Last updated: March 1, 2015 at 13:02 pm
Message from the Dean
March, 2015
Dear Colleagues,
February 19, 2015 was by far one of the most enjoyable days I’ve spent in all my years as a member of the SouthWest Jersey Chapter American Guild of Organists. It was a day spent in Princeton, NJ, on an organ crawl organized by Rob Hobgood, Sub-Dean of our Chapter. The bitterly cold weather did not deter six of our Chapter members and we experienced a wonderful day, exploring the sights in Princeton, listening to a fantastic organ recital at the University Chapel, and playing on historic instruments.
To serve as a Dean of an AGO Chapter is a privilege. To be lucky enough to serve with a hard-working and talented Sub-Dean is above and beyond that. Rob Hob-good, our Sub-Dean, planned a fantastic day in Princeton…..a day that included an Aeolian-Skinner organ, an E.M. Skinner organ and a Fritts Tracker organ…..all of which the organ “crawlees” were able to play to their hearts content! The fortunate group included Rob Hobgood, Evelyn Larter, Marilyn Rabbai, Cathy O’Neill, Bob Meade and myself. Although the bitter weather and illness caused quite a few members to have to cancel, those who attended were able to spend even more time sampling the riches of sound and texture!
Many thanks to Ernie Andreoli, Director of Music at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Eric Plutz, Organist at the Princeton University Chapel, and Martin Tell, Professor of Church Music at Princeton Seminary, for graciously hosting our group. The giving of their time was especially appreciated, as we learned so much about these historic instruments found so close to home, both by listening to the lectures on the histories of these instruments and by playing repertoire on them. To experience such kindness from these busy AGO members is just one more reason why I feel privileged to belong to an organization such as the American Guild of Organists. As I look forward to the next year, I hope we will be able to offer another organ crawl, so that other Chapter members can experience a similarly wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Charlene T. Cranmer – Dean
2014-15 CHAPTER PROGRAMS
Sunday, September 27, 4 pm – Guild Service and Organist-Clergy Dinner, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Cherry Hill
Saturday, October 18, 2 pm – Master Class by Nathan Laube at Haddonfield Presbyterian Church
Sunday, October 19, 7 pm – Recital by Nathan Laube at Haddonfield Methodist Church
Friday, November 14, 7 pm – Choral Music Reading Session at Chews United Methodist Church, Glendora
Saturday, January 17, 8:30-4 – January Jump Start Workshops, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA
Friday, January 23, 6 pm – Potluck Supper at Gail Gassaway’s home, West Deptford
Sunday, March 1, 4 pm – Members’ Recital at First Presbyterian Church, Bridgeton
Saturday, April 18, 10 am – Ancient instruments and their corresponding organ stops – First Methodist Church, Glassboro
Saturday, May 6 (time tba) – Using the Organ in a Blended Worship Style, Dr. Judy Congdon – place tba
CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE We have Chapter Scholarships available for persons interested in learning to play the organ. The Scholarship provides 14 free lessons for any pianist who is at an Intermediate level of pianistic ability. Members who teach piano may have a student who would be interested. For information contact Chair of Scholarship Committee Vernon Williams (856-235-0811; vwilliams@trinitymoorestown.org).
Local Events
Sunday, March 8, 4 pm – Burlington Faure Requiem, Cantique de Jean Racine and Nocturne, performed by the Choir and Chamber Orchestra of St. Mary’s Church, Lee Milhous, conductor. Free will offering, Reception follows. St. Mary’s Church, 145 West Broad St.
Sunday, April 26, 7 pm – Moorestown: Youth Choir Concert, with Junior Choir, Choristers, Chapel Choir and West Jersey Chamber Symphony plus soloists, at First Presbyterian Church, 101 Bridgeboro Road; freewill offering
Sunday, May 17, 4pm – Haddon Heights A Festival of Organ and Choral Works, with Dr. Gordon Turk and William Fenimore, conductor, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the church’s Schantz Organ; works by Haydn, Mendelssohn, Brahms and others. At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Sunday, May 17, 7:30 pm – Moorestown: J S Bach Festival Cantatas, featuring the West Jersey Symphony and Chorale and First Presbyterian Church Adult Choir; at First Presbyterian Church, 101 Bridgeboro Road; tickets $30, senior and student $15.
Newsletter
CHAPTER EMERGENCY FUNDOur Chapter has begun the sponsorship of a fund to provide short-term emergency aid to Chapter members who find themselves temporarily in need of assistance. No dues money will be used for this aid, but tax-deductible contributions will be welcome at any time, and the free-will offering from this year’s Members’ Recital has been dedicated to this fund. A committee of three, consisting of the Dean, the Chair of Professional Concerns, and another member of that committee, will award aid as the need arises. Any Chapter member may recommend a member in good standing who, for reasons such as illness or unemployment, deserves our help, by contacting the Dean or the Chair of Professional Concerns. All cases of course will be confidential. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please send your tax-deductible donation (made out to SWJersey Chapter AGO) to our Treasurer Gail Gassaway, marked for “Musicians’ Emergency Fund.”
CHAPTER PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE– Our Professional Concerns Committee has published the first edition of the brochure SO YOU’RE THINKING OF HIRING A CHURCH MUSICIAN… Topics included are, Where to begin your search, the AGO Code of Ethics as applicable to hiring procedures, Formula for Determining Workload, as well as a Worksheet for Determining Workload, Job Description Form, Guidelines for the Interview and Audition, sample Working Agreements, and a copy of our latest edition of Guidelines for the Compensation of Church Musicians. These brochures will be sent by our Placement Director to all institutions listing positions in our publications and website; you may also request a copy from the Professional Concerns Committee Chairperson. Also available from the Professional Concerns Committee – “Guidelines for Compensation” (see below); Sample “Working Agreement for Church Musicians;” and “Copyright Law Simplified” (revised Sept. 2005).
PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE SURVEY OF COMPENSATION – (revised April 2012)
Based on a response of 32% of the membership, the following recommendations represent reasonable expectations for compensation in our geographical area. (Topics of further interest, such as other forms of compensation, budgets, benefits, etc. will be posted in the coming weeks.) A printed version of the Guidelines is also available – please request your copy from The Professional Concerns Committee (see Contact Us below). The guidelines below are based on ONE SERVICE 52 weeks per year. For each additional Sunday service ADD 30% to the salary base. For weekday or Saturday services, and services of a different format, add $150 or more per service.
- Organist only, no choir: (6 to 8 hours per week) With Private study – $7,200-7,800 With a Service Playing Certificate – $7,920-8,580 With Bachelor in Music or CAGO – $8,360-9,625 With Master in Music or AAGO, ChM – $9,350-11,140 With Doctorate in Music or FAGO – $10,230-12,650
- Organist OR Director, 1 choir: (7 to 15 hours per week) With private study – $8,750-11,100 With SPC – $9,625-11,210 Bachelor in Music or CAGO – $10,395-12,760 Master in Music or AAGO, ChM – $12,210-14,410 Doctorate in Music or FAGO – $15,950-19,060
- Organist OR Director, 2 choirs; OR Organist/Director, 1 choir: (14 to 22 hours per week) With private study – $10,400-14,500 With SPC – $11,440-15,950 Bachelor in Music or CAGO – $12,210-20,020 Master in Music or AAGO, ChM – $13,200-21,560 Doctorate in Music or FAGO – $16,940-24,225
- Organist OR Director, 3 choirs; OR Organist/Director, 2 choirs: (18 to 28 hours per week) $21,010-48,950 depending on nature of position and qualifications of musician.
- Organist OR Director, 4 or more choirs; OR Organist/Director, 3 or more choirs: ( 40+ hours per week) $37,180-89,100; positions of this nature are full time and demand salary plus benefits, depending on the scope of the position and qualifications of the musician.
Pay for Substitutes: For a basic service consisting of one Sunday service and no choir rehearsal, the recommended fee is $150 per week. Additional contiguous services should command an additional $100 per service. Additional weekday or Saturday services should command an additional $150 per week. Non-contiguous rehearsals should command $75 per rehearsal. Long-term substitutes should be paid in accordance with the Guidelines above. When travel is a consideration, paying mileage is appropriate.
Pay for Weddings: The resident organist shall play for all weddings, memorial services and funerals in the employing institution. If the resident is unavailable, a substitute may be employed. If the resident organist is available but an outside organist is requested by the family, the church organist is entitled to the regular fee. Wedding service fee – $150 to $250, not including any rehearsals. Each rehearsal (whether with wedding party, soloist or instrumentalist) – $75 additional. A deposit of $50 paid in advance to reserve the wedding date is recommended. Funeral and memorial service fee: $150, or higher if local custom dictates.
REPORT ON WORKING CONDITIONS FOR SOUTHWEST JERSEY CHAPTER MEMBERS (revised April 2012)
Salary and Training by David Rhody, Member of the Professional Concerns Committee The survey elicited 35 responses, or 32% of our membership. The SWJAGO membership continues to include highly educated musicians with 71% possessing degrees in music. These degrees include SPC, CAGO, AAGO, ChM, FAGO, B.A., B.Mus., and M.Mus. According to the 2011-12 Membership Directory, professional certification numbers are the following: SPC-11, CAGO-5 (including 4 who list both CAGO and SPC), AAGO-3, FAGO-1. The 2012 survey shows a wide disparity of salaries, which range from zero to $83,000 per year. Approximately 10% choose to volunteer as organists and receive no compensation for their service. The trend appears to be that salaries are very gradually rising, although they are much below the compensation levels of other professions. Positions with the highest salaries are held by members with degrees in music. The results are as follows (gaps in the figures occur where no one reported a salary: Category…Salary…..Percent of answers A. 6-8 hours per week… $3,900-7,000……..17% B. 7-15 hours per week.. $10,555-30,000……11% C. 14-22 hours per week..$19,480-28,000……26% D. 18-28 hours per week..$21,000-40,641……14% E. 40+ hours per week….$26,520-83,000……14%
Benefits by David Rhody, Chair of Professional Concerns Committee Based on responses to our survey, four-fifths of our members (80%) now receive one or more fringe benefits in addition to salary as part of their compensation, the most common being paid vacation (80% of respondents)ranging from 2 to 6 1/2 weeks, the most common being 4 weeks; and compensation for continuing education (26%). Another 11% have professional dues paid by their employer, and almost a quarter also receive paid major medical insurance, dental plan and pension (23%). Most of those respondents with benefits are in salary categories B, C or D as listed above. Members should remember when negotiating with their employers that benefits are often an attractive alternative to a pay increase in the eyes of the employing institutions, since they may involve tax consequences favorable to the employer. Our Professional Concerns Committee offers a sample “Agreement between Musicians and Religious Institutions” which you are welcome to request from David Rhody, Chair (856-795-6735; drhody1@comcast.net).
Weddings and Funerals; Demographics by Joyce Ann Routon, Member of Professional Concerns Committee
Wedding Fees- These fees have remained about the same as on our last survey four years ago, varying from $110 to $250, with the majority still receiving $150-200. $250 – 3 people $200 – 9 $175 – 3 $150 – 12 $100 – 21
Funeral Fees- These fees also remain about the same. Fifteen people receive $150 or more, while two donate their services. $200 – 1 person $175 – 1 $150 – 13 $125 – 5 $100 – 6 Services donated – 2
Rehearsals- Most of you who are paid for extra rehearsals still receive $50. $100 – 1 person $50 – 5 $40 – 1 $25 – 2
Substitute Fees- The lowest fees reported are at least $35 higher than four years ago, but the fees still vary widely, with most asking $150. $300 – 1 person $200 – 2 $175 – 2 $150 – 8 $130 – 1 $125 – 4 $100 – 4 $80 – 1
Extra Services- Only three reported being paid for extra services, the rest reporting that extra services are considered included in their annual salaries. $200 – 1 person $133 – 1 $50 – 1
Pay Increases- The majority either receive pay increases annually or not at any time recently.
Annually – 12 people
Every 2 years – 3
Every 5 years – 1
Varies with the Economy – 2
Not recently – 9
Job Description Changes- Most have remained the same; but of the ones who have changed, their duties have been expanded. One church has reduced the number of services from 2 to 1. Another person still plays the same number of services, but at two different churches that have merged.
Duties Expanded – 6
Duties Reduced – 1
Signed Contract or Working Agreement- The great majority have no contract or working agreement.
Contract – 8
Job Description – 7
Verbal Agreement – 1
Denominations- The survey showed six denominations responding, with the majority being Presbyterian or Episcopalian.
Presbyterian – 9
Episcopal – 8
Lutheran – 5
Catholic – 4
Methodist – 4
Baptist – 1
Size and Attendance of Churches- There is a huge variation in the sizes of the churches where you are employed. The churches range from 70 members to 3500, while the attendance shows 25 to 600. The average percentage of attendance ranges from about 13% to 95%, with most falling in the 30% to 50% range.
Type of Community Served- Most of you work in a suburban community.
Urban – 4 people
Suburban – 21
Semi-Rural – 1
Rural – 3
When asked about employment issues that could be addressed at a Chapter meeting which would benefit you, only two replied. One requested seasonal anthem-reading sessions. The other was a plea for a way to explain to clergy, lay people and non-musicians how much work is involved in preparation for services and rehearsals.
Membership
JOIN OUR CHAPTER TODAY — Regular Membership categories: Regular Voting Member – $92 Over 65, Under 21, Disabled – $67 Full-time Student – $37 Partner Voting Member (second member at same address) – $67 Dual Voting Member (Regular member of another chapter) – $36 Student Dual Member – $15 Chapter Friend (non-voting) – $36 Please contact our Registrar for further information (see Contact Us below)
Placement
POSITIONS AVAILABLE Reminder – although a position no longer appears, that does not necessarily mean it has been filled. You may reach Placement Director Peter Homon at 856-665-0149.
Temple Lutheran, Pennsauken – O/D, 3m Rogers, 1service at 8:30, adult choir, contact Gary Milewski at 856-663-7783 or garymilewski@msn.com (7/14)
First Baptist, Moorestown, NJ – O/D, direct adult choir (18 voices) , coordinate several other ensembles, Thursday evening rehearsal, one 10:00 Sunday service, Rev. Linda Pepe, 856-235-1180. (7/14)
St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Camden – O/D, pipe instrument, adult choir rehearses Sunday mornings, 11:00 service. Contact Fr. E. Clements staugustinescamden@yahoo.com. (6/14)
SUBSTITUTE LIST This list is published as a courtesy to chapter members. The AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliability of substitutes. Substitutes who have passed AGO certification exams are so noted. If there is an error in your listing, please notify us so we can correct it. You may reach the Chapter Hotline at 856-665-0149.
Note–This is the official Substitute List of SouthWest Jersey Chapter, American Guild of Organists. It is administered by Peter Homon. Former member Fred Astmann’s placement services are not authorized by, or in any way affiliated with, this Chapter. SouthWest Jersey Chapter does not accept placement fees for services.
These musicians are available on Sundays and also for weddings and funerals other days:
Miriam Bisbing 856-627-9434 (Sicklerville) April through November only
John Dow 856-327-1739 (Millville) jedowfam@aol.com
Mary Johnson 856-332-8869 (Pine Hill) mebayj47@yahoo.com
Dr. Ted Kiefer 856-694-3693 (South Jersey area) Sunday services 8:00 or earlierchadorgan@gmail.com
Carol McDaniel 856-428-0911 (Haddonfield) cfmcdaniel@verizon.net substitute organist and director
Nancy McLoud 856-667-6127 (Maple Shade)nairmc@verizon.net
George Mitchell 856-795-0970 (Cherry Hill) babayaga430@aol.com
Irina Nenartovich, CAGO, SPC 856-321-3465 (Cherry Hill) knenartovich@hotmail.com
CathyO’Neill 856-589-0192 (Sewell and vicinity)CMO125@aol.com
Joanne Owen 856-769-3212 (Woodstown) lbjkowen1982@comcast.net
Kathleen White 609-267-3349 (Hainesport) KWBoots@aol.com
These substitutes are available for weddings and funerals or Saturday work only:
Evelyn Larter, CAGO 856-358-1112 (Elmer) ERLarter@juno.com
Lee F. Milhous 215-348-8872 (Burlington) leefmilhous@verizon.net
Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild’s National Website.
Certification
Would you like to prepare for or take one of the exams for AGO certification?Contact Ruth Fink, education coordinator: (856)829-6604. pkcruth@verizon.net.
These members currently hold AGO certification, as listed in our Membership Directory:
Rae Ann Anderson, CAGO
Alice Brown, SPC
Helen C. Carrell, CAGO
Mark A. Cole, SPC
Charlene Cranmer, CAGO, SPC
Lawrence DePasquale, CAGO
Ruth O. Fink, AAGO, ChM
Ethel H. Geist, CAGO
Evelyn Larter, CAGO, SPC
Sister Emily McMullen, SPC
Irina Nenartovich, CAGO, SPC
Marilyn Rabbai, SPC
David L. Rhody, SPC
Glenn L. Rodgers, AAGO
Joyce Ann Routon, CAGO, SPC
Helen K. Taylor, AAGO
Dr. Harry Wilkinson, FAGO (deceased)
Contact Us
DEAN: Charlene Cranmer, SPC 609-265-1601 ctcranmer@comcast.net
SUB-DEAN and PROGRAM CHAIR: Rob Hobgood, 919-349-7458 rbhobgood@gmail.com
TREASURER and REGISTRAR: Gail A. Gassaway 856-848-6787 cloaked17@verizon.net
SECRETARY: Catherine O’Neill, 856-589-0192, cmo125@aol.com
HISTORIAN: Miriam Bisbing 856-627-9434 CONCERT LISTINGS: fax (856)795-7166 drhody1@comcast.net
PLACEMENT COORDINATOR: Peter Homon (856)665-0149 lapajar@yahoo.com
EDUCATION COORDINATOR: Ruth Fink, AAGO pkcruth@verizon.net
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON: Robert Parkhurst rtp500@aol.com
EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Marilyn Rabbai 856-589-1050 mwrabbai@verizon.net
WEBMASTER: David Rhody, SPC (856)795-6735drhody1@comcast.net
NOMINATIONS: Evelyn R. Larter, Chairperson
CARES & CONCERNS: Ruth Fink, AAGO pkcruth@verizon.net
PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS: David Rhody, Chairperson drhody1@comcast.net
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Class of 2015 – William F. Clisham, Christopher Daly, Robert Parkhurst and David Rhody; Class of 2016 – Robert E. Gladden Jr, Sr. Emily McMullen, William Mitchell, Stephen F. Obarski; Class of 2017 – Helen Carrell CAGO, Larry DePasquale CAGO, Joseph Krupa and Marilyn Rabbai SPC
Links
Some of the world’s largest and most interesting organs are located in our area – here are a few of them:
Information concerning the Midmer-Losh organ in Atlantic City Convention Hall, including the newly published booklet “The Story of the World’s Largest Pipe Organ,” can be found at www.boardwalkpipes.com
For information on the large Hope-Jones Organ in the Ocean Grove Auditorium, visitwww.oceangrove.org
For the Wanamaker Organ at the Lord and Taylor Store in Philadelphia, see www.wanamakerorgan.com
The US Naval Academy Chapel, where our member Erik Meyer has been Assistant Organist, can be found at www.usna.edu/Music/organ.html
And the Princeton University Chapel Mander Organ is featured at www.mander-organs.com/html/body_princeton_university_chapel.html
Publications of the ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY are available at www.ohscatalog.org
Compositions by ROBERT FARRELL for organ or choir are available free from the composer at www.rfarrell.net/free
Links to other musical institutions in the area:
Westminster Choir College: http://westminster.rider.edu
The Philadelphia Orchestra: www.philorch.org
The Curtis Institute: www.curtis.edu
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem: www.bach.org
The Estey Pipe Organ (A Virtual Museum) is a new website devoted to the organs manufactured by the Estey Company in Brattleboro, VT, and may be found atwww.esteyorgan.com. In addition to a listing of all opus numbers, the site includes hundreds of photographs of organs and the people connected with them. An on-going project, the site is always looking for additional materials about Estey pipe organs, especially those instruments which are still in existence. The site’s owner, Philip Stimmel, may be contacted by email at phil@esteyorgan.com or by phone at 802-254-8470.
