Dean’s Column | December 2024

You’ve likely seen the roaring return of the organ at Notre Dame and the crowd of world leaders gathered to witness this monumental milestone. I think we would all be lucky to have such attentive and captivated congregations as we work through this busiest time of the year! Know that your work matters and that you make the North Shore a better place by your artistry at the organ.

Wishing you all a joyful (and eventually restful) holiday and I hope to see you on January 4 at our annual Epiphany Party!

Please RSVP before the end of 2024 by completing this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ew4RUrGj8Ci0Qy9-7Ndn83AMbNLLkQB7l92XN0U69WU


Amanda Mole in Glenview

Thank you to everyone who attended the second event of our 2024-2025 season at Glenview Community Church. Concert organist Amanda Mole presented a thrilling program bookended with Mendelssohn’s and Reger’s takes on Wachet auf. After a virtuosic performance of repertoire from Mozart to Hampton, we were treated to an epic rendition of Bach’s Wedge Fugue as her encore. The next morning, Amanda coached Annamarie Collins, Hyun Ah Lee, Ethan Mellema following their performances of the Gigout Toccata, BWV 541, and Vierne’s Clair de lune. The concert and masterclass were a collaboration between the North Shore chapter and Glenview Community Church who were celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Buzard Op. 21 pipe organ.


Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, be sure to save the date for our 2025 chapter events:

  • Jan. 4 Annual Epiphany Party at 6:00pm
  • Mar. 9 Woman Composers Sunday Members’ Recital at 4:00pm

Details for NSAGO and community events can be found on the Events page of our website.

January Jubilee (Rockford AGO)

You might also consider attending the Rockford AGO’s upcoming January Jubilee on January 18 from 8:00am-4:00pm. Advance registration is only $30 and you can find all of the details here:

https://www.rockfordago.org/event-details/2025-january-jubilee

Scroll down on their page to view three different schedules of events (Sanctuary, Chapel, Choir Room) which includes an impressive list of presenters and sessions throughout the day.


Member Meal Train

Lastly, an update on North Shore member Kathy Roderer. Kathy is battling leukemia which has affected her husband Kurt and their daughters, who are now caring for their parents. A Meal Train has been established for Kathy & Kurt to bring meals and volunteer to visit with Kurt and keep him connected with community during the daytime. To learn how you can help the Roderers and to follow updates from their daughter, click here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/yrk3z1


Wrapping up the year…

Make a end-of-the-year donation to our chapter: https://teal-ostrich-479748.hostingersite.com/donate/

Submit an event: https://teal-ostrich-479748.hostingersite.com/submit-an-event/

Post or search for a local position: https://teal-ostrich-479748.hostingersite.com/for-members/job-listings/

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshoreago

Brian Schoettler
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Brian Schoettler, DMA
Dean, North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
dean@teal-ostrich-479748.hostingersite.com

Past Overtones

Dean’s Column | May 2026

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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...

Dean’s Column | January 2026

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