Last updated: March 7, 2019 at 13:55 pm
Dean’s Letter Chapter Programs Local Events and News Job Listings Membership Newsletters Substitutes
Welcome
Welcome to the Bangor, Maine, Chapter of The American Guild of Organists! Our members come from quite literally the upper two-thirds of Maine! Due to our widespread geographic area as well as unpredictable road conditions for much of the year, we realistically plan for four events each year. This includes a lively pot-luck supper get-together on a Sunday afternoon at a member’s home in September; an event in November; an event in February with snow date built in; and a Members’ Recital in May or June, followed by supper and our Annual Meeting. We do a lot of car-pooling to cover the distances! We also have planned the November and February events for daytime on a weekday. This is intentional: for most of us weekends are a bit hectic; in November and February there is far less daylight to travel in. We are a diverse group: some of us have been church musicians our whole lives and have been in our present jobs for years; others are very fine pianists learning how to play the organ and how to lead the folks in pews in song! Others are choral directors. Still others just love to hear organ music. Please come to one of our events and introduce yourself. You will be heartily welcomed!
Chapter Programs, News, and Local Events
May 19, 2019 (Sunday), 4:00 pm
Annual Members’ Recital at Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church, Tricia Clark, host. Followed by church catered dinner.
National & Regional News and Events
The Northeast Regional Convention will be held from July 1 – 4, 2019 in Buffalo, New York. For information visit https://www.buffalo2019.org/.
AGO ANNOUNCES SIX PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS
NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce four PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS
(POEs) and one POE (Advanced) for participants aged 13–18, and a POE (Technical) for participants
aged 16-23 in 2019. Application deadlines to attend vary from site to site. Complete information
for each weeklong program can be found online at Agohq.org. The summer schedule follows:
POE (for ages 13–18)
July 15–20 Cape Cod, Mass.
July 14–19 Seattle, Wash. July 28–Aug. 3 St. Louis, Mo. Aug. 1–7
Helsinki, Finland
POE Advanced (for ages 13–18)
June 23–28 Houston, Tex.
POE Technical (for ages 16–23)
July 21–27, 2019 River Forest and Oak Park, Ill.
The PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER (POE) is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ
playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer music camps for
teenage participants provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire,
opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance
for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Piano or organ proficiency ranging from
intermediate to advanced is required. Scholarship assistance is available.
The POE Advanced provides intermediate to advanced classes in areas such as organ literature,
history, pipe organ construction and design, music theory, improvisation, conducting, and service
playing for participants who have achieved a high level of success in organ study. Scholarship
assistance is available.
The POE Technical is a program designed for participants who are interested in learning the art and
craft of organ building. The event is hosted in the workshop of an organ builder working in
cooperation with a local AGO chapter. Scholarship assistance is available.
Generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA), the American Institute
of Organbuilders (AIO), the Jordan Organ Endowment, and the National Endowment for the Arts will
support these summer educational programs from coast to coast and abroad. Scholarship assistance is
provided by the AGO New Organist Fund.
“The AGO and APOBA have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since 1975,” declared AGO
Executive Director James Thomashower. “Likewise, the AIO has been active in supporting the Guild’s
educational programs, beginning with their partnership in Pulling Out All the Stops, a video
produced jointly in 1996 by the AGO, AIO, APOBA, the Organ Historical Society, and the American
Theater Organ Society and aired on PBS. In addition, we are delighted to receive support from the
Jordan Organ Endowment at Columbus State University as well as a grant from the National Endowment
for the Arts supporting our educational activities this year.”
AGO Gala for John Walker
NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has selected internationally acclaimed organist and teacher JOHN WALKER as the honoree for the 2019 AGO Endowment Fund Distinguished Artist Award Recital and Gala Benefit Reception on Friday, April 26, in Pittsburgh.
The public is invited to attend. Complete information is available online at Agohq.org/2019-gala.
The celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. with a free recital by John Walker at Shadyside Presbyterian
Church, 5121 Westminster Place, where Dr. Walker previously served as minister of music
(1992–2004). His program will include Guilmant’s stirring March on Handel’s “Lift Up Your Heads,”
Virgil Fox’s transcription of Bach’s Come Sweet Death, John Knowles Paine’s virtuosic Concert
Variations on Old Hundredth, and John Weaver’s Sine Nomine, along with other selections.
The Gala Reception (advance tickets required) benefitting the AGO Endowment Fund will follow the
recital at Mansions on Fifth, an elegant Gilded Age hotel, located just a few steps from the
church. Guests will enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while mingling and visiting with John
Walker.
Purchase tickets online at Agohq.org/2019-gala by April 12 to attend.
Other Chapter Features
Lending Library
Our chapter has a lending library. It is located in the Parish House of St. John’s Episcopal Church (234 French Street, Bangor), contains a large collection of organ music, organ-related books, etc., and is open to chapter members and the general public. The church office (and hence the lending library) is open from 9 am to 1 pm Monday-Friday, or at other times by appointment: call (207) 947-0156.
Scholarships
The chapter offers scholarship aid to one or more qualified organ students annually; for more information and application procedure, contact the Scholarship Committee chair, Dr. Kevin Birch (207) 942-6941. Auditions for the 2015 – 2016 AGO Scholarships will be held on Saturday, August 15 from 10am to noon at St. John’s R.C., 207 York St, Bangor. If you know of someone who might like to apply, please notify a Scholarship Committee members: Kevin Birch, kevinbirch@umitmaine.edu; Kay Eames, kb10bdwy@aol.com; or Alice Mummé, kmumme@umche.maine.edu.
Newsletters
Our Newsletter is produced and delivered in electronic format (e-mail) as needed.
To post an event or job opening, to consult an up-to-date substitute list, or to be added to the mailing list, please contact:
Alice Mummé, Newsletter Editor
kmumme@umche.maine.edu
We’re Here for You
Do you have professional concerns? Are you looking for educational resources? Do you want to involve the chapter in an event or special service? Do you wish to learn more about organ playing and literature? The chapter, like the Guild as a whole, is here to help you. To reach us, see “Contact” section below.
Membership
All individuals interested in the organ and choral music fields are invited to join the American Guild of Organists. Membership is open to everyone, regardless of denominational affiliation, musical training, or ability. Posted on Website 8, January, 2015
For more information and membership materials, visit: www.agohq.org/membership
You are also encouraged to contact any of our board members:
Dean Jane Schroeder (janeschroeder@roadrunner.com)
Sub Dean Kevin Birch (kevin.birch@umit.maine.edu)
Treasurer Joan Kroehler (ldhbenefits@msn.com)
Secretary Tricia Clark (tclark4525@yahoo.com)
Member-at-Large Kay Eames (kb10bdwy@aol.com)
Member-at-Large Catherine Bruno (cathy.bruno@gmail.com)
Dr. Kevin F. Birch, Chair, Scholarship Committee (kevinbirch@umit.maine.edu)
Job Listings
Organist (added 1/26/2019)
St. James Episcopal Church, Old Town:
We’re looking for someone to play the organ one hour on Sundays in Old Town. There are usually 4 hymns and 3 instrumental pieces (prelude, communion, postlude). We would pay around $100 per Sunday plus mileage. The priest in charge will choose the hymns, and the organist will choose the other pieces and will let the priest know in advance what pieces they choose. If there is interest in this position, please reply either via email jwhitehassler@mac.com or cell phone 207-991-4949.
Organist or Pianist (added 12/17/2018)
Redeemer Lutheran Church is seeking an Organist or Pianist to be the Part Time Director of Music.
Job Summary:
• Provide music for weekly worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church
• Conduct adult & children’s choir
• Provide or arrange music for seasonal or special services
• Encourage congregation members to share their musical talents
Requirements:
• Must be creative and organized
• Piano or organ proficiency
• Knowledge of conducting and leading others through music
About Redeemer Lutheran Church:
Redeemer is a Christian congregation called to unite people from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to grow in the love of Jesus Christ. We therefore respond to the vision to which God has called us–to proclaim this good news and to welcome all people without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity, culture or ethnic background, physical or mental abilities, family status, gender or age. We pledge to ourselves and all others that we will strive to live as reconciling people in our life together and in our outreach to the world. In 2012, Redeemer officially became a Reconciling in Christ congregation.
Interested applicants should: Submit a resume with three non-related references to Redeemer Lutheran Church, either by mail or email (see below for addresses). Please acknowledge your approval for us to do a background check and provide your driver’s license number and social security number.
Redeemer Lutheran Church
540 Essex Street
Bangor ME, 04404
email: secretary@redeemer-lutheran-church.org
Organist (added 10/1/2018)
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Calais is seeking an organist. We are very flexible in how this position be filled. Can be part-time, full-time (every Sunday), or whatever configuration works for the right person. We currently have a small choir who would like to continue serving. The church recently had the Moeller organ refurbished and it plays beautifully. It is tuned and checked regularly. The Sanctuary was built in 1853 and is a nicely-proportioned worship space that is on the Register of Historical Places. St. Anne’s is a warm, welcoming faith community and look forward to visiting with prospective organists. Calais is two hours from Bangor and we are worth the drive! Please contact Reverend Sara Gavit rev.sara.gavit@gmail.com.
Music Director (added 8/27/2018)
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine, Maine, is seeking a Music Director to lead our music ministry. This is a Part Time position with flexible hours based on responsibilities assumed, but will include at least playing organ/piano/harpsichord for weekly worship service and other special services, leading and directing a choir, offering support and encouragement to volunteer musicians and singers, scheduling substitute musicians, and organizing and managing special concerts and town-wide music events held at the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House. The Music Director is responsible for the care and maintenance of church instruments and for approving substitutes or hired musicians prior to them playing these instruments. Organ proficiency is preferred, piano is an acceptable alternative. One Sunday off per month and paid vacation. Musician’s limited discretionary fund and professional expenses included. Compensation is negotiable commensurate with education and experience. To apply, please send your resume with professional references to: minister@uucastine.org or mail to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Castine, P.O. Box 520, Castine, ME 04421, Attn: Margaret Beckman, Minister.
Accompanist (added 8/17/2018)
The Universalist Church in Bangor is looking for an accompanist (piano, organ). The position includes accompanying weekly choir rehearsals (Thursday evenings ~5:30), 2 Sundays of performance with the choir, the playing of hymns, and an occasional Offertory, Prelude, Postlude. The third Sunday is special music, which I provide (may require accomp from time to time), and then we are both allotted one Sunday off per month. It’s a really laid back and amazingly flexible schedule. I’ve also got a budget for subs if needed. Pay would be $3k; season is September – June. If interested, contact Molly Webster [websterm@husson.edu]
Church Musician (added 6/29/2018)
The Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine (United Church of Christ), located in the beautiful coastal village of Castine, Maine, is seeking the services of a part-time Church Musician. Duties include:
– Providing service music during Sunday worship services using the church’s Rodgers 805B Classic organ and/or our Steinway Concert Grand piano;
– Rehearsing and leading our small adult choir;
– Working with the minister to coordinate hymns and other music; and
– Collaborating with others to bring special musical offerings to church services.
The Church Musician works on an annual contract (paid monthly) and includes paid time off and opportunities to provide music at special services and community events. The church maintains a music budget for music and musician expenses.
If you are interested in helping us grow and worship in heart and voice, please send a resume and introductory letter to info@tcpoc.org. We will respond with more information about this interesting position.
Organist/Pianist/Choir Director (added 6/15/2018)
Deer Isle Sunset Congregational Church in Deer Isle, Maine, is seeking an organist/pianist/choir director for part-time position leading our music ministry. Responsibilities include selecting music in cooperation with the pastor, playing organ/piano for weekly worship service and other special services, leading weekly choir practice, and offering support and encouragement to volunteer musicians and singers. Organ proficiency preferred (church owns an 1881 Barckhoff tracker organ), piano an acceptable alternative. Paid vacation. To apply, please send your resume with professional references to deerislesunsetmusic@gmail.com or mail to Deer Isle Sunset Congregational Church, P.O. Box 292, Deer Isle, ME 04627, Attn: Mary Howe.
Posting Jobs in The American Organist (The AGO’s official magazine.)
Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild’s National Website.
Substitute List – December 17, 2018
Sunday Services
Clayton Smith – swsmusic@roadrunner.com 207-974-9628
Michele Voss – michelevoss09@gmail.com 207-356-7230
Clayton Rogers – carog1272@yahoo.com 207-989-7628 (Also weddings and funerals)
Kay Lindstrom – Anywhere within 50 miles of Bangor. (NEW CONTACT INFO) Kayli10020@gmail.com 207-450-2031
Donna Runnels – Within 50 miles of Unity, Maine. Organ only. Also funerals. donnaj@uninets.net 207-948-2171
Richard Kinney – Piano only kinneyR99@yahoo.com 207-542-3524
Paul Dickson – Ellsworth, Bangor p_dickson@roadrunner.com 207-244-4076
Barbara Fenlason Sunday services within 30 miles of Bucksport barbara.fenlason@yahoo.com 207-469-3573
.
Funerals and Weddings Only
Joan Kroehler – Organ and/or vocal ldhbenefits@msn.com 207-947-7804
Robin Barron – wyldegeese@gmail.com 207-205-1479
Rev. Richard Hyman – Piano or organ Hyman.RichardR@gmail.com 207-992-3106
Matthew Mainster – Organ, piano, and accompanying. Primarily mid-coast through Bangor, but open to all Maine locations. matt62486@hotmail.com 207-227-9359
Note: If there are any changes or additions to this list, please contact Alice Mummé at kmumme@umche.maine.edu or 866-2655
Certification
The American Guild of Organists was chartered in 1896 by the Board of Regents, University of the State of New York, to administer a comprehensive series of examinations for professional certification. Through the Professional Certification Committee the Guild offers the following certificates:
Service Playing Certificate (SPC)
Colleague (CAGO)
Choir Master (ChM)
Associateship (AAGO)
Fellowship (FAGO)
For more information on certification, visit: www.agohq.org/education
Contact Us/Board of Directors (2017 – 2018)
Dean Jane Schroeder (janeschroeder@roadrunner.com)
Sub Dean Kevin Birch (kevin.birch@umit.maine.edu)
Treasurer Joan Kroehler (ldhbenefits@msn.com)
Secretary Tricia Clark (tclark4525@yahoo.com)
Member-at-Large Kay Eames (kb10bdwy@aol.com)
Member-at-Large Catherine Bruno (cathy.bruno@gmail.com)
Dr. Kevin F. Birch, Chair, Scholarship Committee (kevinbirch@umit.maine.edu)
Larry Philbrick, Website Maintenance (non-board position) LarryPhilbrick@gmail.com
Links
The St. John’s Organ Society (Bangor)
www.hookopus288.org
Portland (Maine) Chapter, AGO
http://www.agoportlandmaine.com/
Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (Portland)
www.foko.org
The Organ Historical Society
www.organsociety.org
The Royal School of Church Music
www.rscmamerica.org
AGO National website
https://www.agohq.org/
