April&2015& Chiff Chat - springfieldago.orgspringfieldago.org/Chiff-Chats/April 2015.pdf · shades,...
8
April 2015 1 Chiff Chat APRIL 2015 I’m not quite sure if I should put having done a ‘Pedals, Pipes, & Pizza’ in Bernardston, MA on my resume or not, but it was worth doing as you never know what the lasting impression is that you have made. For sure it made a lasting impression on me. Before the event even started the number of regular guild members who were present just to be supportive of the endeavor impressed me. I was expecting a handful of kids and a few parents. Though it was a few weeks ago, I can still recall each child by name (Bryn, Shaylynn, Mina, Emiline, & Isaac), which is remarkable since I sometimes got confused that day. It was an honest organ experience. Two of the children played piano, but came without music. One played clarinet, another the trumpet, and one just curious I think. The idea of how to engage these children with the instrument is a small challenge. For my part I used some easy literature that worked well on this organ of many flute stops. There are some little flute clock pieces of Haydn with birdcalls (quail/cuckoo) as part of the fabric, which I hoped they would recognize upon hearing. After finishing one piece with three distinct cuckoos not one kid heard them. So we played it again more emphatically and thankfully they caught on and made an aural discovery at any rate. DEAN’S MESSAGE Chapter Officers Dean – Lad Pfeifer Sub-dean – H. David Pulliam Treasurer - Jim Barnes Secretary – Martha Sienkiewicz Board of Directors Scott Bailey Michael Carney Joe Geehern Sheila Heady Rev. Dr. John Hooker Mary Jeanne Tash In This Issue: Dean’s Message Pages 1-2 Job Postings Page 2 Calendar of Events Page 3 Chapter Event - Youth in Song Page 5 Photos from Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza Page 6 Regional Information Page 7 In a little Offertory by Zipoli one participant held down the low pedal ‘C’ that sounds constantly. During the same piece the other participants used several notes of the Chime to fake a cymbelstern and that worked. Since it was lent I thought of all those chromatic fantasies and how just about anything will work. With a little (very little) orchestration on my part the five participants improvised a surprisingly good chromatic fantasy. The rule of engagement was simple: each participant hade to move chromatically and each had an assigned section with one kid at each end of the pedal board, one on the great and two on the swell. Once one brave soul started the rest fell in and it concluded with each of the 5 parts eventually resolving on a ‘C’ with a little direction. I may be completely deaf, but I believe it worked! In conclusion I would be very interested in any suggestions that anyone from our membership may have to engage children or adults with playing the organ. Bill Czelusniak, for his part brought all of the kids inside the organ chamber to demonstrate types of pipes, swell shades, tremolo, action, and how to tune. There were also discussions of mathematics and the basic pitch of pipes at 16, 8, 4, & 2, and what that meant in terms of the length of the vibrating air column in the pipe. This was demonstrated by measuring lengths of rope and some
Transcript of April&2015& Chiff Chat - springfieldago.orgspringfieldago.org/Chiff-Chats/April 2015.pdf · shades,...
April 2015
1
!
Chiff Chat APRIL 2015
I’m not quite sure if I should put having done a ‘Pedals, Pipes, & Pizza’ in Bernardston, MA on my resume or not, but it was worth doing as you never know what the lasting impression is that you have made. For sure it made a lasting impression on me. Before the event even started the number of regular guild members who were present just to be supportive of the endeavor impressed me. I was expecting a handful of kids and a few parents. Though it was a few weeks ago, I can still recall each child by name (Bryn, Shaylynn, Mina, Emiline, & Isaac), which is remarkable since I sometimes got confused that day. It was an honest organ experience. Two of the children played piano, but came without music. One played clarinet, another the trumpet, and one just curious I think. The idea of how to engage these children with the instrument is a small challenge. For my part I used some easy literature that worked well on this organ of many flute stops. There are some little flute clock pieces of Haydn with birdcalls (quail/cuckoo) as part of the fabric, which I hoped they would recognize upon hearing. After finishing one piece with three distinct cuckoos not one kid heard them. So we played it again more emphatically and thankfully they caught on and made an aural discovery at any rate.
DEAN’S MESSAGE
Chapter Officers Dean – Lad Pfeifer Sub-dean – H. David Pulliam Treasurer - Jim Barnes Secretary – Martha Sienkiewicz
Board of Directors Scott Bailey Michael Carney Joe Geehern Sheila Heady Rev. Dr. John Hooker Mary Jeanne Tash
In This Issue: Dean’s Message Pages 1-2 Job Postings Page 2 Calendar of Events Page 3 Chapter Event - Youth in Song Page 5 Photos from Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza Page 6 Regional Information Page 7
In a little Offertory by Zipoli one participant held down the low pedal ‘C’ that sounds constantly. During the same piece the other participants used several notes of the Chime to fake a cymbelstern and that worked. Since it was lent I thought of all those chromatic fantasies and how just about anything will work. With a little (very little) orchestration on my part the five participants improvised a surprisingly good chromatic fantasy. The rule of engagement was simple: each participant hade to move chromatically and each had an assigned section with one kid at each end of the pedal board, one on the great and two on the swell. Once one brave soul started the rest fell in and it concluded with each of the 5 parts eventually resolving on a ‘C’ with a little direction. I may be completely deaf, but I believe it worked! In conclusion I would be very interested in any suggestions that anyone from our membership may have to engage children or adults with playing the organ. Bill Czelusniak, for his part brought all of the kids inside the organ chamber to demonstrate types of pipes, swell shades, tremolo, action, and how to tune. There were also discussions of mathematics and the basic pitch of pipes at 16, 8, 4, & 2, and what that meant in terms of the length of the vibrating air column in the pipe. This was demonstrated by measuring lengths of rope and some
April 2015
2
JOB POSTINGS Mittineaugue United Methodist Church in West Springfield seeks a part time Organist/Director of Music to play for Sunday morning services (9:00 A.M.), as well as for other services and events throughout the year. Must be proficient in playing hymns from the Methodist Hymnal, as well as from The Faith We Sing. Salary is $100.00 per service. Contact Reverend Bruce Arbour(788-0304), or [email protected].
Faith United Church in Springfield is seeking a part-time Organist to play for Sunday morning services (9:00AM meet with choir and 10:00AM is the actual service). The Organist would be needed to accompany choir rehearsals as well on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30PM and for any other special services and or events that might arise throughout the year. They must be able to play hymns from the New Century Hymnal and Pilgrim Hymnal. Salary is $175.00 per week. Contact Eduardo Ortiz via email [email protected] or cellphone 786-400-9998.
Our Lady of the Cross in Holyoke is looking for a part-time Music Director/Organist wanted. Must be experienced choir director and organist with Roman Catholic experience. Four weekend Masses, Holy Days, choir rehearsal and build cantor program. Wicks pipe organ. AGO salary range. Available immediately. Please send or email materials to Fr. Albert, 23 Sycamore St, Holyoke MA 01040. 413-532-5661, x-207, [email protected]
looks of surprise. We even had a real live cipher to contend with for a short time, which Bill promptly put to rest. We all have childhood memories. For those of us with many siblings it is sometimes surprising that a sister or brother may have a different impression of the same event while another may not recall it at all. What the long term effect on these kids will be only time will tell, but if one or two ends up sympathetic towards the organ in one way or another the guild has done their part and done well. In addition many thanks to Liz Dawson and the United Church of Bernardston for opening their doors with warmth and hospitality. Finally, a really fine opportunity awaits everyone who works with children and teenagers in vocal music whether in a religious or secular setting. It is our “Open” chapter event on April 11th, “Youth in Song”. I say, “Open” because the day is going to be too good to be limited to only AGO members. If
you work with youth vocally, Come! If you know someone who does work with young persons with song, Invite Them! If you yourself or another is contemplating such activity in the future, Come! There are three top-notch presenters presenting workshops from 10:00am to 2:00pm at a very reasonable cost, which includes lunch! ($15 members, $20 non-members). No one knows it all and there is always something new to learn. I’ve been working with grammar and high school kids for over 25 years and there are lots of things for me to learn. Someone else’s perspective or insight can open up a whole new world for you and the young people with whom you work. There is not much time between now and April 11th so register NOW. Faithfully yours, Lad Pfeifer, dean
(Dean’s Message Continued)
Convention Fees: Member/Chapter Friend (AGO or ACDA) after Mar. 1 $360 Regular Senior/Guest/Disabled (after Mar. 1) $320 Daily $150 Early Non-member $410 Regular Non-member $450 Student (scholarships available, contact the registrar) $50 Optional bus trip to Stonington, Wednesday, July 1 $30 Banquet, Tuesday, July 30 (free for students) $65
AGO REGION 1 CONVENTION - NEW HAVEN JUNE 28TH – JULY 1ST 2015
April 2015
3
April Events
3 Fri 7:30pm The ancient service of Tenebrae (darkness or shadows) will be held at St. Michael’s Cathedral. This solemn event commemorates the passion and death of Christ through readings, music and the dramatic extinguishing of light. Music will be performed by the Cathedral Choir of Boys & Adults accompanied by strings from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Community Music School. Tenebrae ends with everyone initiating a thunderous stomping of feet symbolizing the earthquake when Christ died. Following the quake and a moment of silent reflection, a single candle returns to signify Christ’s light returning to the world and all depart in silence. This event will include chants, spirituals and nine choral anthems, including the famous Miserere by Allegri as traditionally performed in the Sistine Chapel. The event is free and open to the public. Contact (413) 452-0839 or [email protected].
7 Tue 10:30am The Tuesday Morning Music Club will host a concert featuring Nancy Babb, piano, Anita Cooper, soprano, and Noriyo Fukui Dubaldo, flute. The concert will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA.
11 Sat. 10:00am – 2:00pm Chapter Event
The Springfield Chapter AGO will host the event Youth in Song at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield, MA. This event will feature workshops on youth choirs presented by Mary Huff, Bert Landman, and Enid Oberholtzer. $15 for chapter members, $20 for non-members. (see poster on page 4)
12 Sun. 3:00pm Alice Parker, world-renowned composer, conductor and teacher will present a HYMN SING at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA. Ms. Parker, whose 90th birthday is celebrated this year, returns for a second year to lead a SING at Immanuel. A free-will offering will benefit the ongoing outdoor ministry: Cathedral In The Night.
12 Sun 4:00pm Visions of Peace: The professional chamber choir Novi Cantori presents music of Dufay, Guerrero, Mendelssohn, Hindemith, Aitken and more. Admission: $10 general ($8 students and seniors). For more information: email [email protected] or call 860-563-7340. Old Meetinghouse, 683 Main Road, Granville, MA.
18 Sat 7:30 pm Visions of Peace: The professional chamber choir Novi Cantori presents music of Dufay, Guerrero, Mendelssohn, Hindemith, Aitken and more, accompanied by Scott Bailey, organist. Admission: $10 general ($8 students and seniors). For more information: email [email protected] or call 860-563-7340. St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 335 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.
21 Tue. 10:30am The Tuesday Morning Music Club will host a concert featuring The Claflin Hill Symphony Chamber Players, comprised of Thomas Hojnacki, piano, Johann Soults, cello, Angel Valchinov, violin, and Paul Surapine, clarinet. The concert will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 25 Sat 7:30 pm
Visions of Peace. The professional chamber choir Novi Cantori presents music of Dufay, Guerrero, Mendelssohn, Hindemith, Aitken and more, accompanied by Scott Bailey, organist. Admission is $15, with proceeds to be shared with MANNA Soup Kitchen. Email [email protected] or call 860-563-7340. St. John's Episcopal Church, 48 Elm Street, Northampton, MA.
26 Sun. 3:00pm The Music at United series will present the choral ensemble Schola Nova directed by Terry Larsen. 300 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA. $10 Suggested Donation, $5 for students.
May Events 5 May 10:30am
The Tuesday Morning Music Club will hold its annual meeting and luncheon followed by a performance by The Stoneleigh-Burnham Chamber Players, Greg Snedeker, cellist and director. Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA.
16 Sat 7:00pm Chapter Event
The Music at United series and the Springfield Chapter AGO will present the silent movie Robin Hood accompanied by organist Peter Krasinski. Suggested donation $10 ($5 for seniors and students). United Congregational Church, 300 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA.
17 Sun 3:00pm The Hampshire Choral Society will present a special concert: the first area performance of the first major choral work written by an American composer, John Knowles Paine’s Mass in D. $20 ($15 students and seniors). UMASS Fine Arts Center.
April 2015
4
Visit our website!!! www.springfieldago.org
CONTRIBUTE TO CHIFF CHAT
Things that you can contribute to the Chiff Chat newsletter: - Concert reviews - Member profiles - Your church’s organ specifications or organ history - Events for the calendar - Articles about organs, organ music, organ events, etc. - Photos with captions - Commentary - Organ concert flyers
37TH ANNUAL ENGLISH
HANDBELL FESTIVAL The Music Committee of the First Church of Monson is sponsoring a one-day tour to New York City for the 37th Annual English Handbell Festival on Sunday, April 19th. The tour includes an Italian lunch at V & T Restaurant, a guided tour of the historic Riverside Church, and the Handbell Festival, which features The Riverside Ringers and bell choirs from throughout the region under the direction of Hart Morris. Prior to the bell concert, the audience will be treated to a carillon concert. Cost of the excursion is $99.00. To reserve seats, call Mary Newland @413-267-3219.
FOR SALE: Small, antique Reed Organ to go to a good family willing to promise to make music with it. Some years ago it was professionally ‘disassembled’, cleaned, new felts, baffle, etc., and was fine until (another) mouse probably made a hole in the baffle. The exterior is completely original – a small piece of trim is damaged. Also comes with the original seat/bench for it. Dimensions are 41 wide x 21 deep x 34 high. It is similar to the one in the opening scene of ‘The African Queen’ with Katherine Hepburn.
April 2015
5
***Please see the attached registration form for this conference for registration information***
The Springfield Chapter Of the
American Guild of Organists Presents
Establishing, Developing, and Nurturing:
Youth in Song Saturday, April 11th, 2015
10am – 2pm * St. Michael’s RC Cathedral – 260 State Street – Springfield, MA
Registration: $15* Chapter Members -‐ $20* Non-‐Members
* includes lunch Registration Deadline: April 7th
Join us for a marvelous half day of workshops addressing the ability to get ALL levels of young people singing AND how to create musical and artistic results! From recruiting to repertoire; from curriculum to rehearsal techniques, our presenters are here to answer questions and address issues at all levels of sacred and secular
choral singing. This is an excellent opportunity for PDP’s. Please check with your school administration
Morning Session: Voice for Life: the Ryoal School of Church Music’s acclaimed guide to
training choirs of all ages (10:00am – 11:30am)
Afternoon Session: Recruitment, Repertoire, and Rehearsal Techniques (12:30pm – 2:00pm)
Our Presenters:
Mary Huff, Artistic Director of the New York City Children’s Chorus, has extensive experience working with children. Her choirs have appeared on all major television networks including appearances on Saturday Night Live, TODAY, Good Morning America, and CBS Sunday Morning. In addition, Ms. Huff has coached her students for solo performances in a range of NYC venues from Carnegie Hall and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the studios of Nickelodeon and Merry Knicksmas! Bert Landman, current President of the Royal School of Church Music in America, has served as organist and choirmaster at Lutheran and Episcopal churches in Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Tennessee, and Georgia before coming to Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford< CT. Building on the success of the Trinity Choristers, he persuaded the church to launch The Choir School of Hartford, of which he serves as Music Director. Enid Oberholtzer, a Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and Past President of the RSCMA, holds a wealth of knowledge regarding children’s voices, implementing curriculum, and developing youth choir programs. Formerly Organist and Choirmaster at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford, CT, Enid has mentored many of today’s fine choir trainers across the United States.
April 2015
6
PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA MARCH 7TH, 2015
UNITED CHURCH OF BERNARDSTON
The Springfield Chapter AGO wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family of Allen Langord who passed away on Thursday March 19th, 2015. Allen served as a board member, treasurer, and newsletter editor. He was also a member of the Worcester Chapter AGO and was
a Skinner history expert, quoted in many books and publications, not to mention his expertise in fields other than music and pipe organ building He served as organist and choir director at Pilgrim Congregational Church in
Southborough, MA and briefly served as interim organist at Edwards Congregational Church in Northampton. To read Allen’s full obituary, visit the website provided below.
IN MEMORIAM: ALLEN LANGORD
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/telegram/obituary.aspx?n=allen-langord&pid=174451924&fhid=3085
Above left: Students gather to participate in the Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza event. Above right: Lad Pfeifer demonstrates the organ at the United Church in Bernardston. Left: Bill Czelusniak shows off the inside of the organ chamber.
April 2015
7
REGIONAL NEWS
Welcome to New Haven!
June 28-July 1, 2015
Northeast Regional
Convention for the
American Guild of Organists!
Combining the instruments at Yale University and those at churches in the downtown area, New Haven offers a wealth of organs of different styles, housed in interesting and beautiful locations. Within walking distance of the elegant Omni Hotel, convention participants can experience world-class organs, a distinguished music library, and a famous instrument collection, along with the beautiful Yale campus and New Haven's renowned restaurant scene.
For more information, visit www.newhavenago2015.org.
April 2015
8
!
!Chiff!Chat!American!Guild!of!Organists!Springfield,!MA!Chapter!Scott!Bailey,!newsletter!editor!50!Woodbridge!Ln.!Westfield,!MA!01085!!
!
!
Chiff Chat Newsletter Springfield, Massachusetts Chapter of the American Guild of Organists Celebrating 65 years as a chapter. To submit information regarding positions, upcoming concerts, recitals, or area events, please email Scott Bailey at [email protected]. Submissions are due by the 20th of each month. Also, visit our website at www.springfieldago.org
Next chapter event: Silent Movie: Robin Hood
With organist Peter Krasinski Saturday May 16th, 7:00pm
United Congregational Church 300 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040
The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. To achieve this we:
Encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music; Inspire, educate, and offer certification for organists and choral conductors;
Provide networking, fellowship, and mutual support; Nurture future generations of organists;
Promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles; and Engage wider audiences with organ and choral music.
