EVANSVILLE

The first meeting of the new millennium will explore hymn singing and hymn playing. Several speakers will present mini-lectures on a number of hymn-related subjects: Why Do We Sing Hymns?,  New Hymns Since 1980, Acoustics And Hymn Singing, and Organ Design And Hymn Singing. A hymn-playing master class and a hymn-sing will conclude the afternoon's activities.

Presenters will include Dr. John Jordon, Music History Professor at the University of Evansville; Neal Biggers, Director of Music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Henderson; Robert Nicholls, Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church, Evansville; Dr. Douglas Reed, University of Evansville organ professor. Other participants include Helen Reed, Organist of Eastminster church; Margaret Kimberling, organist of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Evansville; and Barbara Waite, organist/director of St. Paul's UCC, Evansville.

This event will be an opportunity for us to invite pastors, music committee members, choir members, and any other interested persons to participate.  Please post the enclosed flyer at your church and/or place of work and ask that the information be included in your church's newsletter and church bulletins in the week's before this event.

Above all, please remember that we, as Guild members, are the most important part of the organization and of the future of the organ. We posses the very best means of

On November 17, James Diaz gave a brilliant performance in Wheeler Concert Hall at the University of Evansville. The event was co-sponsored by the Evansville Chapter, the University of Evansville Chapter, and the University Organ Series. 

This was the first time in recent years that admission has been charged for an AGO sponsored event. Many in attendance felt that the excitement and excellence of the performance were worth every penny...and more...of the modest $10 admission fee. 

Many were also greatly inspired to pursue their practicing with increased vigor after hearing Mr. Diaz's refined, elegant, and tasteful musicianship. 

It was one of those memorable occasions when, not wanting to break the spell of the exciting evening, several of the audience stayed and talked for a long time after the concert.

Sincere thanks to Dorothy Bray-Seibert, Margaret Kimberling, Beverly Lacy, Whit Otis, Helen Reed, and Jenni and Katie Taylor who helped with hospitality.
 
 
 
 
 

Mark your calendars NOW! January through May will be an exciting time for our chapter. 

In February, we will celebrate our 40th anniversary. James Thomashower, Executive Director of the National AGO, will be our guest speaker. Our own Professional Development Committee will present the first edition of our chapter's Professional Development Handbook which will address a number of issues including salaries. 

In March, we will hold another Bachathon at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. This fund-raising event, which last year raised more than $3000, will be for the benefit of the Mamie Dufford Scholarship Fund.

April will feature our Annual Organ Audition combined with a Keyboard Kaleidoscope. First developed several years ago, the Keyboard Kaleidoscope offers young people an opportunity to explore a number of keyboard instruments: piano, harpsichord, clavichord, and pipe organ. This year's event will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Evansville.

The Women's Guild of St. John's United Church of Christ will prepare another home-cooked meal for our May meeting. Last year's superb meal followed by an inspiring installation service led to holding this meeting at St. John's again this year!

Mark your calendars now! This is an exciting time for our chapter. Plan now to participate in the work and fun of our organization.

FROM the DEAN...

There are so many things to be thankful for as we prepare for and enter this final Christmas season of the 20th century. Not the least of these is the forward-looking spirit of enthusiasm, dedication, and cooperation of our chapter.  May you all have a blessed and beautiful Christmas season ("The TWELVE days of Christmas....")  With every good wish for the New Year,

January 20, 1-5 p.m. 
A 2001 Hymn Odyssey
Eastminster Presbyterian Church 5501
Washington Avenue Evansville, IN
 

February 19, 6:00 p.m. 
40th  Anniversary Celebration Professional Development Report
James Thomashower,
AGO Executive Director, Guest Speaker Trinity United Methodist Church 
216 S.E. Third St. Evansville, IN
 

March 17, all day. 
BACHATHON II 
Aldersgate United Methodist Church 
5130 Lincoln Avenue Evansville, IN
 

April 21, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Keyboard Kaleidoscope and Scholarship Audition 
First Presbyterian Church 
609 S.E. Second Street Evansville,  IN 
 

May 14, 6:00 p.m. 
Service and Installation of Officers
St. John's United Church of Christ 
314 Market Street Evansville, IN 
 
 

The Evansville Chapter web-site is almost ready for publication. A special thank you in advance to Ken Woods for getting the ball rolling, to Neal Biggers and David Motz for their design work, and to Whit Otis for research into the financial aspects of the project.  Stay tuned. You will be impressed.