Well, we did it! The Great Lakes Regional AGO Convention 2023 is in the rear window. We had 157 attendees, and all enjoyed some absolutely phenomenal concerts, inspiring and excellent worship services, informative and well-presented workshops, and great camaraderie.
My heartfelt thanks to all who helped make the convention a success, first of all, my dedicated steering committee members: Richard Clemmitt, Jill Hunt, Philip Kloeckner, Judy Kohl, Beth Naegele, Derek Nickels, Sharon Peterson, Brian Schoettler, Laurie Stivers, Chuck Sundquist, and Bob Woodworth. And the army of committee members and volunteers who joined them to help keep things moving like a well-oiled machine!
We had many comments from those who attended saying it was the best regional they had ever attended! Here are a few of the gratifying compliments we’ve received in the past few weeks:
“Thank you for hosting such a fine convention. This convention had to be one of the most enjoyable conventions I’ve attended. …. such high quality music played by excellent organists. it was a relaxing convention – no “hurry up and get there” feelings. I was able to connect with people from another regions, make new friends and be with old friends. Such a great week. Thank you so much for doing an outstanding job on all levels.”
“I attended the Great Lakes regional convention last month, and want to congratulate you and your steering committee for its extraordinary success…Every recital and concert at this convention was exemplary. The musicianship was pre-eminent and each program seemed tailor-made for the instrument on which it was performed….The committee members and volunteers at registration, hospitality and transportation were uniformly helpful and friendly. The program book was comprehensive and clearly laid out. In all, the whole four days were expertly organized and paced, with few if any hiccups….Thank you and the steering committee for a stimulating, delightful and rewarding convention experience.”
I can’t give a final number yet, as our books aren’t completely settled, but I can say that we will have a profit from this convention – which will go back to our chapter. So, all-in-all, we had a great week, did our chapter proud, and provided some funds for future programs! Let’s hear if for the North Shore AGO chapter!”
Submitted by
Andrea Handley
Convention Coordinator