Last updated: November 1, 2018 at 8:04 am
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
November 3, 2018 (Saturday) 10:00 am to Noon
Organ and Choral Music for Easter – Kevin Birch will lead members through a variety of organ works and choir anthems for the Easter Season at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 207 York Street, Bangor.
November 4, 2018 (Sunday) 3:00 pm
Kevin Vaughn will perform the final recital of the 2018 Organ Recital Series at First Church in Belfast, United Church of Christ, located at 104 Church Street, Belfast. An active recitalist, church musician, and teacher, Kevin J. Vaughn is Director of Music and Organist at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in South Bend, Indiana. He performs regularly as a solo organ recitalist, and recent engagements include lecture recitals at the University of Notre Dame, Valparaiso University, and various chapters of the American Guild of Organists, and solo recitals in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Washington. Vaughn also appears frequently in collaborative programs of sacred music for voice and organ with baritone Stephen Lancaster, and their first recording, Sacred Song (Albany Records, 2018), includes unusual and rarely-performed repertoire for voice and organ. Vaughn holds degrees in piano, organ, and sacred music, including the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance from the University of Notre Dame where he studied with Craig Cramer. He is a member and past Dean of the St. Joseph Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and holds the Guild’s Colleague certificate.
February 23, 2019 (Saturday), 10:00 am to Noon
Favorite organ pieces and anthems for Christmas at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church, Blue Hill. Carlton Russell will glean these gems from our members (snow date Saturday, March 2, 2019).
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/.
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
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 – Updated August 16, 2018
Sunday Services
Clayton Smith swsmusic@roadrunner.com 974-9628
Michele Voss michelevoss09@gmail.com 356-7230
Clayton Rogers. Also weddings and funerals 989-7628 carog1272@yahoo.com
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 948-2171
Richard Kinney Piano only kinneyR99.yahoo.com 542-3524
Funerals and Weddings Only
Joan Kroehler. Organ and/or vocal ldhbenefits@msn.com 947-7804
Robin Barron. Weddings and funerals only as available wyldegeese@gmail.com 205-1479
Rev. Richard Hyman. Piano or organ Hyman.RichardR@gmail.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
NOTE: If there are any changes or additions to these lists. 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@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/
