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 Music: https://www.ecspublishing.com/prelude-on-christmas-carol.html
While this tune is associated with “O little town of Bethlehem,” it has fallen out of use in modern hymnals. This past Christmas my choir at FUMC Evanston sang the first verse in harmony before I played Morgan’s setting during communion. I am sharing with you here the first verse in the key of Morgan’s prelude in case you are inspired to honor Morgan’s legacy in Christmases to come.
AGO National Convention
Looking ahead, we hope you can attend the AGO National Convention in St. Louis July 6-10. You can register here:
There are so many upcoming organ events in our area – nearly weekly through the end of April! I encourage you to support your colleagues in their performances and those hosting international guests. Blessings on your preparations for Holy Week and Eastertide and I hope to see everyone on April 24 when we welcome Hans Davidsson to the North Shore.
Brian Schoettler, DMA
Dean, North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
dean@northshoreago.org