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.

- December 2023 -

Greetings, chapter members and friends!

It was fantastic to see everyone at Zion Lutheran Church on October 22. Many, many thanks to Taylor Giese, Zion Lutheran Church staff and congregation, all who participated in the choir, instrumental ensembles, and everyone who attended the celebration. For those of you unable to attend, download the program HERE.

To see so many young people in the ensembles and audience was exciting. One never knows what or when the spark of wonder and excitement will ignite a young musical imagination. Take a look at this short CBS video documentary.

As we anticipate launch of the 2024 Organ Academy, think back on what experiences moved and inspired you to become involved in music. Are there young people you know who might be inspired by exposure to the thrilling sonorities of organ music? Someone we can all help encourage?

For me, my life direction changed when I attended the two-day series of dedicatory concerts given by E. Power Biggs on the organ at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Portland. My father suspected I would be interested even though I was only 10 years old. Two evenings of amazing sights and sounds. Though it has been 57 years (yikes!), I remember the reception clearly; grown-ups everywhere milling and chatting, and the artist standing alone(!) by the wall. I marched right up to E. Power Biggs, shook his hand, and talked to him about how I was learning to play piano and organ, too! Biggs' smile, interest, and words of encouragement set me on a course that has shaped my life.

Is there a young person you know for whom you can be an E. Power Biggs ... or University of Michigan Marching Band?

With best regards,

Images by Mark Haberman.

Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 14 - 3:00 p.m.

The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague

Join us for a post-Advent/Christmas decompression session at The Hive! Bring: snacks or desserts to share.

The Hive® is a non-traditional library centered around arts education and free, public event space—no books or computers here! It is also home to the administrative offices for Spokane Virtual Learning and the Library’s Artists-In-Residence Program.

January 14 - 3:00 p.m.

Epiphany Party

Location: The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague

Bring: snacks and/or desserts to share, and your stories from Advent and Christmas!

February 25 - 3:00 p.m.

Video: The Great Organs of First Church

Location: St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 24th Ave. & Grand Blvd

A look at the astounding organ resources of First Congregational Church, Los Angeles. Presented on big screen with excellent audio. Popcorn will be served!

April 7 - 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30 p.m.

A sixty-minute program of Bach performed throughout the area by a team of four intrepid organists.

April 28 - 3:00 p.m.

Organ Academy Recital

Hear our young organists who give us hope for the future!

June 23 - 1:00 p.m.

Potluck and Election of Officers

The official organization date of the Spokane Chapter is January 1, 1946. It is not too early to begin planning the festival 2025-2026 season!

There is much to be done in order to launch a memorable and successful season of amazing concerts and meaningful activities celebrating 80 years of positive impact in the Inland Empire. Ideas include:

• Performance(s) by nationally/internationally known young organist(s)
• Recitals by our chapter members
• Organ building seminar by a major builder who has or is about to contribute to the area organ scene
• Organ crawls through interesting instruments
• Events focused on young organists
• Proclamations from Governor and Mayor: "Spokane AGO Day"
• Letters of congratulation from elected governmental officials
• Massive media coverage

Along with all the activities, strategies for funding and sources need to be in place well in advance.

What ideas do you have? What would you like the 2025-2026 season to look like? Would you like to help with planning? We will need help from every chapter member to prepare and execute the plans!

Contact the 80th Season Task Force Mark Haberman and Joseph Schubert to give us your thoughts and volunteer to help.

Are you planning to attend the AGO 2024 National Convention? Visit the convention website. June 30-July 4, 2024 in San Francisco promises to be an inspiring and exciting time!

- Member Directory -

Download and view the latest chapter member directory at the links below:

• Mobile version
• Desktop/Print version

Digital availability of this document:

• allows for up-to-date contact information
• saves printing costs
• is friendly to the environment

Like and follow our new Facebook and LinkedIn pages!

- News Items -

Send news items and event announcements to be featured in Erzähler issues to Sub-Dean Taylor Giese. Items of sudden interest to the chapter membership may also be sent directly to Taylor.

Your Spokane Chapter Officers are serving in the following areas:

• Program – Henry Bauer, Nisha Coulter, Joseph Schubert, Mark Haberman
• Communications/Marketing – Taylor Giese
• Development/Finance – Marlys Meece
• Membership – Marietta Hardy
• Professional Concerns – Henry Bauer
• Nominating – Mark Haberman