are most welcome.
Upcoming Events POE will be on NH Chronicle!!!! On September 18th at 7:30 PM, on WMUR, tune in and see a special about our POE 2009!! Invite your non-organist friends to see what the excitement is all about, and to let them know what our financial donations helped to create!!! Union Congregational Church in Groton, MA The Union Congregational Church is pleased to announce the rededication of it's unusual and unaltered 3-manual 1932 Estey (Op. 3040) by John Weaver. The 42 rank organ complete with full Echo Division was recently restored by Andover Organ Company.The concert will take place Sunday, September 20 at 3:00PM at Union Church, 218 Main St., Groton, MA (978-448-2091). Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, proceeds going toward the restoration fund. Come hear a world-class organist play a truly fine historic instrument. Massachusetts Events Oct 30 Apparition of the Eternal Church (documentary film by Paul Festa,
considering 30 reactions to Messiaen's organ piece), with Peter Stoltzfus Berton,
organist. 9:00 p.m. Tickets $8/$6; WooCard discount. Please note: the film
contains explicit language. Costumes welcome. All Saints Church, 10 Irving
Street, Worcester 01609. For more information: www.allsaintsw.org 508 752 3766 * * * Notice Informing Membership of Case in Progress * * * On June 23, 2009, an AGO Member filed a formal complaint against Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Sudbury, Massachusetts, for wrongful termination of employment. The Guild is investigating the matter according to the AGO?s Procedures for Dealing with Complaints about Termination. No determination has been made at this time. Although Guild Members may provide substitute or interim services, no Member may seek or accept regular or permanent employment with Our Lady of Fatima while these Procedures are pending. See the national AGO Web Site for the current status of this case. Positions Available THE FIRST CHURCH (UCC) – Nashua, NH – Guest Director of Music (January 2 through February 22, 2010; additional weeks available in Dec. ’09 and March/April ’10 to interested candidate) – Assume all playing and directing responsibilities of current Minister of Music. Minimum time commitment in January: Wednesday (1 rehearsal), Thursday (2 rehearsals) and Sunday (2 services) then adding Tuesday (1-2 rehearsals) in February. First refusal for weddings and funerals for this time period guaranteed. Direction of Chancel Choir (30 members), A Cappella First (12 members), Decibells (3-5 octaves), and First Schola (10 members). Payment per rehearsal/service; averaging a total of +/- $850/week – negotiable. 1926 Austin Organ – III/36, new console in 1996. Minimum of CAGO or academic equivalent preferred. Contact Minister of Music Joseph Olefirowicz at (603) 882-4861 x 15; or jolefirowicz@firstchurchnashua.org for more information. Church website: www.firstchurchnashua.org Unique Opportunity for an NHAGO Radio Program, "Pipe Up!" Dear members of the NHAGO - we have a unique opportunity to share the music of our instrument with the greater public through the medium of radio. WKXL 1450 in Concord would like to add an organ program to its lineup of locally produced radio shows. This is a great opportunity seeing that many areas are discontinuing NPR’s "Pipedreams" for simply business and/or financial reasons. This program will be far more significant if a lot of NHAGO members step up to the plate and assist in its production. It would quite likely be unique throughout the national organization to have a chapter behind the creation of an organ radio broadcast. All that is needed is for members to pick a favorite organ recording and assist in recording announcements for each piece presented. Approximately 34 - 37 minutes of music is needed along with spoken announcements to fill the 44 minutes required for an hour of commercial radio time. Mark Frazier will assist those in the actual recording and preparing for broadcast. Please let him know which recording you would like to hear broadcast, and make arrangements with him for about 30 minutes to an hour of your time to record the spoken parts! A big New Hampshire Welcome to new members
|
