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.

- January 2025 -

Greetings, chapter members and friends!

We hope that everyone had meaningful and glorious Christmas celebrations!

... If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part. Yet, what I can, I give him...

Organ Academy 2025 has ten registered participants! Let your friends and students know about this great opportunity for young people which is so important to the future of our profession. Registration closes Thursday, January 23.

Happy New Year 2025! Hoping to see everyone at The Hive.

Sincerely yours, Ed

Epiphany Gathering

Sunday, January 12, 2025

The Hive

2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Join us for dessert potluck and sharing news of our various December activities. You're invited!

Festival of Carols

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes

2:30 p.m.

You are invited to the annual Festival of Carols Joy to the World the Lord Is Come. The Cathedral Choir and Schola Cantorum will sing beloved Christmas pieces including Joy to the World with brass, organ and timpani; Ave Maria by Franz Biebl; And the Glory of the Lord from Handel's Messiah; and What Sweeter Music by John Rutter with string orchestra.

The congregation will join in singing the great Christmas carols Once in Royal David's City, Away in a Manger, We Three Kings, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and others.

Don't miss this glorious celebration concluding the Christmas season.

Organ Academy 2025

We are very excited about Organ Academy 2025!

Street Team assets - posters, social media images - are available at the bottom of the academy webpage. Print posters for your choir room, studio, or school music areas. Download and share the social media images on your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other pages.

We are especially thrilled about:

New Saturday Practice locations
New online registration and secure payment options

If you know accomplished piano students age 10-20 whose musical imaginations would be sparked by learning to play organ, direct them to the Organ Academy webpage! Help us spread the word.

Surge iuvenes organistae!

[click/tap image above for Street Team assets available at bottom of academy webpage]

Ethan Haman Continues to Inspire

The morning of November 11, after the Hymn Festival, Ethan Haman wanted to check out the organ at Central Lutheran Church before his return flight to New Haven, Connecticut.

After four minutes at the console, Ethan was home. He texted his airport ride that he needed an additional ten minutes twice; Ed Hurd couldn't pull him away from the organ!

It is Ethan's habit to record all of his improvisations. You may have noticed the small recording device on the bench next to him at First Presbyterian Church. His improvising at Central Lutheran was no exception.

Listen to eight minutes recorded as Ethan explored Central's Aeolian-Skinner/Balcom & Vaughan by clicking the button. (84 MB .wav file) His registrations are fascinating and his fugal improvisation is inspiring and brilliant.

Thank you for sending the recording, Ethan! You are a genius and a gentleman.

Church Music Institute Membership Discount

The Church Music Institute (CMI) is dedicated to the advancement and stewardship of the best sacred music for the use of Christian congregations. CMI trains new generations of clergy, musicians and laypersons for leading worship through workshops, courses, and conferences across the country. CMI also houses the most extensive online library of choral and organ music anywhere.

Membership in CMI is offered at a $40 discount (53% off!) to AGO members. Login and follow the link on the AGO Member Benefits page and take advantage of all CMI has to offer. The online library alone is amazing!