Dean’s Column | May 2022

Dear Friends,

Colin Powell stated that, “There are no secrets to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” The hard work and preparation are a given, but his statement begs an earlier question: What is success?  What are we supposed to be aiming for?  How do we define success as musicians? 

Perhaps that means for us, presenting a well-planned and impressive service played with flawless perfection?  Instead, could success be something less tangible such as bringing the sacred down to earth in a more accessible way? Maybe you’ve had the opportunity to do just this throughout the seasons of Lent, Easter and Passover. Personally, this is one of the things that brings me great joy and satisfaction. Now that those services are in the rearview window, take a deep breath and appreciate all you contributed to make this season meaningful to those who worship with you. 

I hope you are able to attend the wonderful program planned for you on Sunday, May 22nd. Enjoy a Progressive Organ Recital with music played by members of our North Shore AGO chapter at three different churches in Lake Forest. Following the last program, you are invited to join other chapter members and guests for a delicious banquet at the Nite N’ Gale Restaurant in Highwood. You can find more details in this newsletter.

I read something interesting recently… What do Billy Graham and Warren Buffet have in common? According to their memoirs, they share a similar “biggest regret.” What was it?  Their common regret was, “not spending more time with those they love.”  Now that is an example of failure from two successful people we can learn from.

Warmly,

Judy Kohl, Dean

Past Overtones

Dean’s Column | July 2026

Please mark your calendar to join us for our first event of our 2026-27 season, a Choral Reading Session and Reception at St. Augustine’s Church in Wilmette on Sunday, September 27 at 2:00 p.m. We’d love to have you with us! We will gather that afternoon to sight-read...

Dean’s Column | May 2026

Passing the Baton This is the final Overtones newsletter of my 2-year term as Dean. I want to thank all of the board members who I’ve served with for their time, dedication, and energy in support of organ music here on the North Shore. I especially want to thank...

Dean’s Column | March 2026

A Christmas Carol February 28, 2026 marked one year since the passing of long-time member and former NSAGO Dean Morgan Simmons. I hope that many of you are already acquainted with his “Prelude on Christmas Carol” published by MorningStar...