The Erzähler

The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.

- March 2025 -

Greetings, chapter members and friends!

Servanthood of Song in CONCERT on February 23 was a fascinating overview of the history of sacred music in the United States. Dr. Stan McDaniel conducted choir, soloists, and organists for a very large audience at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist!

February 25, we received excellent news about chapter member Jonathan Truong.

We look forward to celebrating Bach's 340th birthday with our 2nd annual Bachathon.

The Organ Academy students are astounding the teachers as they prepare for their April 27 recital. You will want to be there.

Always yours, Ed

Pictured above: choir, soloists, accompanists, speakers, and conductor

Many thanks to the musicians who labored long to prepare the February 23 concert outlined in Dr. Stan McDaniel's book Servanthood of Song! Exceptional contributions were made by Dr. McDaniel and the clergy and staff of Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Special thanks to Dr. Andrea Olsen, cathedral Director of Music Ministry, and accompanists Scott Rednour, cathedral organist; and Mark Haberman, former cathedral organist, currently organist for Trinity Lutheran Church, Coeur d'Alene.

If you missed the concert, take a look at the program with Dr. McDaniel's full program notes:

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We celebrate our chapter's newest Colleague of the American Guild of Organists - Jonathan Truong!

Long-awaited confirmation of his new status was received Tuesday, February 25, at 4:19 p.m. Congratulations, Jonathan Truong. We are proud of you!

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Jonathan Truong, CAGO, began his music studies with piano at the age of six, thanks to the encouragement of his parents. He has enjoyed numerous musical pursuits. Truong served as accompanist and bass singer with the Tehachapi Symphonic Chorus, and performed as a cellist in the Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra in California.

Since moving to Idaho, Truong has held the position of organist at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Post Falls, where he also sings tenor and occasionally directs the chant schola. He participates in the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene’s annual performance of Handel's Messiah as a chorus member. Truong studies organ with Dr. Janet Ahrend.

In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, drinking tea, messing around on the ukulele, and kendama. All glory be to God!

Bachathon 2025

Sunday, March 30, 2025

1:00 p.m. - Whitworth Church, Spokane

2:30 p.m. - St. Augustine Catholic Church, Spokane

4:00 p.m. - Trinity Lutheran Church, Coeur d'Alene

The organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach performed in three locations by a traveling team of four organists. Marietta Hardy, Mark Haberman, Jonathan Truong, and Henry Bauer play some of Bach’s most well-known works.

The St. Augustine performance is part of the year-long Pasi at 25 recital series. The series celebrates 25 years since the installation of the mechanical-action pipe organ built by Martin Pasi.

Join us at a location near you for this free celebration of Bach’s 340th birthday.

Help us spread the word; YOU are our "Street Team." Full information and Street Team assets HERE.

Organ Academy

Recital

The Organ Academy class of 2025 is preparing enthusiastically for their spring recital. The talent of these fine young people is truly awe-inspiring.

Put the date on your calendars. We look forward to a magnificent recital on Sunday, April 27 at Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant.

Surge

iuvenes

organistae!

Free Organ

Gulbransen "President" model

Condition: excellent

Location: Spokane

Contact: Paul Manly, (509) 979-1627

pmanly@icehouse.net