Last updated: April 8, 2017 at 8:17 am
Dean’s Letter Chapter Programs Local Events and News Job Listings (updated 3/23/17) 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!
Jane Schroeder
Dean 2016-2017
janeschroeder@roadrunner.com
Chapter Programs and News
As you can see from the substitute list below, we are in desperate need of substitute organists, especially those who can work on Sundays. It is not necessary to be an AGO member to be on our substitute list. If you would like to be added to our list, or know of organists or pianists who would be interested in substituting, please call Alice Mumme, 866-2655 or e-mail kmumme@umche.maine.edu.
Local Events and News
April 15, 7:30 pm
A SERVICE OF TAIZÉ MUSIC AND PRAYER will be held at All Souls Church, 10 Broadway, Bangor, on Easter Eve, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. It will consist of sung prayer (used by the Taizé ecumenical community in France), scripture readings, spoken prayer, and silent prayer. The theme will center around longing for the resurrection and seeking help in our times of darkness. The congregation will be invited to sing, along with cantors. The singing will be accompanied by harp, flute, and piano.
Recording of Kay Eames Available on CD
Kay Eames, Music Director at All Souls Church, Bangor, has completed a CD recording of organ pieces on the church’s Moeller pipe organ. The CD includes congregational favorites that she has played over the years while she has been Music Director at the church. The selections include traditional organ literature (Bach, Franck, Mendelssohn, etc.), an original piece and a few hymn arrangements that Kay composed, and two flute pieces played by Anne Small, flutist. Proceeds will benefit the pipe organ fun at the church for a digital upgrade to the console. The CDs are available at the church and at Bull Moose Music, Bangor, or online at www.bullmoose.com.
Regional News and Events
Montréal Organ Festival, July 2-7 (add on days July 1, Canada Day, and July 7). 
It’s a busy region this fall with preparations for our Montréal Regional Convention July 2-7. This regional is a special affair because it is being planned jointly with the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Performers include Roomful of Teeth, Cherry Rhodes, Nathan Laube, Olivier Latry, and the choir of Kings College Cambridge which will do evensong each evening of the convention, among many other notable performers.
Our convention next year coincides with the Montréal Jazz Festival, http://www.montrealjazzfest.com/default-en.aspx, The 150th Anniversary of Canada, http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081, and the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montréal, http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreals-375th-celebrations-2017/. It is sure to be an exciting week.
Registration is open now – rates are as follows (All prices in Canadian dollars)
The deadline for early registration is March 2, 2017. Today’s exchange rate is .7573 American dollars to equal a Canadian dollar, making the member rate before March 2nd $300.
Registration Type Before March 2 After March 2
Member (RCCO/AGO/FQAO) $400 $450
Senior Member (65+) $375 $425
Student (under 25 with valid ID) $200 $200
Non-Member $500 $550
Daily Rate $150 $150
Daily Rate (July 4) $200 $200
We are hoping that every student who wishes to attend will be able to attend. Chapters can sponsor a student to the convention for approximately $750 including registration and housing at McGill University. I hope that you will encourage your chapter to sponsor one of your own students, or another student who wishes to go. I also encourage chapters to sponsor a workshop or concert. The region relies on chapter support for all such regional events. Thank you very much for your support.
I will soon have an article and links which can be shared on your chapter websites. Here is a link to the Festival website which also links to the Sheraton Montreal Hotel for reservations: http://www.montrealorganfestival.org/home.html. Please link to the hotel from the festival website so that your room will be credited to the festival contract and so that you get the festival room rate of $175.
Thomas Leslie is CC – Thomas.leslie@ciocm.org
For more regional news, view click here.
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@umitmaine.edu)
Job Listings
Director of Music, Half-Time – Posted to the website on 3/23/2017
St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church is re-opening our search for a half-time Director of Music to lead, teach, accompany and inspire our music ministry. A profile of our parish and a description of the position are available at http://stsaviours.me/wordpress/?page_id=2697.
To apply, please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three references to
Search@MDI-Episcopal.org
Attn: The Rev. Timothy Fleck
Music samples that are representative of your skills and creativity are strongly encouraged. Please provide recordings or links to online media. Review of applications will begin upon receipt, and applications received before April 23, 2017, will be given priority. Upon review, one or more candidates may be asked to visit St. Saviour’s for interview and audition. Reasonable travel expenses will be paid by St. Saviour’s. Our hope is for our new Music Director to begin with us on or around July 1, 2017.
Organist and/or Choir Director – Posted to the website on 10/20/2016
Old South Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Hallowell, tel. 207.622.1220, http://oldsouthhallowell.org/
Positions available as soon as suitable candidate is found
Number of weeks per month is negotiable
Salary based on ability and experience
Submit a letter of interest, resume and contact information for 3 references electronically to oldsouthhallowell@gmail.com or via USPS to Music Search Committee, PO Box 508, Hallowell, ME 04347.
Applications close when a suitable candidate is found
Job description available on website
Hook and Hastings tracker pipe organ with 13 ranks
Old South Congregational Church in Hallowell, Maine is searching for an organist and/or choir director. Our biggest need is an organist (or a pianist who is willing to work at learning some skill at the organ). We have a Hook and Hastings tracker organ. This person must be able to play hymns and accompany the choir on their anthems. We would prefer an experienced organist, but would gladly consider a talented student who would be interested and reliable.
Primary responsibilities
To provide suitable organ music for worship services of the church (# of times per month is negotiable)
To select and direct a broad and inclusive program of music at regular and special services of the church from September through June (# of times per month is negotiable)
A complete job description is available on our website www.oldsouthhallowell.org
Pianist – Posted to the website on 10/9/2016
Piano player needed for both morning and evening services (10am & 6pm) on Sundays. Practicing with the choir and orchestra on Thursday nights from 6pm to 8pm. A small stipend of $75 per week will be paid at first, but will potentially grow.
Hermon Baptist Church
2496 Route 2
Hermon, ME 04401
207-848-5749
207-227-7478
Posting Jobs in The American Organist (The AGO’s official magazine.)
Employers are invited to post notices of available positions in The American Organist, free of charge, in the next available issue. Send e-mail listings to jobs@agohq.org, using the format below. The deadline is the 15th of the second preceding month (July issue closes May 15th). The position announcement will run in one issue and include the following information:
Name of church, business, or institution; full postal address; website address; position title (Ex: “Full-time organist/choir director”); contact (name, phone number, fax, e-mail address).
Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild’s National Website.
SUBSTITUTE LIST – Updated April 4, 2017
We are in desperate need of available substitutes. If anyone would like to be put on this list, please call Alice Mumme, 866-2655 or e-mail kmumme@umche.maine.edu.
Sunday Services
Clayton Rogers. Also weddings and funerals. carog1272@yahoo.com 989-7628
Kay Lindstrom. Anywhere within 50 miles of Bangor. kayli@gwi.net 947-3469
Donna Runnels. Within 50 miles of Unity, Maine. Organ only. Also funerals. donnaj@uninets.net 948-2171
Funerals and Weddings Only
Joan Kroehler. Organ and/or vocal. ldhbenefits@msn.com 947-7804
Robin Barron. Anywhere within the state of Maine. wyldegeese@gmail.com 205-1479
Rev. Richard Hyman. Piano or organ. rlhyman@yahoo.com 992-3106
Matthew Mainster. Organ, piano, and accompanying. Primarily mid-coast through Bangor, but open to all Maine locations. matt62486@hotmail.com 227-9359
Barbara Fenlason. Organ or piano (call before noon). barbara.fenlason@yahoo.com 469-3573
.
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 (2016-2017)
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@umitmaine.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/
