Central Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

Newsletter – August/September 2015

Officers Craig Williams – Dean Laura Russell – Sub-Dean 845-355-6451 – Craig.Williams @ usma.edu 845-485-1648 – [email protected] Celestine Campbell – Secretary Eric Hepp – Treasurer 845-297-6197 – [email protected] 845-790-3381 – erhepp @optonline.net Barbara Bayers –Membership Chair Charles Faverio – Board Member 203-260-4295 – [email protected] 845-897-5844 – no e-mail Glenn May – Board Member Susan LaGrande – Board Member 732-583-3461 – no e-mail 845-226-6496 – [email protected] Janice Grace – Board Member Connie Lacey - Board Member 917-882-9343 – [email protected] 845-897-5962 - [email protected] Wesley Joseph - Board Member 845-546-0104 - [email protected]

Chapter Web Site www.chvago.org Letter from the Dean Dear Colleagues,

Once I wrote a poem about winter where it was observed that the frozen state of many things reflected eternity yielding to the true cruel seasons of spring and beyond – where nothing could be held secure as all became fluid and changing. On the surface it seems that fall and winter are where we get all the work done while we look forward to the restful season of summer. Summer though is the season of transitions and it seems where the most work is done around us if not by us.

I mentioned previously the transition of moving a child to college, and I read in the Facebook posts of other parents that my experience is far from unique. In some ways, the trauma to parents is shocking to me, because I do not remember my parents having that reaction when my brother and then I went to college. Perhaps I was not paying attention… Page 1

This has been a summer when we have been continually reminded that death could occur at a moment’s notice. Whereas we note with sadness the passing of some members who lived full lives or whose end was expected, we have been struck by the suddenness and unexpectedness of having valuable people taken from us. Paul Frazer was one we did not expect to be taken from our musical community.

An unexpected passage which took the entire organ world by surprise was the sudden death of John Scott, Organist and Choirmaster at St. Thomas Church in and of course who had had a brilliant career at St. Paul’s London for 26 years before arriving here. John had just played a whirlwind tour of Europe (I loved following his posts on Facebook) including a star performance at this year’s Three Choirs Festival in Hereford Cathedral and was returning to his wife expecting their child in a couple of months. Here was a man on top of his game at seemingly the prime of his life (60 being the new 40 and all that). Then he is gone. The outpouring of shock and grief that followed his passing was, I believe, expressed for him, his widow and unborn child but also for the human condition of all of us. There but by the grace of God go we!

This speaks to the uniqueness of our profession. In church and synagogue, we practice art and music which gives melody to the voice which expresses the eternal and speaks to something greater than it or us. We do not play merely for the applause or pursue one musical venture after another in search of meaning. We join our voices (sung and played) to a greater music which is already in progress and which will play long after each of us is gone. We are the practitioners of hope.

In the riot of summer – heat and bugs and strangling vines and all transitions expected and unexpected – we need to look up and see a sun which rises and sets in the rhythm of the seasons pointing to a music of spheres beyond our vision, our understanding and our seasons. This is the music of which we hear a hint when we press a key and hear sounds which, unlike any other instrument, span across the entire range of our hearing and comprehension. Through it all, play on!

Craig Williams, AAGO Dean, Central Hudson Valley AGO Membership News  Darren Motise performed a solo organ recital at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles on August 19, 2015. The program, performed on the cathedral's landmark four-manual, 105-rank Dobson pipe organ, included Duruflé's Suite Opus 5 and the finale of Messiaen's Livre du Saint Sacrement. Congratulations, Darren!  Ben Gessner has a new email address, effective immediately: [email protected].  Heartfelt condolences to Laura Russell, whose husband Paul Frazer died suddenly in June. A beautiful memorial service was held on July 18, 2015. The following is an excerpt from his obituary as printed in the Poughkeepsie Journal:

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Paul Sidney Frazer, age 76, died on Thursday, June 18th, 2015, in Bar Harbor, ME, while vacationing with his wife, Laura. He was born on March 15th, 1939 in Camden, NJ to the Reverend Stuart and Ruth (Conger) Frazer. He graduated from Collingswood High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961. Paul worked at IBM from 1961 until his retirement as an Advisory Engineer in 2005. In 1962 he married Mary Helmey, with whom he had two children. In 1978 he moved to Poughkeepsie, NY, where he lived for the rest of his life. On November 23, 1990 Paul married Laura Ramsey Russell, and the two of them created a wonderful, loving home for their children, step-children, and grandchildren. Music was Paul's passion, and he was an amazing singer, performing throughout the Hudson Valley as a baritone soloist in concerts, musical theatre, and opera. He sang with the Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir for nearly forty years and with the Christ Episcopal Church Choir for almost thirty years. He also performed with the Hudson Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and with the Hudson Valley BachFest Choir. Paul was a loving and dedicated father, stepfather, and grandfather, and a rock of support, love, and companionship for Laura. Paul is survived by his wife, Laura Ramsey Russell; his brothers David Frazer and wife Marie of Ohio and John Frazer and wife Sandy of Colorado; his daughter Ann Lawson and grandsons Paul and Gabe of Rhinebeck; his son Paul Frazer and wife Phimphorn and granddaughter Maggie of Hyde Park; stepsons Samuel Russell of New Jersey and Jonathan Russell and wife Laura Bacon of London, England. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to the Paul Frazer Memorial Music Fund at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie or to Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir.  Sadly, we have another death to report, brought to our attention by Gregory Citarella in the following note: “On August 22, 2015 I had the privilege of playing for the funeral of one of our long time members of the CHVAGO - Anita P. Drake. Anita had been battling cancer and died at the age of 77. Her service took place at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in Staatsburg and was well-attended by her family and friends. I write you this note only because during the sermon it was mentioned that when I was dean of our chapter I had given Anita, along with a few others (e.g: Ray Corey) Certificates of Appreciation for their life work to the service of the church and as members of our chapter. In the sermon it was noted that Anita was so very proud of this and kept the framed certificate of appreciation on her piano and was very proud to show this memento off to everybody and anybody who walked through her front door. Hymns sung at Anita's service, which I understand were her favorites, included Rock of Ages, On Eagle's Wings, There Is a Balm in Gilead, Ave Maria by Schubert, and The Strife Is O'er. Anita had played at St. Margaret's in Staatsburg, St. Martin DePorres in Poughkeepsie, and other local churches.” Editor’s Note: Because of her poor health, Anita Drake had been unable to participate in chapter activities for several years. But I remember her fondly because of her graciousness to me when I first joined the chapter. May she rest in peace.  Installation of Chapter Officers for 2015-2016 will take place at the “Bach to Broadway” concert at Christ Church on October 3, 2015.

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 We bid a fond farewell to past dean Beverly Simmons, who has moved to New Mexico. Her new address is: Beverly Simmons 7250 Pajarito Rd. NE Rio Rancho, NM 87144 Her phone number is now only her current cell: 845-464-7809 Email will remain the same: [email protected] We will miss Beverly and wish her all the best in her new location!  Congratulations to Patrick Walker, who was awarded the chapter’s Margaret Pecoraro Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 for his studies at the McGill Summer Organ Academy in Montreal.  Joe Bertolozzi continues to be in the news for his Bridge Music, which can be heard at listening stations on the Mid-Hudson Bridge as well as on CD. The Tower Music project, which features sounds recorded at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is also in full swing. In addition, Joe has posted on Facebook a 7-part retrospective of his1985 organ concert tour to Portugal. The series links to his website and includes narrative, photos and actual live recordings of Joe playing during the tour. The entire series is available on our chapter’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHVAGO/]  Be sure to look for news of our chapter in the September issue of The American Organist magazine. Nice to see our doings reported in the official publication of our Guild!

Membership Questions Please address all questions regarding membership and ONCARD to our Registrar/Membership Coordinator, Barb Bayers. Her phone number is 203-260-4295 and her e-mail address is [email protected]. Deadline for Next Newsletter We are always glad to receive input for the chapter newsletter in the form of calendar items, reviews of recent concerts and events, biographies, letters, photographs, etc. In order to make sure these submissions can be processed in a timely fashion, please make sure they are received by the 23rd of each month. However, material such as calendar items may be submitted at any time; even if the material may not make it into the printed newsletter, it can be quickly posted on our web site at www.chvago.org.

You may submit newsletter or web site material by mail, e-mail, fax or phone. Just contact the editor, Susan LaGrande, using the information given above. Remember, the deadline for the next printed newsletter, to be available the first week in October 2015, is September 23. Editor’s Corner This newsletter is published by the Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The editor is: Susan LaGrande 12 Montrose Lane Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Phone: 845-226-6496 (home) - e-mail: [email protected]

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List of Organ Substitutes The following chapter members have indicated on their membership application that they will serve as substitute organists. Please contact them directly if you would like more information. Please note that only CHVAGO members in good standing are eligible to be included in this list. If you would like your name listed, please contact the editor using the information above. Denise Bassen 845-226-1564 Boyd Herforth 845-255-5298 Barbara Bayers 203-260-4295 Sally Hitchcock 845-596-2854 Brandon Beachamp 347-556-1112 Wesley Joseph 845-849-0104 Joe Bertolozzi 845-831-0695 Dorcinda Knauth 845-770-3444 Nancy Brown 845-373-9122 Andrew Kryzak 845-527-8662 Greg Citarella 845-297-7693 Timothy Lewis 914-949-2874 Reginald Earls 845-532-8282 Glenn May 908-890-4628 Richard C. Ehlenberg 845-658-9746 Janet Nickerson 845-561-0763 James Fitzwilliam 845-849-3606 Joanne Reed 845-361-3474 Justan Foster 518-965-2389 Anthony Rispo 914-979-5181 Janice Grace 917-882-9393 Laura R Russell 845-485-1648 Larry Hazard 845-452-0119 Patrick Walker 845-473-4208 Eric Hepp 845-489-2625 John Ward 917-657-4614

List of Organ Teachers The following chapter members have indicated on their membership application that they are accepting new organ students. Please note that only CHVAGO members in good standing are eligible to be included in this list. If you would like your name listed, please contact the editor using the information above. Gregory Citarella 845-297-7693 Timothy Lewis 914-949-2874 Justan Foster 518-965-2389 Janet Nelson Nickerson 845-561-0763 Larry Hazard 845-452-0119 Anthony Rispo 914-979-5181 Boyd Herforth 973-851-5192

Position Openings Editor's Note - Hiring institutions are encouraged to check references from applicants' previous employers. It should not be assumed that applicants who learn of position openings via these listings are endorsed by the Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Position openings are listed without charge for three months unless an extension is requested. If you would like to place a listing, please contact the editor, Susan LaGrande at 845-226-6496 or email [email protected]. Editor’s Note – Due to space considerations, position openings may include only the type of position and hiring institution. Complete information about positions is available on our web site at www.chvago.org, or contact the editor, Susan LaGrande, at 845-226-6496.

MUSIC DIRECTOR/ORGANIST - (Part-Time) ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL PARISH - SOUTH SALEM, NY St. John’s Episcopal Parish in South Salem, is seeking candidates to succeed our

Page 5 beloved Music Director/Organist who is retiring after 20 years. Joy-filled liturgy and worship are important to us. Our preference would be for a musician familiar with the Anglican liturgy, who can work with and grow our choir and coordinate the music program. The ideal candidate will be an energetic, creative individual who is willing to: Become familiar with Anglican worship if he or she is not already; work with our parish priest, taking the lead in planning Sunday and Holy Day Liturgies; plan rehearsal times with the choir; be open to coordinating music for our family and children’s services (9:30 AM); enjoy playing our magnificent Peragallo & Sons two-manual pipe organ, Opus 645 (2003); encourage and support our thriving guitar-based music program Saturdays at St. Paul’s Chapel at 313 Smith Ridge Road (Rte. 123), South Salem, NY; have the “right of first refusal” to play at all unscheduled services, such as weddings and funerals, with the terms of compensation to be determined by the organist; and have use of the church facilities, with the permission of the Vestry, for private lessons for students

Salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience, for an average of 10-15 hours per week.

St. John’s is located at 82 Spring Street, South Salem, NY 10590. Responses should be sent to [email protected], attention Music Director Search Committee. 9/3/2015

MUSIC DIRECTOR AND/OR ORGANIST - (Part-Time) FREEDOM PLAINS UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - LAGRANGEVILLE, NY The Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church, located on Route 55 in LaGrangeville, NY, at Stringham Road, across from Arlington High School, seeks one or two qualified individuals to serve as the music director and/or organist for our congregation. Two Sunday services, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, except during the summer, when there is a single worship service at 10:00 AM. One evening choir rehearsal per week (one service and no choir in the summer). Responsibilities of the music director will include selecting music for, rehearsing and directing an adult volunteer choir and several smaller ad-hoc groups such as praise band and youth choir. She or he should be willing to supervise, support, recruit and nurture both adult and youth music volunteers, bringing out the musical gifts God has given us as a community, and be willing to participate in the life of the church. The music director will also manage the music budget and schedule special music. This is a part-time position and salary is negotiable based on experience and breadth of responsibilities. The organ in our sanctuary is a 3-manual Allen MDS 41S, manufactured in the mid 90's. It has an Allen Vista 256 voice MIDI Expander. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest for either or both positions, a resume, at least three references and salary requirements to [email protected], or via US mail at: Music Director Search, c/o Freedom Plains United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 400 (1168 Route 55), LaGrangeville, NY 12540. A more detailed list of responsibilities and qualifications is available on request. 8/1/2015

ORGANIST/PIANIST/CHOIR DIRECTOR - (Part-Time) MARBLETOWN REFORMED CHURCH - STONE RIDGE, NY Marbletown Reformed Church seeks an Organist/Pianist/Choir Director to guide and grow the church's music program, a program that over the past decade has successfully blended traditional hymns and praise music in worship. The congregation is known for its warmth, caring and hospitality. Position requires Sunday morning (30-minute choir rehearsal at 9 AM; worship service at 10 AM), a one-hour choir rehearsal during the week (often Thursday evening or Saturday morning), special services (Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve), and

Page 6 weddings/funerals (additional stipend is customary). Church has a Rodgers 2-manual electronic organ in good condition, as well as 2 upright pianos. The choir of 6-8 members sings in unison or 2 voice parts. Looking for a mature, dedicated person with a servant heart and an enthusiastic, cooperative, and flexible spirit. Salary of $125-$150 per week, depending upon experience, with two weeks paid vacation per year. Contact the church at PO Box 63, 3750 Main Street, Stone Ridge, NY 12484, or [email protected] or 845-687-7701 for job description. 7/31/2015

ORGANIST/PIANIST - (Part-Time) THIRD LUTHERAN CHURCH -RHINEBECK, NY Filled 8/3/2015

ORGANIST - (Part-Time) ST. NICHOLAS-ON-THE-HUDSON EPISCOPAL CHURCH - NEW HAMBURG, NY Filled 9/3/2015

CHOIR DIRECTOR/ORGANIST (Part-Time) FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURC (UCC) – POUGHKEEPSIE, NY Filled 8/1/2015

Calendar of Events Please note: Due to space considerations, this Calendar of Events may exclude the following:  Events taking place outside the area served by the Central Hudson Valley Chapter  Events which conflict directly with chapter sponsored events Events listed in the calendar are not necessarily endorsed by CHVAGO. Please contact the editor if you have an event to be publicized. Boxed items are Central Hudson Valley AGO Chapter events. Names listed in bold face are chapter members.

Saturday, September 12, Art in the Sanctuary: Recital by Sarah Johnson 2015 Join us for an early evening recital in the Second Saturday 4:00 PM series with pianist and organist Sarah Johnson. Sarah, a Senior Music major at Vassar College, studies piano and organ performance; she recently placed second in the Eastern NY region of the American Guild or Organist's Regional Competition for Young Organists. She is a member of the Organ Historical Society and the American Guild of Organists.

After the recital, there will be a reception in the newly renovated Carriage House, adjoining the sanctuary, to recognize the musical talent of Sarah Johnson, and for the Beacon community to welcome and greet Father John Williams, Vicar of St. Andrew's Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Churches in Beacon. Location: St. Andrew's Church, 17 South Avenue (next to the fire station), Beacon, NY. Free admission. Info: 845-831- 1369 or [email protected] Sunday, September 13, Concerts Con Brio: “Rags, Blues, and All That Jazz” 2015 Virtuoso piano/vocal recital exploring the roots of American 4:00 PM Music. Presented by Peter Muir, pianist. Repertoire includes

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works by Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, James Scott, Fats Waller and more! Tickets $12 at the door; students free. Info: 845-452-8220. Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie. Thursday, September 17, Uptown Fine Arts Music Series: Justan Foster, Organ 2015 A mid-day break of musical performances featuring area artists 12:15 PM in a variety of musical programs. Justan Foster is Organist at First Reformed Church of Scotia, NY. Old Dutch Church is located on Main Street, between Fair and Wall Streets, in Uptown Kingston. All programs are free. Church is handicap accessible. Saturday, September 19, Benefit Concert by Kent Tritle 2015 New York Philharmonic organist Kent Tritle will be in recital 3:30 PM at The Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Amenia, NY to benefit the Oratorio Society of New York. Kent Tritle is an acclaimed choirmaster, Director of Cathedral Music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and a renowned organ virtuoso. The recital program includes works by Bach, Brahms, Walther and other Bach contemporaries. Tickets are $20 at the door. For more information call: 347-330-0973 or email:[email protected] Saturday, September 19, Concerts Con Brio: Piano Recital by Oscar Rodriguez 2015 Music of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy. Tickets $12 at the 7:00 PM door; students free. Info: 845-452-8220. Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie. Sunday, September 27, The Donald and Kathleen Pearson Memorial Organ Recital 2015 Professor of Organ at the University of Houston’s Moores 3:00 PM School of Music, Robert Bates has been hailed by The American Organist magazine as having “a beautifully refined technique, a profound understanding of rhythm and its subtleties, and a thorough sense of style.” He will present works by J.S. Bach, Buxtehude, and Brahms on the Paul Fritts organ in Skinner Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. Skinner Hall of Music, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604. Info: 845-437-7294. Visit http://www.vassar.edu/visitors for directions.

Saturday, October 3, 2015 Bach to Broadway: Two Organs, Two Organists, All Fun! 7:30 PM Join us for a celebration of traditional and contemporary presentations of both classical and popular music. On the classical side, James Fitzwilliam will play the Cummins Memorial Gress-Miles pipe organ which is resident at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. On the popular side is Nathan Avakian will play the New York Theatre Organ Society's portable Allen GW319EX (which just completed duty at the West Point Cadet Chapel while the resident

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instrument was undergoing repairs). James Fitzwilliam, "the barefoot wonder," is well-known to local audiences as a pianist, organist, and composer. Nathan Avakian, currently living in , is one of the winners of the International Young Theatre Organists Competition.

Selections will include a musical battle between Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and music from Phantom Of The Opera; a mash-up of All The Things You Are and Alles Was Du Bist; and an energetic two-organist arrangement of Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever. Other surprises will be forthcoming as well.

This event will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. The church is handicapped- accessible. Tickets at the door: $12; students free. Info: 914- 475-0444 or [email protected]

Sunday, October 25, 2015 Concerts Con Brio: "Sounds of the Forest" 7:00 PM Music for Flute and Piano by Foote, Reinecke, Schubert, and others. Katrina Elsnick, flute and Yalin Chi, piano. Tickets $12 at the door; students free. Info: 845-452-8220. Christ Episcopal Church. 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie.

Sunday, November 8, Concert of Music for Organ by Women Composers 2015 Presented by Gail Archer, organist. The concert will benefit 7:00 PM the Dutchess County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Watch this space for updated information as it becomes available. Priority seating: $25 at the door; general admission: $15. Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. Info: 845-452-8220.

Friday, November 20, Recruitment Concert by the Treble Choristers of the Saint 2015 Thomas Choir of Men and Boys 6:00 PM The Saint Thomas Choir School houses, nurtures and educates the boy choristers of the world-renowned choir of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue. Founded in 1919, and located in the heart of , Saint Thomas Choir School is the only church-affiliated boarding school of its kind in the United States. Co-Sponsored by: Central Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Cappella Festiva Chamber and Treble Choirs. Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (Handicapped accessible). Tickets go on sale Monday, September 14, 2015. Ticket Prices: $50, $35 and $25. Seating is limited for this event. All sales are final. No refunds. Info: 845-297-9797.

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Central Hudson Valley Chapter – AGO Susan LaGrande, Newsletter Editor 12 Montrose Lane Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 www.chvago.org

Soli Deo Gloria

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