Andrea Handley
Our 60th anniversary season is off to a wonderful start. First, we had an inspiring worship service at First United Methodist Church of Evanston this past Sunday evening, which you will read more about as you scroll down. It was filled with evidence of our heritage as a chapter. Don’t miss the next event – a recital by Janette Fishell on Friday, November 10 with master class on Saturday morning at Alice Millar chapel. The program is a tribute to Richard Enright, long-time and beloved member of our chapter who passed away last winter.
Second, even in the down-time of the summer months, our chapter was busy with a mission – the fulfillment of then NSAGO Scholarship Initiative program we began in the spring of last year. I’ve included Sharon Peterson’s report on the success of this program for you to read below:
NSAGO Scholarship Initiative Report
As announced, members Steve Folkers, Sharon Peterson, & Bob Woodworth, the Sub-committee for the NSAGO 2017 Scholarship Initiative, implemented the offering of three free organ lessons and one year’s membership in our chapter. (This was the chapter’s response to the program Isabelle Demers put forth during the Spring, ’17 -a national AGO initiative from the Committee on the New Organist.)
Six NSAGO members have completed their lessons over the summer with seven students:
Teachers Students
Steven Folkers John Ford, Jr. & Cameron Obrecht
Bob Woodworth Xander Ambrose
Andrea Handley Dominic German
Susan Klotzbach Vivian Zhao
Sharon Peterson Kristina Nyberg
Lee Nelson Bob Diss
We are grateful to these dedicated chapter members who freely offered their expertise to encourage and equip future organists. In fact, this endeavor has been so successful the Sub-committee recommends repeating this program in the future. This has proved to be an excellent use of Scholarship funds donated to the Chapter.
The complimentary membership in the NSAGO will provide these students with TAO, beginning in August, 2017, and link them to the many opportunities and contacts the chapter offers. Look for these students at NSAGO events this coming season, and welcome them into our ranks. As a committee we feel this is a practical, enjoyable course to take to ensure the vibrant future of the AGO. Thank you, to all involved.
Sharon R. Peterson
Sharon R. Peterson Sub-Dean, NSAGO