chapter news legends of the curtis institutepcagoo.memberlodge.org/resources/documents/ago lxxix,...
TRANSCRIPT
In This Issue...
CHAPTER NEWS 1 DEAN’S MESSAGE 2 CRESCENDO STAFF INFORMATION 2 REGISTRAR’S CORNER 3EDUCATION COMMITTEE 3 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER AGO: 3Offices and Committees Directory
CHAPTER EVENTS 2016/2017 4
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5
POSITIONS AVAILABLE 7
COMPOSER COMPETITION 9
CHAPTER VOLUNTEERS 11
SUNDAY SUBSTITUTES 11
OTHER SUBSTITUTES 12
WHERE AM I? 12
ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY 13
TUESDAY NOON RECITALS 14
TALE PIPES 15
Newsletter of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Guild of OrganistsFEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 6
The deadline for the next issue is February 1, 2017
Sunday, February 5th 4:00 pm
The Curtis Institute of Music1726 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Don’t miss this wonderful program which will focus on thehistory of the Curtis organ from the time it was founded in1927. Acclaimed teachers have included Lynnwood
Farnam, Fernando Germani, Alexander McCurdy and JohnWeaver, not to mention our own – and current organ professor –Alan Morrison. These wonderful musicians have left their markon The Curtis Institute as well as on our region, and the programwill also feature historical details about the organ in Field ConcertHall (formerly Casimir Hall and then Curtis Hall.)
Some noted alumni will also be part of the discussion, and thenfour current students will perform. They are Adrian Binkley,Bryan Dunnewald, Clara Gerdes and Joseph Russell.
The group is going out following the program to a local spot for abrief time of refreshments.
No registration necessary!
Legends of the Curtis Institute
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 62CRESCENDO, the officialbulletin of the Philadelphia Chapter of theAmerican Guild of Organists, is publishedmonthly, September through June. All materialfor publication must reach the Editor by the1st day of the month preceding the date ofissue,.eg. November 1 for the December issue.This must be type written and e-mailed (text sup-plied in an attachment). Crescendo reservesthe right to make editorial changes and toshorten articles to fit space limitations. Articlesin Crescendo reflect the views of the writers andnot necessarily those of the Guild. All advertisingmust be arranged through the AdvertisingManager. Crescendo season and professionalcard advertising automatically renew for eachsuccessive volume, unless we receive notifica-tion of cancellation of the advertising.
Advertising RatesCamera-ready: One-Time Season
Eighth page: $50 $400(3.6”w x 2.0”h)
Quarter page: $75 $600(7.5”w x 2.0”h or3.6”w x 4.4”h)
Half page: $100 $800( 7.5”w x 4.4”h or3.6”w x 9.2”h)
Full page: $150 $1200(7.5”w x 9.2”h)
Professional card: - $60 (full season, members only)
Camera-ready art only accepted according tostated deadlines.
Editorial BoardCRESCENDOMary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO, Editor484-995-6110
Karen Fallows & Tom Lever, Publishers215-822-6762 215-855-0287
Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator215-517-4160
Calendar of EventsKathleen Scheide, [email protected]
Positions AvailableFran Treisbach, [email protected]
Advertising Mary Elizabeth Campbell, Coordinator 484-995-6110 [email protected]
Visit our website at www.AGOPhila.org
• • • David Furniss
One at a Time
Here we are in the middle of winter! Andmost of us are in the middle of our programseasons for churches, schools, community
groups, etc., continuing to faithfully “crank out” music as needed in ourvarious situations. My hope is that the amount of music we are dealingwith does not distract us from paying careful attention to the details ofputting the music together one note at a time to create a beautifulresult.
I want to take you back to September to one of our chapter events. Itwas the Masterclass taught by Johann Vexo. As each of the four stu-dents played their carefully prepared pieces, Johann helped us all lookat the fine details that, when combined, created each beautiful piece ofmusic. As I sat there in the gallery in the rear of Bryn MawrPresbyterian Church listening to his inspiring words of wisdom, Iobserved a marvelous thing happening in the front of the church. Acouple had come in to prepare flower arrangements for the followingmorning’s worship services. They did not bring in flower arrangementsthat had already been prepared. Instead, they brought in a lovelyassortment of flowers they had chosen and began, one flower at a time,to create lovely arrangements as I watched. Just as the beautiful organmusic was unfolding one note at a time, the flower arrangements werebeing assembled one flower at a time. As if on cue, flower arrange-ments and organ pieces were completed together right in front of me!What a delightful moment!
As we press on through this season of our various musical endeavors,may we remember what it means to take the time and care to createbeautiful music one note at a time. As we go through our regular prac-tice routines, may we remember that each note has a purpose. Eachnote has its place in the finished work of art. Each flower has its placein the arrangement. Each voice has its place in the choir. May themusic you create be more beautiful because you took the time to payattention to the details – one at a time!
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 63 PHILADELPHIA CHAPTERAMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
ELECTED OFFICERS
Dean David Furniss 215-699-6374
[email protected] Marcia Sommers 484-340-2204 [email protected] Bruce Marshall 267-283-8019
[email protected] Maria deJ. Ellis 610-896-6189 [email protected] CommitteeTERM ENDING 2017Paul Fejko 609-462-9000
Sándor Kádár, FAGO 609-540-6548 Wesley Parrott 215-732-6732 Michael Smith, AAGO 203-645-9227TERM ENDING 2018Doris Dabrowski, SPC 215-387-6635Edward Landin 717-471-7979Kathleen Moyer 610-642-1975James Robb 215-329-4793
TERM ENDING 2019 Douglas Backman 508-736-3020Andrew Heller 610-246-4826Kathleen ScheideJohn Van Sant 609-498-1768
APPOINTED LEADERSHIP
Chapter ChaplainRev. Claire Nevin-Field [email protected]
Chapter PhotographerJohn McEnerney 215-794-7388
Communications CoordinatorAndrew Senn 267-207-1494
[email protected] Committee ChairAlan Morrison 215-735-8259 [email protected]
Education Committee ChairSandor Kadar, FAGO 609-540-6548
[email protected] Committee ChairJeff Fowler 610-764-1524 [email protected] CoordinatorSandor Kadar, FAGO 609-540-6548
[email protected] / ArchivistRae Ann Anderson 215-884-4921Jeff Fowler 610-764-1524 [email protected]
Nominating Committee ChairAllen R. Popjoy 610-269-7069
[email protected] CoordinatorFrances Treisbach 484-231-1426
[email protected] Concerns Chair Judy Lang 610-623-8069
Tuesday Noon Recitals CoordinatorAndrew Heller 610-789-0146
[email protected] CoordinatorJohn Van Sant 609-498-1768
WebmasterTom Lever 215-855-0287
Sándor Kádár, FAGO, Chair 609-540-6548
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Want to join the Philadelphia chapter of the American Guild of Organists?
Need to report AGO Directory changes on your current membership?
Need to purchase a set of chapter mailing labels for your next music event?
Contact Erik Meyer at: 1418 Fitzwatertown Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090215-247-7466 x104 [email protected]
E R I K M E Y E R , R E G I S T R A R
REGISTRAR’S CORNER
AGO Next is our chapter’s new scholarship programto provide financial assistance and encouragementfor young people to study the organ.
After successful auditions and interviews on December 17th, four youngmen have been granted AGO Next scholarships. They are between 14and 19 years old and have been studying organ with members of thePhiladelphia AGO Chapter. The interviews included questions abouttheir future plans. It’s promising that all of them want to study organ atthe college level. Therefore our scholarship program is fulfilling its pur-pose, which is to support the next generation of organists.
AGO Next recipients with their teachers‘ names:
Jinsok Kraybill (Gordon Turk) Joseph O’Brien (Gary Garletts)Colin O'Malley (Sandor Kadar) Aaron Patterson (Dennis Elwell)
Our Chapter is planning to offer preparatory classes for Service Playingand Colleague Exams on monthly basis starting this spring. If you areinterested please email me ([email protected]) so we canproceed with the preparation.
Sándor Kádár, F.A.G.O.___________________Organist, Conductor, Accompanist, Improvisor
First Presbyterian ChurchWest Chester, Pennsylvania
sandorkadar.com
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 64
Saturday-Sunday, September 24-25, 2016Annual Kick-Off with Johann VexoMasterclass at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian ChurchConcert at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 4:00pmAndrew Senn and Rev. Dr. Frank C.SennReformation Hymn Festival andChapter Installation ServiceSt. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ardmore, PA
Friday , November 18, 2016, 2:00pmPaul Jacobs concert with Philadelphia OrchestraReception at the home of Fred Haas after concert
Friday, December 30, 2016, 4:00-8:00pmAGO Christmas Party at the home of Michael Stairs
Saturday, January 14, 2017January Jumpstart featuringcomposer and organist Craig PhillipsBryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
Sunday, February 5, 2017, 4:00pmLegends of the Curtis InstituteCurtis Institute of Music
Friday, March 17, 2017Austrian organist Gunther RostConcert at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
Saturday, March 18, 2017Gunther Rost MasterclassFirst Presbyterian Church in West Chester
Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:30pmRussian Organist Daniel ZaretskyConcert at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale
Wednesday, April 19, 2017, 9:00-NoonDaniel Zaretsky LectureTrinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale
Monday, May 22, 2017Year End Chapter CelebrationGirard College
Saturday, June 10, 2017Kimmel Center Organ Day
Philadelphia Chapter of the AGOChapter Events
2016-2017We thank our 2016-2017 Patrons
This list is updated monthly. If you have made adonation and are not listed, please let us know.
Benefactors ($500+)_______________________________________
Norman Geist and Ethel Geist, CAGO
Sponsors ($300-$499)___________________________________________________Theodore W Didden, CAGOJeffrey B. FowlerSándor Kádár, FAGOJoseph J. Lewis
Donors ($150-$299)___________________________________________________Rae Ann Anderson, CAGO John H. ByrneRobert H. Erb William P. FenimoreDavid L. Furniss Alan MorrisonCharles L. M. Nelson Conrad M. OlieAllen R. Popjoy Jonathan J. Riss, FAGO, ChMStephen F. Schreiber Michael O. StairsGordon H. Turk
Contributors ($50-$149)___________________________________________________Carol P. Anders Debra S. BacakRobert K. Betty Gloria E. BracyMary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO David ChristopherJoyce Gambrell Drayton Maria de J. EllisMary L. Fenwick, AAGO Timothy W. HarrellLoretta S. Hartnett, SPC Andrew K. HellerAshley L. Horner Evan J. JacksonMichael H. H. Jackson Paul S. KinseyJudith A. Lang Jeffrey P. LeesMaria A. Lennon Thomas S. LeverRudy A. Lucente Bruce R. MarshallLeighton W. Moyer Frank K. OrmanWesley D. Parrott Richard J. PilchJohn E. Reber Stephen W. RossYoshiko Seavey Paul SerressequeJacqueline Smith Michael W. SmithMarcia L. Sommers Judith F StebnerEdward Wilk Kathleen E Wirth
Friends ($25-$49)___________________________________________________Jonathan G. Fairchild Pearl L. FlambergJoan Gurniak Kathleen J. MoyerPaula M. Napoli Andrew M. SennFrank Thomson
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 65K a t h l e e n S c h e i d e , C o o r d i n a t o r
CALENDAR OF EVENTS All Upcoming Events for Crescendo publication should be sentto Kathleen Schiede in advance of our publication submissiondeadline, which is the first of the month preceding publication(February 1 for the March issue).
Friday, January 27, 8:00 PMAll Bach program #9 in a series of complete worksperformed by organist Stephen Williams. C minor fan-tasia and fugue, A minor prelude and fugue, LittleFugue in g, Partita Ach, was soll, chorales. CathedralChurch of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St, BethlehemPA www.nativitycathedral.org [email protected]
Sunday, February 5, 4:30 PM5 o'clock evensong, 4:30 prelude by Steve Patchel,organist. Bruce Barbour, director. Choral works byAston, Helvey, Radcliffe and Rheinberger. ChristChurch Christiana Hundred, 505 Buck Rd,Wilmington, DE 19807. 302.655.3379www.christchurchde.org
Thursday, February 9, 12:30 PMEdward Landin, organist. FREE. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton [email protected] 609.258.3016www.princeton.edu/~choir
Friday, February 10, 8:00 PMAll Bach program #10 in a series of complete worksperformed by organist Stephen Williams. G Major pre-lude and fugue, ‘Dorian’ Toccata and Fugue, choralesfrom the Neumeister collection and Orgelbüchlein,Trio No. 4 in E minor. Cathedral Church of theNativity, 321 Wyandotte St, Bethlehem PA www.nativitycathedral.org [email protected]
Sunday, February 12, 3:00 PMBruce J. Barber, II, organist. Music by Clerambault,Haydn, Bach, Howells, Alain, Weggelaar and Franck.Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Box 3510, 505 E.Buck Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 302.655.3379Tickets in advance or at the door $20/$15 students.
Sunday, February 12, 4:00 PMClara Gerdes, Organist. Clara is the Dr. Mi-Wah LeeFellow at the Curtis Institute of Music where she stud-ies with Alan Morrison. Freewill offering. AbingtonPresbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd, Abington PA215.887.4530 www.apcusa.org/MusicatAbington
Thursday, February 16, 12:30 PMLeon W. Couch, III, organist. FREE. PrincetonUniversity-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds.,Princeton NJ [email protected] 609.258.3016www.princeton.edu/~choir
Saturday, February 18, 1:00 PMOrgan demonstration and FREE Kimmel Center tour!Once a month, our 1 pm tour will start with a 15minute organ demonstration by AGO partners.Verizon Hall, The Kimmel Center 215.893.1999www.kimmelcenter.org
Friday, February 24, 12:30 PMKyle Ritter, organist. FREE. Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and Washington Rds., Princeton [email protected] 609.258.3016www.princeton.edu/~choir
Friday, February 24, 8:00 PMAll Bach program #11 in a series of complete worksperformed by organist Stephen Williams. Eight "Little"preludes and fugues, Clavierübung Part III - Pedaliter.Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St,Bethlehem PA www.nativitycathedral.org610.865.0727 [email protected]
Friday, February 24, 8:00 PMGumdrops & Lollipops, Eric Plutz, organist. FREE.Princeton University-Chapel, Nassau and WashingtonRds., Princeton NJ [email protected] www.princeton.edu/~choir
Sunday, February 26, 3:00 PMPiffaro Band with guest artists Julianne Baird, sopranoand Drew Minter, countertenor. Ay Amor! Love, Deathand Music in 17th-century Spanish Theater. Tickets inadvance at www.piffaro.org/season or at the door:$29-49 Per Person. Christ Church ChristianaHundred, 505 Buck Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807.302.655.3379 www.christchurchde.org
Sunday, February 26, 4:00 PMVoix seraphique, Cheryl Dungan Cunninham, harpand Kathleen Scheide, fortepiano. Almost early musicand salon music ca. 1750-1810. St. John's UnitedChurch of Christ, 500 W Main St, Lansdale PA215.855.5489 www.st-johns-ucc.org
Carolyn Boxmeyer_________________Flutist
215.333.8833
Roy Harker___________________Church of Saint Asaph
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 66
E v e K e a n e___________________Qualified, reliable soprano soloist available for weddings, funerals,
seasonal music, substitute choral directing, vocal [email protected] 215-679-8614
Kar l Tr icomi , M.S.___________________Mater Ecclesiae Roman Catholic ChurchRowan College at Burlington County856 482-7402 www.karltricomi.com
It is impossible that a composer is able to play every instrument. But it is a necessarysituation to deal with if one wants to compose for an instrument unfamiliar to them; itis the job of the composer to know the abilities of the instrument and its techniques
and sound possibilities to get the maximum result from the instrument. I think this pas-sive knowledge applies whether it is to the harp, cymbalom, and other rare and unusualinstruments which are beyond the capabilities and reach of the composer, with oneexception - and that is the organ.
Creations for this royal instrument are only realistically possible if one plays the organwith their own hands to discover and get to know all of its secrets; experience the organliterature that came in to being exclusively at the playing desk and not at the writingdesk, from Bach and Baroque masters to César Franck, Reger to Messiaen.
(Petr Eben: Study on the organ cycle "Laudes")
Submitted by Edward Landin: “A Czech organist friend of mine, Tomáš Thon, and I created the English version.”
• Quality New Instruments• Conscientious Electro-Pneumatic and Mechanical Restoration• • Consultations•
300 Old Reading Pike, Suite 1D, Stowe, PA 19464P: 610.970.9817 • pjmorgans.com • [email protected]
& ASSOCIATES, INC.O R G A N B U I L D E R S
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 67
Music MinisterSt. Luke U.M. ChurchBryn Mawr, PAPosted 12/8/16St. Luke United Methodist Church seeks a music ministerto nurture and develop a team of instrumentalists andvocalists to celebrate God’s presence, find renewal inGod’s grace and a healing connection to God’s commu-nity. The individual filling this position will work with thepastor to develop a team committed to growth in a com-munity of hope.Candidates should possess excellent organ/piano anddirecting skills. Resources include paid vocalists andinstrumentalists and a volunteer choir. The estimatedtime commitment is 10 hours per week. There is oneSunday service at 10:00 a.m., and several special ser-vices are scheduled throughout the year. The choirrehearses on Sunday morning before the service at 8:30a.m. This is a progressive church with a varied musicprogram. Interested candidates should contact thechurch for an application and more information [email protected] or 610.525.2396.
Director of Music MinistryIvyland Presbyterian ChurchIvyland, PAPosted 11/25/16Ivyland Presbyterian Church is seeking a permanentDirector of Music Ministry. The church is a vibrant com-munity of faith that embraces traditional reformed wor-ship, but is open to new and diverse musical styles. Acandidate for the position should be skilled organist (AllenDigital Computer Organ) and pianist and be responsiblefor directing the church’s well-established adult, youthand bell choirs. Responsibilities include:* Coordinating with the pastor and worship committee toplan the music program and make appropriate recom-mendations,* Planning, preparing and playing service music asrequired,* Directing choir rehearsals,* Accompanying congregational singing and specialmusic, including seasonal choral cantatas, and* Being available for special services (Christmas Eve,Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday).The position averages 10 hours per week, and the salaryrange is $15,000 to $16.500. Interested candidates maysubmit their resumes to [email protected] [email protected].
Music DirectorLower Merion Baptist Church911 New Gulph Road, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010610.525.1855 www.lowermerionbaptist.orgPosted 10/9/16Lower Merion Baptist Church, an American BaptistChurch established in 1808, seeks an organist/pianist/choir director. Services are traditional with con-temporary elements added. Sunday service is at 11:00
AM (10:30 in summer) with various seasonal servicesand occasional weddings and funerals. The choir is smallbut motivated. There is one professional soprano soloist.Choir rehearsal is at 10 AM on Sunday preceding the ser-vice. The Music Director will work with the minister andthe choir to help plan service music. The position is parttime, requiring about six to eight hours weekly. Music is avital part of the ministry of the church’s diverse congrega-tion. The candidate should be enthusiastic and eager tohelp build its music program. A letter of interest andresume can be faxed to 610-525-8393, attn. Karen K.Deasey MD or email [email protected]. Messagescan also be left at 610.525.1920 (day), 610.649.7664(evening) or 610.416.4901 (cell).
Organist/Pianist/Choir DirectorCollenbrook United Church PCUSA/UCC5290 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026610.789.9590Posted 10/9/16Collenbrook United Church is seeking a versatile musi-cian to provide musical leadership in worship, accompa-nying hymns, directing the choir and possessing the abil-ity to play with ensemble instrumentalists. Both traditionaland contemporary styles of music are valued, and varietyand creativity is encouraged. Purchase of a newdigital/electronic organ with midi capability is planned.The church is convenient to the Blue Route and SEPTAbus lines.Candidates may contact the church for more informationat [email protected] or 610.789.9590. Resumesmay be sent to [email protected] or by mail to thechurch at the above address.
Organist/Choir DirectorSt. Mark’s Reformed Episcopal Church1162 Beverly Rd., Rydal, Pa 19046215.884.7660Posted 10/9/16St. Mark’s REC, a parish in the orthodox Anglican tradi-tion, is seeking a part-time organist and choir director.Responsibilities include directing the adult choir and play-ing hymns and liturgical service music for services ofdivine worship at 10:00 Sunday morning and for occa-sional additional services on holy days and special occa-sions that require music, selecting music for the adultchoir and leading weekly rehearsals. The organist/choirdirector will work under the direction of the Rector inselecting suitable music (traditional, not “contemporary”)for services of worship. The parish has a music librarywhich it is seeking to expand. Candidates must have astrong commitment to upholding traditional Christian doc-trines and moral values. Skills in maintaining a (recentlycompleted) pipe organ are a plus.Applicants should contact the church office by phone, orsend a cover letter and resume by email [email protected] or by mail to St. Mark’s Church,Attn: Fr. Patterson, at the above address. The churchmay be contacted by phone at 215.884.7660.
POSITIONS AVAILABLEFran Treisbach, Coordinator
484-231-1426 [email protected]
We are happy to advertise positions available for churches in theGreater Philadelphia Area as a free service. We need to request that allads stay within a 250 word limit – applicants should be directed to thechurch for further information. We would also be very grateful ifchurches encourage their organists to join our chapter – and manyinclude dues payment as a contract perk!
8FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 6
Introducing the Longwood Organ Academy July 24–29, 2017At Longwood GardensKennett Square, PA
Designed as a summer intensive for college students pursuing a degree in organ performance the Academy will provide students with the opportunity to study organ transcriptions with respected instructors Peter Richard Conte and Alan Morrison on one of the world’s largest symphonic organs, The Longwood Organ.
Application Deadline: March 6, 2017 Apply Today: longwoodgardens.org/organ-academy610.388.5457
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 69
Ron Coles, MM, M.Ed.Admin.___________________Roxborough Sr High School, Arts Department Chair
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Philadelphiawww.roncoles.com
Rudolph A. Lucente___________________Director of Sacred Music, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Asst. Wanamaker Grand Court Organ
We love having articlesand/or photos submitted
by chapter members!
Please contact me if you can sharesomething. My contact information isin the chapter directory (accessibleon the beautifully updated chapter
web site, www.agophila.org)
Deadline for submission is the first ofthe preceding month – e.g. January
1 for February issue.
Mary Elizabeth Campbell
Competition for Composers Under the Age of 30Organized by AGOYO North Central Division
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce a new music competition for composers underthe age of 30. Organized and sponsored by the AGO Young Organists in the North Central Region, the com-petition for a new work for organ solo, 3–6 minutes, is open to any individual who is younger than 30 years of
age as of August 31, 2017. U.S. composers need not be AGO members; composers living outside of the U.S.must be AGO members.
First prize is $1,000; second prize is $500; three honorable mentions will also be announced. All prize winning andhonorable mention compositions will be performed at the AGO North Central Regional Convention in Iowa City,Iowa, on June 20, 2017. The submission deadline is March 10. Competition results will be announced on March31. For complete information and application instructions, visit Agohq.org.
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 610
THTTTNNA HA
EE
UBUAN L UAHA N LA BE
Y JEFFREY JEFFRE
ARILLHY BRILLHAY B
TTTARAR
JJ
625 Montgom
P A B M PA 19010A 19010
, Pray Amer Avvenue, Bryn Mawwr, P PA 19010A 19010
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 611
SOC Debra Bacak Sellersville, PA 215-257-0553SOC David Burton Brown Philadelphia, PA 267-297-6132SOC Mary Eliz. Campbell, CAGO Phoenixville, PA 484-995-6110SOC R, Pernell Cunningham Philadelphia, PA 215-678-0576SOC Doris J. Dabrowski SPC Philadelphia, PA 215-790-1115SOC Lee de Mets, FAGO Chalfont, PA 215-997-0219SOC Adam F. Dieffenbach Telford, PA 267-738-2326 SOC Joyce Drayton Philadelphia PA 215-635-5778SOC Maria de J. Ellis Ardmore, PA 610-896-6189 SO Karen B. Fallows SPC Hatfield, PA 267-240-7800 SOC Susanna Faust West Chester, PA 610-766-1812SOC Robert Fidler Cheltenham, PA 215-260-3758SOC Kathleen Flaherty Philadelphia, PA 215-242-2964SOC Jeremy J. Flood CAGO Philadelphia, PA 215-625-2747 SOC Louise M. Gerdelmann Souderton, PA 215-723-6975SOC Lisa Guglielmo Glenmoore, PA 610-906-7740SOC Raymond Johnson Cheltenham, PA 215-635-9944SOC Mary Eileen Johnston Havertown, PA 610-633-2264 SOC Joel E. Klingman SPC Southampton, PA 215-355-8445
SUNDAY SUBSTITUTESThe codes preceding each name have the following meanings: S = Available to play on a Sunday,O = Available to play other services such as weddings/funerals/weekdays, C = will also direct a choirThis list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliabilityof substitute organists, Guild certificates and other degree programs indicate preparation beyond the minimum.Please note: This list includes only current members of the Philadelphia Chapter. To be included on this list, please be sure your membershipis current and forward your information to Fran Treisbach at 484-231-1426 or [email protected].
SOC Thomas S. Lever Lansdale, PA 215-855-0287S Chiduzie Madubata Philadelphia, PA 301-919-9632SOC Elizabeth A. Manus St. Davids, PA 610-293-9002SOC Paul Marchesano Philadelphia, PA 215-287-8955SOC Mardia Melroy Ambler, PA 215-646-1975SOC Constance H. Mickel Bryn Mawr, PA 610-527-9514SOC Scott Myers Ewing, NJ 215-715-1003 SO Patricia Nyce King of Prussia, PA 267-252-3020 SOC Kirsten K. Olson Collegeville, PA 610-764-6264 SOC Patricia A. Pezick Blue Bell, PA 610-405-3736SOC Katherine J. Reier SPC Abington, PA 215-287-9939 SOC Daryl Robinson Philadelphia, PA 713-299-7216SOC Barbara Haddad Romesburg Drexel Hill, PA 610-446-3540SO Alexander M. Smith King of Prussia, PA 610-265-4390SOC Janet L. Tebbel Philadelphia, PA 267-250-7727SOC Fran Treisbach West Norriton Twp, PA 484-231-1426SOC John W. Van Sant Trenton, NJ 609-498-1768SOC Karen Whitney Philadelphia, PA 215-424-8450 S John C. Williams Doylestown, PA 215-622-1015
Code Substitute Location Phone Number Code Substitute Location Phone Number
Organists on this list are available to play Sunday services
J o h n V a n S a n t , C o o r d i n a t o [email protected]
CHAPTER VOLUNTEERS
Contact Volunteer Coordinator, John Van Sant viaemail at [email protected] or through contactinformation available to members on our website andmember directory.
Mar jor ie Lynch Cummings___________________
C.A.G.O. First Presbyterian Church of Olney
William J. Gatens, D. Phil., F.A.G.O., Ch.M.___________________St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bridgeport, PA
Congregation Adath Jeshurun, Elkins ParkAmerican Record Guide
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 612
OC Lucas C. Brown Philadelphia, PA 267-474-8476 OC Joseph J. Buches Philadelphia, PA 610-220-9307 OC D. Stephen Cable Bethlehem, PA 484-866-6019O Ronald Chancler, SPC Levittown, PA 267-679-6638OC Jack Charles Schwenksville, PA 610-287-9366OC Linda J. Clark West Chester, PA 610-793-1606O Ron Coles Philadelphia, PA 267-973-0323OC Marjorie L. Cummings CAGO Philadelphia, PA 215-728-1530OC Lee de Mets FAGO Chalfont, PA 215-997-0219OC Thomas G Denny Spring City, PA 610-864-6143OC Theodore W. Didden CAGO Ambler, PA 215-646-0294 OC Michael Diorio Bryn Mawr, PA 609-947-5112OC Sue Ellen Echard Harleysville, PA 610-585-5059 OC Paul Emmons AAGO, ChM Warminster, PA 215-675-6478O Suzanne Erb Philadelphia, PA 215-568-5795 O Jonathan G. Fairchild Huntingdon Valley, PA 215-947-8340OC Paul Fejko Philadelphia, PA 609-462-9000 O Patricia Gallo-Terrenzio Huntingdon Valley, PA 215-947-4759OC William J. Gatens, FAGO, ChM Chester, PA 610-876-5617OC Charles Glandorf Coopersburg, PA 610-416-1055OC Eric Gombert Souderton, PA 267-471-7003OC Peter Gowen Philadelphia, PA 215-776-7374 O Timothy Harrell Doylestown, PA 215-297-5812
OTHER SUBSTITUTES
O H. Ray Hunsicker West Chester, PA 610-399-4358OC Grete Ingalls, CAGO Philadelphia, PA 267-253-4007 OC Helen Jauregui Philadelphia, PA 215-498-0982OC Beth Z. Jenkins Oreland, PA 215-885-7275 OC D. Damien Jones Wilmington, DE 215-432-2178OC Sandor Kadar, FAGO Newtown, PA 609-540-6548OC Maria Lennon Hatboro, PA 215-896-9484OC David Clark Little Feasterville, PA 610-209-5243O Glenn M. Matis Doylestown, PA 215-489-2548 OC Steven J. McBride West Chester, PA 610-633-3442 OC Lee F. Milhous Doylestown, PA 215-348-8872 OC Wesley D. Parrott Philadelphia, PA 215-732-6732OC Aaron C. Patterson Philadelphia, PA 215-725-0959 O Margaret Realley Doylestown PA 215-345-8564OC Katherine Rick ,CAGO Wayne, PA 517-945-3448O Ruth E. Rineer Cheltenham, PA 267-536-5706OC Valerie Rozek Chesterbrook, PA 440-478-8163OC Jeffrey J. Shuman, FAGO, ChM Lightstreet, PA 570-784-1574 OC Judith F. B. Stebner Warminster, PA 215-630-9632OC Bruce J. Thorsen Doylestown,. PA 215-622-1023OC F. Anthony Thurman Cherry Hill, NJ 856-616-2480O Jerry L. E. Wright Collingdale, PA 610-586-7381
The codes preceding each name have the following meanings:O = Available to play other services such as weddings/funerals/weekdays, C = will also direct a choirThis list is published as a courtesy to the chapter membership. Although the AGO assumes no responsibility for the musicianship or reliabilityof substitute organists, Guild certificates and other degree programs indicate preparation beyond the minimum.Please note: This list includes only current members of the Philadelphia Chapter. To be included on this list, please be sure your membershipis current and forward your information to Fran Treisbach at 484-231-1426 or [email protected].
These organists are NOT available to play Sunday services
Code Substitute Location Phone Number Code Substitute Location Phone Number
WHERE AM I?
Our January challenge was one from the work ofPatrick Murphy and is at Daylesford Abbey inPaoli. It is the home to Catholic priests and
brothers of the Norbertine Order. Opus 55 is a com-pletely new instrument in which they retained a fewselected pipes from the previous organ. They thencreated a new freestanding case of white oak to housethe pipework, new electric windchests and blower. Thecase, as well as the custom console, was designedand built of white oak with discrete accents andappointments including salmon colored detailing tocomplement the room’s altar and lectern furnishings.
This photo was submitted byPeter and Sandy Gerger ofJacob Gerger & Sons, Inc.
www.organ-builder.com
Please send your submissions forthis column – you can submit to myemail in the chapter directory!
MEC
Organ building is a quiet endeavor—no embezzle-ments, no murders, no wars, and generallyattracts little attention. Yes, it’s true that on a
rare occasion an organ builder might default on a con-tract, but this is news that rarely makes its way into thepages of The New York Times. Libraries are even qui-eter, and the Library and Archives of the OHS inPrinceton must be one of the quietest places onMother Earth. Yes, there’s an abundance of activity—visiting scholars and requests for research—but other-wise it’s a quiet place, all sotto voce; excitement is notan expected guest. Yet from among the tens-of-thou-sands of archival documents contained in our collec-tion, one leaps out and shouts for attention—one mightdare say scandalous attention—as it had the potentialof irrevocably altering the course of American organbuilding, that is, Louis Luberoff’s Notebook, 1929.
Louis Luberoff (1895–1962) wasborn near Vineland, New Jersey,in a settlement established as aRussian Jewish farm colony in1882. Still today, this rich farm-land produces an abundance offruit and vegetables, much ofwhich is available throughoutSouth Jersey and southeasternPennsylvania. In the beginning,farming for the Jewish immi-grants was difficult. Although thesoil was sandy and ideal forfarming, trees had to be clearedand five or six years had to passbefore the tree stumps rotted to make way for theplow. In order to survive those early unproductiveyears, some settlers sought other means for livelihood.Israel Opachinsky and Sholem Luberoff contractedwith garment factories in New York and Philadelphiafor piecework at home on sewing machines providedby Leonard Lewisohn, a New York philanthropist.
How Louis, the second son of Sholem Luberoff, madehis way to be the nation’s “super” organ salesman issketchy, but his record has never been challenged. Forunknown reasons, he went to Louisville, Kentucky, in1914 to complete a two-year apprenticeship at thePilcher Organ Company, after which he joined theMöller firm in 1916 as sales representative, an extraor-dinary achievement in itself since M.P. Möller, Sr.never went beyond the surrounding pastures ofHagerstown, Maryland, for employees. From hisPhiladelphia office during the years 1916 to 1929,Luberoff sold 1,156 organs for a total of $6,742,453—an astonishing amount equivalent to over $85,000,000
in today’s currency. He bene-fited handsomely from hissales commissions, and hisreputation reached mythic pro-portions as one writer said thatLuberoff could “sell a snowbank in Hell and offer a five-year warranty on it.”
In 1927, Luberoff moved his sales office and show-rooms from the Franklin Trust Building in Philadelphiato much more lavish and spacious accommodations atthe corner of 13th and Vine Streets, where he installeda Möller organ fitted with a roll player.
Despite this impressive gesture of success, Luberoffwas growing restless with the Möller organization, andhad his sights set on a scheme of epic proportions:domination of the American pipe organ market bymonopolizing the industry. While he was comfortablysecure financially, he lacked the funds necessary torealize his plan. From other documents contained inthe Archives, one may reasonably speculate thatDonald F. Tripp, a Wall Street banker, was Luberoff’sventure-capitalist-in-waiting. Luberoff demonstrated hisencompassing knowledge of American organ buildingby preparing a report on every organ company andrelated firm in the country, and accompanied hisreports with annotated financial statements for eachcompany. His research was complete and he wasready to act. In his summary to Tripp, he wrote,
In covering the entire industry as herein set forth, youwill note that there is a tendency in our recommenda-tions to lean towards a solid merger or tie-up of theentire field.
It should not be our policy nor do we recommend inany sense of the word, to buy every factory operatingon a profit. We wish to emphasize very strongly thatthe logical thing to do is to pick out the best builders,supply houses, and factories making valuable by-prod-ucts, and apply a centralized, concentrated manage-ment, for instance, reducing the overhead and increas-ing profits, etc.; also standardizing wherever possible,even to the extent of making the parts interchangeablein any four or five makes of organs.
His candid evaluations also make for a good read. Hedescribed the Pilcher Company as “southern aristoc-racy” and Moller’s methods of manufacturing as “veryantiquated.” Organ Supply Corporation he called “verydangerous,” and said that Welte-Mignon’s financialstatement was “very much inflated.”
13Jim Weaver, CEO
ORGAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 6
A Center City Scandal, 1929
Continued on p. 14
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 614Andrew Heller, Coordinator
610-789-0146 [email protected]
TUESDAY NOON RECITALS
October: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Glenside Rae Ann Anderson, Host
November: White Horse Village, Newtown Square (no recital on Election day)
December: First Presbyterian Church in PhiladelphiaAndrew Senn, Host
January: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale Eric Gombert, Host
February: Abington Presbyterian Church Ethel Geist, Host
March: Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Jeff Brillhart and Edward Landin, hosts
April: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Roxborough Wesley Parrott, host
May: Church of the Loving Shepherd, West Chester Kathleen Scheide, host
Abington Presbyterian ChurchEthel Geist, Host
1082 Old York Rd, Abington, PA 19001215.887.4530 www.apcusa.org
February
February 7: Vincent RyanFebruary 14: Aaron PattersonFebruary 21: David FurnissFebruary 28: Erik Meyer
Organ Historical SocietyContinued from page 13____________________
Bynum Petty
Of Arthur Hudson Marks, president of the SkinnerOrgan Company, Luberoff noted that Marks “is justplaying with the Skinner Organ Company to keep him-self out of mischief.”
No doubt because of the stock market crash ofOctober 1929, the Luberoff-Tripp Organ HoldingCompany never materialized. Luberoff left the Möllerorganization and organ building altogether. Ironically,Donald F. Tripp purchased the defunct Welte-MignonOrgan Company, changed its name to Welte-Tripp
and moved the factory from New York City toConnecticut. In his report, Luberoff had little good tosay about Welte-Mignon and did not recommend thatit be incorporated into his monopolizing scheme.Welte-Tripp took bankruptcy in 1931 and wasabsorbed by the Kimball Company. Donald Tripp losthis shirt, and Louis Luberoff continued to prosper.
D e n n i s E l w e l l___________________
Overbrook Presbyterian Church - Philadelphia
E l i z a b e t h Manu s ___________________Pianist, Organist, Vocal coach
Auditions, recitals, special eventshttp://www.elizabethmanus.com
FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME LXXIX, NO. 615TALE PIPES
Mary Elizabeth Campbell, CAGO, Editor
Mary Elizabeth Campbell, C.A.G.O.___________________Music Therapist – MAMT – BC
Private Music Teacher, Therapist, EDMR Practitioner
Welcome back to Dr. David Burton-Brown, anorgan expert who was originally from our areaand has been many wonderful places in the
course of his organ adventures. I had the pleasure ofmeeting him at a chapter event this fall and wanted tooffer an article of ‘re-introduction’.
Dr. Burton-Brown was originally from Wyomissing nearReading and describes his family as very musical, withexpert pianists all around. He began studying pianoenthusiastically and then began organ study in 8thgrade. At the age of 13 he was recruited to play at hischurch, Christ Church Episcopal in Reading, duringtheir organist’s vacation – the instrument was a largeAustin, a wonderful adventure to launch David into anorgan career!
David spent his college years at Westminster ChoirCollege studying with Joan Lippincott and stayed onfor three more years for a double master’s degree inchoral conducting and organ. After Westminster hemoved west and earned his Doctor of Music in OrganPerformance and Pedagogy at Indiana University,which he completed in 1984. He then moved toTennessee to accept a church position at Belle MeadeChurch in Nashville. After seven years he ‘got the itch’and moved with his family to Hamburg, Germany for
three years, where hestudied with HeinzWunderlich. Upon hisreturn he took a posi-tion in Birmingham,Michigan for two years,then moved on toteach organ at theUniversity of Arizona,and from there movedto a position inMemphis, Tennessee.He finally accepted theposition of MusicDirector at GraceEpiscopal Church inGainesville, Georgia,
which he held for twelve years, and while there heserved as professor of organ at the University ofGeorgia in Athens. He has come back to us fromthese positions in Georgia.
Dr. Burton-Brown currently lives in East Falls. He isvery much looking forward to building connectionsback in our area with the organ community here –WELCOME BACK, DAVID!
Ha r r y W i l k i n s o nIn Memoriam___________________Ph.D., F.A.G.O.
NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
Katherine Reier, Circulation Coordinator1936 Guernsey AvenueAbington, PA 19001-3702
d ace and Bua Spr gan FoAn or rAn organ Fogan For
dget y ve E r r Every y
www.allenorgan.com