Past Dean’s Columns

April 2019
Dean’s Column

Five centuries before Christ, Greek philosopher Anaximander constructed the first map. He made Miletus - a city in western Turkey where he lived – the center of the world. Perhaps his decision was less ego than experience. How tempting it is to consider our lives being the center of the world, myopically seeing only what is important to us and our personal pursuits and responsibilities. In this season of Lent, as I take time to focus inwardly, I’m reminded daily that life does not center...
January 2015What’s a Weekend?

January 2015
What’s a Weekend?

There are so many little things that we share with each other as organists that no one else understands completely.   My favorite is the typical goodbye that people frequently utter on a Friday, when you’re leaving Starbuck’s or any other store – “Have a nice...

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December 2014Too busy for thoughts

December 2014
Too busy for thoughts

So, I sat down, as I usually do, with a blank page in front of me, waiting for a thought as to what to write for a Dean’s column this month.  And my only thought for the last ten minutes has been, “I don’t have time for this.  I’ve got concerts details to plan,...

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November 2014Our Colorful History

November 2014
Our Colorful History

Let it never be said that the North Shore lacks in an interesting heritage. Some of you may have noticed “The Last Page” in the May 2014 TAO issue.  But in case you missed it, it gives us some bragging rights with regard to having a somewhat colorful history here on...

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September 2014Our 56th Year!!

September 2014
Our 56th Year!!

As we begin our 56th season as a chapter, we look backward to a rich history and forward to an exciting upcoming year!  Last season was a year featuring a new website, six new board members, three new officers, a new “Grow the Guild” initiative, and a variety of...

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July 2014 Dean’s Column

July 2014 Dean’s Column

Welcome to our new newsletter format!  You’ve been directed here for the July edition of OVERTONES.  Here’s what you’ll find below, which can be accessed by simply scrolling down: Brochure of our 2014-15 programs A review of our June 1 annual banquet and program A...

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October 2013 Dean’s Message

I looked at my calendar a few days ago, and realized it was time for another Dean’s Message.  It seems as if I just wrote one last week.  And that experience reminded me about how frequently I feel that way as an organist.  I remember some years ago, standing at the...

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September 2013 Dean’s Message

There’s a certain rhythm of September, isn’t there? Rally Day, choirs starting up again after summer break, minds turning toward thoughts of Advent and beyond. Some of us have had just a few Septembers as organists, some of us many more than we care to count. So some...

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