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Past issues of the Utah Valley Chapter newsletter and other historical
information are archived here ________ ___________ Chapter
Officers 2010-2012 Dean Florence Hawkinson Sub-Dean Ruth Eldredge Registrar David Chamberlin Secretary Miranda Wilcox Newsletter Editor Carol Dean, CAGO Website Editor DeeAnn Stone Historian Susan Morris Education Lori Serr, CAGO Publicity Steve Wright BYU Student Rep. Sheri Peterson Members-at-Large Ruth Ann Hay Laura Pettersson Lella Pomeroy ________ A year-by-year outline of our chapter
activities since 1987. (without music)
Resources for LDS Organists |
Welcome to the website for the Utah Valley Chapter of
the American Guild of Organists. We
hope the information on this site will be helpful to you. Our chapter
is committed to helping all organists-- beginners to advanced--by offering
workshops, lectures, recitals, and other activities to help improve their
organ skills. Anyone who is interested
in the organ, even if you’re not an organist,
is invited to come learn with us. To help
facilitate this learning, we have a unique opportunity to have the support
and help of the Brigham Young University organ faculty, who willingly give
their time and expertise to help us train and educate organists. At our
chapter meetings, we offer help on a basic level from learning to play hymns
to learning about the most difficult works from famous composers, as well as
other interesting topics. AGO offers
various certification levels to help facilitate and encourage learning and
skill development. PDF forms outlining
the requirements for certification can be downloaded from the National
Headquarters site here. Brigham
Young University also offers a wonderful organ certification program that is
well worth your time and effort to complete.
Information about their certification program, as well as the annual
organ workshop, and other information can be found here. We encourage
anyone who is interested to become a member and join our chapter. Being part of AGO is a life-enriching
experience. Click here for a membership form! ____________________________________________ Become a member of the Guild The Guild extends a cordial invitation to
organists and organ enthusiasts of all ages to join with us in promoting the
organ, encouraging excellence in the performance of organ and choral music,
and participating in a forum for the mutual support, inspiration, education,
and certification of its members. While membership is not required to
participate in the Utah Valley Chapter, we sincerely appreciate your support.
Mission Statement: The 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. ________________________________________________
Enjoy organ music in its infinite variety each week with PIPEDREAMS
from American Public Media, heard on KBYU-FM Classical 89, every Sunday night
at 9:00 pm. For more information see www.classical89.org/programs/pipedreams. Also listen to PIPEDREAMS on the internet at any time (24/7) at www.pipedreams.org. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________ Greetings from your Councillor for Professional Development, Marlene C. Hallstrom, CAGO This newsletter
comes to you to share information about some of the benefits of membership in
the American Guild of Organists, specifically in the area of professional
development. Click here for more. |
Dean’s January Message Several years ago a friend asked if I
considered myself to be an organist or a pianist. He explained his
observation that most musicians, even if capable of playing both instruments,
will generally favor one over the other. I think it kind of goes along with
the verse in the Bible that says “No one can serve two masters.” At the time I was
still trying to get my feet to 'disconnect' from my left hand. The mental
energy expended in practicing a hymn in my early organ days was tremendous.
About three weeks into my organ training I got so frustrated with the whole
independence of line concept that I got off the organ bench in the middle of
my practice and went across the room to play the piano—just to remind myself
that I actually still could produce something that sounded somewhat musical.
As my hands touched the keys (look, 88, all in one row, just like they
should be!), I felt that I was back with an old friend again. Ah, the comfort
and familiarity of the sustain pedal. I was certain I was doomed to be a pianist. I don't know exactly
when it happened, but somehow things changed. Recently, when the
children's meeting needed a last-minute sub, I slid onto the piano bench and
scanned through the first song. As I quickly prepared for sight-reading the
unfamiliar piece, I made a mental note of the pattern of large intervals in
the bass clef. “No problem,” I thought. “I can get this one with my right
foot and this one with my left.” As I continued with my quick analyzation, I suddenly realized there were only three
pedals under my feet. And not one of them was going to make any sound at all.
Panic! Then there was the
time I was recruited as a pinch-hitter pianist in the women's meeting. I
thought I got 'back in the saddle' quite quickly. Seriously, I impressed myself
with how easily I could go between organ and piano. I did so well through the
whole hymn. Not one thumb glissando. And I remembered to play those little
bass notes with my fingers. By the time we were singing the last verse, I was
thinking I could be an organist and a pianist. Final chord. Perfect.
Then—I took my hands off the keyboard and ruined it all. Without even
thinking, my right hand moved right under the piano keys. As my fingers slid
across the smooth wood frame in search of the General Cancel button, I
realized it was true: No one can serve two masters. I am an organist. And I like
it....very much! Thanks for your
continued support and encouragement in my dean-ship. I enjoy and appreciate
the opportunity to associate with you and be a small part of your life. Florence ________________________________________ Be
sure to check back often for updates Website
last updated January 9, 2012 Contact DeeAnn Stone, website editor at dstone@uvago.org, if you have
something you would like to have included on the website, i.e. recitals,
lectures, musical items for sale, helpful hints, quotes, links to other
music-related websites, etc. |
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