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.

- January 2024 -

- Organ Academy Edition -

Greetings, chapter members and friends!

Our Organ Academy 2024 begins on Saturday, January 27. Online registration is now open!

Do you know a piano student, age 10-20 who would be excited by this opportunity? Share the Organ Academy information with them. Resource links are available on the webpage and this email.

Many, many thanks to Janet Ahrend and Carolyn Payne for moving this educational outreach project forward! Along with those who have committed to serve as teachers and group practice session venue hosts, we applaud you.

Very best regards,

P.S. Remember the Epiphany Party on Sunday, January 14. See you there!

The American Guild of Organists – Spokane Chapter presents an opportunity for piano students, ages 10 to 20, to receive instruction in organ playing for only $10 per lesson (total $100). The program engages young musicians and sparks their musical imaginations through experiencing the joy of playing fine organ music.

The academy takes place at various regional church locations culminating in a public recital at Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant. It runs Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. through the public recital Sunday, April 28 at 3:00 p.m.

Complete information is available on the academy webpage.

Register to participate HERE.

Download and print full information sheet HERE.



Download and print bulletin board poster HERE.

Organ Academy Directors

Janet Ahrend - Carolyn Payne

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

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

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

Location: Central Lutheran Church/City Covenant

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

June 23 - 1:00 p.m.

Potluck and Election of Officers

Location: Manito Park (tentative)

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, updated chapter member directory at the links below:

• Mobile version

• Desktop/Print version

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