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Join members of the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for a Spring Gathering on Monday, May 7 at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre.

The evening begins with an open house at 6:30 p.m. giving members of the chapter and the wider community a chance to tour the historic edifice. At 7:00 p.m. Canon Mark Laubach will present a program of hymns and organ music showcasing St. Clement’s pipe organ. A reception will follow in the Parish House. All are welcome to attend this free event. We hope to see you there!

New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church (NHELC), Gilbertsville, PA is searching for candidates to fulfill the leadership needs of its music program. These needs may be fulfilled by one or more musicians depending on the skills and experience of potential applicants.

Candidates are expected to have:

  • A commitment to Jesus Christ, with a background/experience in liturgical worship;
  • Strong communication skills with all age groups;
  • Programmatic innovation/flexibility/adaptability;
  • Proficiency in the position responsibilities;
  • Suitable academic background and/or related job experience;
  • Musical diversity and creativity;
  • Strong organizational skills (computer literate skills necessary);
  • The ability to be a team player.

Primary responsibilities of the music program director/musicians:

  • Work collaboratively with the Worship and Music Committee, the Senior Pastor,
    and any other music program staff members;
  • Coordinate music and choirs for all worship services;
  • Promote well prepared choirs and musical direction;
  • Serve as the organist/pianist for worship services;
  • Provide direction and/or accompaniment for vocal and handbell choirs for both adults and youth.

Key Instruments – 1986 Schantz organ (2 manual, 19 ranks), 2009 Boston upright piano, Schulmerich handbells (3 octaves), Schulmerich handchimes (4 octaves), Orff instruments (various), all well maintained.

Music Environment – Musically talented congregation, competent congregational leadership, responsive choirs, sizeable rehearsal space and office, considerable music library.

Benefits – paid vacation, continuing education allowance, reasonable music budget, and salary commensurate with experience and position.

Inquire – Send resume or questions to nhelc@comcast.net or Music Program Task Force, 2941 Lutheran Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525. More information at http://www.newhanoverlutheran.org.

A seminar on renewing congregational song led by Rev. John L. Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit on May 19, 2012 from 10AM to 2PM. It will explore fresh ways to enliven church congregations through passionate singing.

John Bell lectures and leads seminars all over the world. He is an ordained minister of the Church of Scotland. He is a music writer and song leader, but his interests are much broader than that. His lectures span a range from Celtic traditions and putting Paul in context to global warming, consumerism and Facebook. He tends toward the off-beat, but with a strong respect for tradition. His forte is congregational song. He teaches techniques ranging from the simplistic to the professional, to allow song leaders of varying talents to bring out the best in as heterogeneous a group as a church congregation, even those who have always been told that they cannot carry a tune in a bucket.

This seminar is open to all who are interested in the role of church congregations in singing. It is appropriate for all denominations. The cost of the seminar is $10, which covers lunch. To register send an email to registrar@fpccs.org.

Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza!

The pipe organ has been called the “King of Instruments.” The sounds of the pipe organ have inspired worshippers for centuries. Great composers have written countless works for the instrument. Pipe organs have been installed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and theaters. The American Guild of Organists is passionate about the pipe organ and we want to share our love with a new generation.

Join us on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception in Wilkes-Barre from 2:00 – 4:00 PM for Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza. Participants will receive a behind the scenes tour of the instrument in addition to a chance to play it themselves (and eat some pizza!). All are welcome to attend. Students currently studying the piano are encouraged to bring a piece to play on the organ.

Presenters for the event are Michael Sowa and Raphael Micca, local organists with backgrounds in music education and church music. Mark Ignatovich, Organist and Director of Music at St. Mary’s, is the host.

TO REGISTER FOR PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Saint Thomas Choir School, New York, will host an Open House for interested musicians, clergy and families on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Choristers and their parents will give tours of the school and teachers will host visitors in the classrooms to answer questions about the curriculum and student life. At 3:00 PM, visiting boys will rehearse, vest and sit in the choir stalls with the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys for evensong. Please contact Ruth Cobb at 212-247-3311, Ext. 304 for further information or to reserve a place.

Mark Pall Organ Recital

All are invited to attend an organ recital featuring a remarkable young talent. Mark Pall, a freshman at Dallas High School and a member of the Pennsylvania Northeast AGO Chapter, will present a concert of Advent and Christmas music on Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Dallas United Methodist Church. Mark studies organ with chapter secretary Ed Loch. Those who attend this program are sure to be impressed by Mark’s talent of playing by ear.

The Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is seeking information on regional churches whose organs were affected by recent flooding. If your church was affected, of if you know of a church that was, please contact us. Thank you.

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