David Higgs, Chair of Organ Department at the Eastman School of Music • live in concert at East Libety Presbyterian Church • Sunday, 16-Oct at 3:00pm • includes reception and and light refreshments after the concert
Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.
. With The Help of Everyone We Had a Great Program Year By Nathan Carterette - Sub-Dean (sub-dean@pitago.org)
Thank you to all who hosted, organized and worked on the past season's events. The Chapter couldn’t function without the help of so many members and the places where they work donating their time and resources to coordinate events. While to many it may seem simple to ‘have a meeting’, individual institutions made sure that there was staff and support to open the building, provide kitchen facilities and work outside of their normal operating hours so we could enjoy both some nice social and productive learning time over the past year.
Speaking of learning time; after the grand installation service in September we learned about Northern German historic organs, heard some more Tournemire at Duquesne, had a masterclass with Susan Rice on vocal production, participated in a master class with Justin Bischof on improvisation, heard a lecture and performance on Bach's Orgelbüchlein, and of course participated in a large joint meeting with other nearby Chapters in Latrobe.
For me personally our programs are informative and inspiring. I hope to keep them up to that standard but can’t do it alone. Please let me know if you have input or ideas to make our programs better, I always welcome comments and suggestions.
By the time you read this next year will be nearly finalized; but there’s always some adjustments and, as organists, we’re always doing some tuning. Don’t be hesitant to chat with me about our programs and make suggestions.
Pittsburgh Goes National!
In the summer of 2015 organists from the northeast region of the US met in Pittsburgh, PA, to attend the AGO Regional Convention which the Pittsbugh Chapter hosted here.
Listen to a performance from the convention which was played at Calvary Episcopal Church.
We are honored that National AGO organization is using this video as promotional material.
Never come to a Chapter meeting before? Worried that it's stuffy and you won't know anyone? Don't know why you should come?
Be just and fear not! The Pittsburgh AGO Chapter is a friendly group that starts off the meeting with chit-chat around 6PM and has a wonderful buffet dinner
every month (only $18). Dieting? Skip the dinner and come for the program; it's free and a benefit to you as a member.
Reservations are required if you're coming to the dinner in advance (10 days); you can make one at www.pitago.org (the Dinner Reservations link under EVENTS above) or contact reservations@pitago.org if you need more information or to make your reservation.
Do something different in the New Year and come to the meeting - you'll be glad you did!
