Andrea Handley
As we begin our 56th season as a chapter, we look backward to a rich history and forward to an exciting upcoming year! Last season was a year featuring a new website, six new board members, three new officers, a new “Grow the Guild” initiative, and a variety of programs to interest all. This season we will build on last year’s achievements, and we are offering an equally interesting array of programs, beginning with a wine and cheese reception and “name that tune” program on September 21 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Glenview. It promises to be great fun and fellowship! In October we will hear from numerous area organists in a recital at Alice Millar Chapel in an all-Bach program that is part of a WFMT project. In January we will enjoy warm fellowship and fun at an Epiphany dinner at the dean’s festively-decorated home. In February we will explore improving clergy-organist relationships. In April we collaborate with the Chicago Chapter in a concert by acclaimed organist Yun Kyong Kim. And in early June, we’ll celebrate our annual banquet and program of patriotic music for organ. Take a look at the rest of our year’s programs in the Upcoming Events section of the newsletter for more details. And use our new online Calendar to sync the events into your phones, using iCal, XML, or the Google Calendar formats!
As we move toward fall, we all inevitably become a little overwhelmed at all the activities that will start up for us again. I know that I always enjoy all the free evenings (as in no rehearsals!) during summer. And I have to admit, I always have a bit of melancholy about fall beginning again. But once things begin, I am always energized and realize that I’ve actually missed the stimulation, fellowship, and rewards of doing what we all do and love!
All of us who regularly attend AGO program events have a similar experience, I believe. As we get busy, it’s frequently too easy to put the program dates on our calendars and then decide not to go because it’s just “one more thing”. But I also know, from personal experience, that once I go, I’m always glad I made the effort because of the stimulation, fellowship, and rewards of being with fellow professionals who share a love for this wonderful instrument we all play.
So, as we begin this fall, I’d ask you all to consider doing two things for your North Shore AGO chapter. One is to make that extra effort to attend the wonderful programs we have planned for you. And the second is to bring with you at least one non-AGO member friend of yours, and ask them to consider joining our chapter. We have a wonderful organization that deserves to have the regular support of ALL of our members. And there are many organists out there who need to be part of this organization – and they may just be waiting for your invitation!
See you all on September 21!
Andrea Handley, Dean