The North Shore Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is pleased to offer its members access to a constantly updated list of full- and part-time positions available in the northern Chicago area. Please visit our Job Listings page, available for a limited time to all visitors, to view the latest offerings.
Each of us joined the North Shore AGO for a reason; each of us continues to pay our dues, maintain an affiliation with an important national organization, and keep our AGO membership on our resumes for a reason. Perhaps it is a love of organ music, or an appreciation for the instrument and its enduring value. Maybe the multitude of opportunities for learning, and the chance to be part of a group of like-minded people – networking and socializing may be the main draw. For some, it is a desire to support the endeavors of those who have made room for the organ in their lives, whether as a part-time hobby or a full-time passion. Many of our members enjoy the concerts by world-class musicians that the chapter sponsors. And for others, the reason is based on academic or professional matters.
Whatever the case, the “why” of being a member is far less important than the “how” and the “what.” How do you participate in the North Shore AGO? How do you show support for the organization? How will you help ensure the stability, health, and reputation of the chapter to which you belong? What can you contribute to your chapter? (more…)
Daryl Robinson with Dean Andrea Handley, Sub-dean Christine Kraemer, and Treasurer Jay Peterson
Friday, February 21 was another typical winter night in Chicago. However, for those of us in attendance at the AGO North Shore Chapter’s recital at St. Luke’s Episcopal in Evanston, it was a warm night for our ears and hearts as we were treated to a wonderful concert by prizewinning organist Daryl Robinson. Daryl was the recipient of the First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance. Known for his imaginative registrations, we were not disappointed as the Lullaby from Suite No. 2 by Calvin Hampton seemed to float into the nave of the church, causing me to look in every corner certain that I would see angel wings fluttering. From his personable commentary between the pieces, his choices of music which showed off the E. M. Skinner organ beautifully, to his impeccable technique everyone went home with a smile and with gratitude that we had forced ourselves out on a cold winter night.
Eileen Baumgarten, North Shore AGO member
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Trinity United Methodist Church
1024 Lake Avenue
Wilmette, IL 60091
Workshops 2 – 3:45pm
Concert by Chicago Bronze at 4:00pm
This unique afternoon of mini-workshops and concert is for:
Handbells 101: Beginning a handbell program, music for beginning handbells, hands-on ringing experience (if desired)
Handbells 201: Improving and growing an existing handbell program, basic handbell techniques, music for intermediate handbells, hands-on-experience
Handbells 301: Bass bell techniques, 4-in-hand treble techniques, creative programming ideas, hands-on-experience, handbell music, with other instruments (including organ)
Concert at 4pm by the Chicago Bronze. For more information on Chicago Bronze, visit chicago-bronze.com
Monday, June 2, 2014, 6:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights
302 North Dunton Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
A celebration of the new Presbyterian hymnal, Glory to God. A time of singing together a diverse sampling of this new hymnbook, enjoying the creative hymn accompaniments of our fellow chapter organists, learning about the trends of new American hymnals and the changing church market. A time of good fellowship, inspiration and celebration! Led by Royce Eckhardt and Lee Nelson. For further information, contact royceeckhardt@sbcglobal.net or Leeathomevh@aol.com.
Monday, March 31, 1:30pm
CHRISTINE KRAEMER
Organist, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Evanston, IL
Monday, April 28, 1:30pm
STEPHEN SCHNURR
Director of Music, St. Paul Catholic Church
Valparaiso, IN
Monday, May 19, 1:30pm
JAMES HICKS
Organist
Morristown, NJ
Monday, June 23, 1:30pm
CHRISTOPHER URBAN
Organist, First Presbyterian Church
Arlington Heights, IL