From Beth Naegele:
Isabella Isza Wu Earns CAGO Certificate
Last spring, NSAGO Board Member Isabella (“Isza”) Wu recorded the exam for the AGO’s Colleague (CAGO) certification. The requirements fell into two categories, performance of repertoire and demonstration of keyboard proficiency in church service music skills. Isza was required to:
- Perform organ literature of moderate difficulty
- Accompany a choral anthem and a vocal solo
- Lead and accompany a congregational hymn
- Sight-read a brief passage of organ music on three staves
- Harmonize a melody
- Transpose a hymn-like passage
- Improvise a simple interlude involving modulation
Isza’s performance was recorded at Christ Church Winnetka on May 7, graciously hosted by Choirmaster & Organist Richard Clemmitt (thank you, Richard!). The recording was sent to AGO Headquarters for evaluation, and Isza has now heard that she passed. Congratulations, Isza!!!
(Reported by Elizabeth Naegele, NSAGO Exam Coordinator)
From Chris Urban:
Wednesday at Noon Concert
October 6, 12:10pm
Piano and organ duets of favorite hymns.Chris Urban, organ; Chuck Beech, piano
Crossing Borders Music
October 3, 4:00 pm
The 37th Annual Organ Fest
Crossing Borders Music is a chamber ensemble that uses music to promote the dignity of people from all cultures. The program, Reflections from the Arab World, will celebrate composers from Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and the USA. Renowned oud player, Issa Boulos, and several of his new arrangements for oud and string quartet will be featured. The “oud” is a stringed instrument like the Western lute, but with Arabic roots.
In addition, Jordanian composer, Tarek Younis, has been commissioned to write a new work for the CBM string quartet that will be premiered at this concert
From Richard Clemmitt:
I’m grateful to Augsburg Fortress for publishing this new arrangement of mine. An audio recording and a look inside the score are available at the link. I hope you’ll keep the piece in mind as our groups continue to move back towards singing together as usual!https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/product/9781506479866/Rise-Up-and-Shine
From The November 14th Program Committee:
Our November 14, 2021 members’ recital will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the AGO. If you are interested in being a part of planning this program, please reach out Judy Kohl at (847-769-7447) or Sharon Peterson at (773-218-8281).
Our program will include a variety of pieces written by esteemed past and present members of our chapter and performed by those in our chapter today. Perhaps you will hear a work by a former AGO national president or another piece related to the AGO (like those commissioned for national or regional conventions). Explore recent and past AGO commissions here and consider adding a piece to your repertoire: https://www.agohq.org/ago-new-music-commissions/
AGO National Presidents
Alec Wyton
Searle Wright
Frederick Swann
Other chapter-related composers:
Clarence Dickinson
Austin Lovelace
Tom Matthews
Morgan Simmons
Adrienne Tindall
Christine Kraemer
Leon Nelson
Jack Goode