Sharon R. Peterson
When I began organ lessons at age 12 my teacher, Richard Corbin, recommended two things: 1) Bach’s 8 Little Preludes and Fugues and 2) becoming a member of the local (Jamestown, NY) AGO chapter. His advice proved especially helpful when there was a need for my becoming Organist at Bethel Lutheran Church the following year. Both Bach and organist friends provided much-needed direction and encouragement as I learned “on the job” what it meant to be a church organist.
My mother (my “plus one”) thoroughly enjoyed attending AGO meetings with me. Of course I needed her to drive me there, but she stayed simply because she found the entire experience so enjoyable. The fellowship as well as events and outings taught me that we need each other to remain dedicated, inspired, capable and willing servants.
When I returned to the organ bench in 1997 I made sure to find my Bach and a local AGO chapter. (Lee Nelson said the North Shore chapter had the most fun!) Though the church (North Park Covenant Church, Chicago, IL) paid my membership fee for sixteen years I continue paying it on my own – and playing at North Park Theological Seminary. I still read The American Organist cover-to-cover, finding encouragement and instruction. I look forward to having more time to contribute to the chapter (as a new Board Member) now that my schedule is more efficient.
Sharon R. Peterson, Board Member