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Dean: Susan Lohnas Sub-dean: Recording Secretary: Donna Tallman Registrar/Treasurer: Michael J. Ricchiuti Corresponding Secretary: Joan Pearson Chaplain: The Rev. Paige Convis Board Members: Brad Day Charlotte Palmeri David Vredenburg Brian Hoffman Trevor Kahlbaugh Derek Stannard Table of Contents: 1 Dean’s Corner 2 Dearden Organ Dedication; Jonies Recital 3 Cathedral Choir; May Events 4 May, June Events 5 Announcements 6 Ballot From the editor … The Clarion is the official newsletter of the Eastern New York Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and is published monthly ten times per year with a combined summer issue published on June 1. Submissions for The Clarion must be sent to the editor by the 25th of the month prior to publication. The editor retains the right and responsibility to accept, reject, and/or edit any and all submissions. All submissions pertaining to the month of publication will be printed. Submissions pertaining to subsequent months will be included space permitting. Submit material to: Joan Pearson, editor jpearson@nycap.rr.com (518) 399-9002

hTo promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles,

to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration,

education, and certification of Guild members.

Dean’s Corner Spring is here at last! In April, we were privileged to partner with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany to host David Jonies for an enlightening workshop on service playing and an excellent concert. A big thanks to Brian Gurley for leading this event. See more details elsewhere in this issue. Our scholarship winners this year are George Scherck and Matthew Pascazio, students of Al Fedak. Come and hear them

perform, along with former scholarship winners Silas Strich and Brandon Dumas, in the Scholarship Students’ Recital on Friday, May 18th, 7:00 PM, at Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady. After the recital we will have a reception and a brief Annual Meeting with election of officers for the coming year. PLEASE NOTE – this is a change in venue from what was published in the directory. Thanks to Neil Keen for leading the scholarship program. As we wrap up the program year, it’s time to think about membership renewals and the upcoming Directory in the fall. We are fortunate to have 120 members. The chart below shows how they break out by type of membership. We are indeed an aging population, but it is encouraging to see a growing number of Young Organists.

AGO membership runs for 12 months from the month in which you pay your dues. For most of us, renewals are due in the months of July, August, and September. You will be notified by AGO when your renewal is due. You will be directed to the ONCARD system to renew your membership. Please note that the data you provide on the renewal form is what will appear in the chapter Directory. Be particularly careful to include your current position(s) and whether you are available to substitute. Soon we will start planning the

2018-2019 programs. Please send me any ideas or comments you have that would help this planning process. Soli Deo Gloria, Sue Lohnas Dean, ENYAGO

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DEARDEN ORGAN DEDICATION RECITAL

On April 8 at Schenectady County Community College, a lovely dedication of the Harriet Dearden Allen digital practice organ was held in the Carl Taylor Auditorium. Alfred Fedak was the skilled organist (and also the music department professor of organ music) with accompanying performances by Mrs. Susan Fedak (soprano), Petia Kassarova (cello), and William Meckley (trombone). The instruments enhanced the organ’s diversity while the

remodelled speakers gave a strong voice to the organ itself. “Concerto in G Minor” by Graun was the opening piece and caught the attention of the listeners. “Concerto in Eb for Alto Trombone” by Georg Wagenseil was a good blend and fast-paced. “Piece d”Orgue (Fantasia in G)” by JS Bach was very good and led into “Sharp Stones” by the organist, demonstrating a lovely soft tone as it blended with the cello.

“Deuxieme Chorale” by Andriessen was powerful and impressive. “Pie Jesu” with Mrs. Fedak, Mr. Fedak, and Ms. Kassarova was a good blend of instruments and voice. Lastly, “Sonata for Worship” by Mr. Fedak showed off the full range of the instrument and its stops. Donna Tallman

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DAVID JONIES WORKSHOP AND RECITAL

On April 10, David Jonies performed on the digital Allen at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany after conducting a workshop on service playing. He opened with “Praeludium in E Major BuxWV 141” by Buxtehude, which had strong pedalboard work and a fully complex harmony. His “Partita” by Bach had a strong interweave of melody and resounding pedal at the end. “March on a

Theme by Handel” by Guilmant was dramatic, with dynamic pedal and volume. Three choral preludes by Saint-Saëns, Brahms, and Piechler were subdued, calm, and light with a surprisingly crystalline sound for “Salve Regina.” “Pavane- Danse Liturgique Pour Orgue” by Proulx had interesting contrasts with the pedals and flutes. “Mozart Changes” by Zsolt Gardonyi had a playful rhythm with jazz and calliope-like sounds. “Sonata #1 in F Minor op. 65” by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy was a precise, dramatic, thundering piece with contrasting keyboard and heavy pedal. Mr. Jonies showed remarkable skill, talent, and musicianship.

The photo shows Mr. Jonies during the workshop, with the organist from Mater Christi. DT

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**STUDENTS’ RECITAL AND ENYAGO ANNUAL MEETING**

7:00 PM * FRIDAY, MAY 18

Zion Lutheran Church

153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady

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On April 17, the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys of the Cathedral of All Saints sang a program that included the Mass Euge Bone by Christopher Tye and the Duruflé Requiem. Woodrow Bynum, Director of Music, conducted, and Jonathan Vaughn, Guest Organist, accompanied. All proceeds of the concert benefitted the continuation of the Lloyd Cast Organ Fellowship and the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys. This choir is the oldest continually singing choir of its kind in the United States. Pictured are Woodrow Bynum and Jonathan Vaughn.

From Isabelle Demers: There will be a summer organ institute at Baylor from June 10-16, 2018. The week will include lessons, group classes in service playing and organ literature, concerts, a visit to the carillon tower, and a silent movie! There is however always much time to practice and to enjoy the company of other students. More information can be found here: https://www.baylor.edu/busmc/doc.php/260481.pdf

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ENYAGO CHAPTER & OTHER NEARBY EVENTS

***Friday Noontime Organ Concerts * Free Half-Hour Organ Concerts each Friday at 12:30, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, State and Lodge Streets, Albany. All are welcome. ***

May Saturday, May 5, 7:30 PM * A German Requiem, Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville By Johannes Brahms. Carla Fisk, soprano, and Woodrow Bynum, baritone, accompanied by pianists Michael Clement and Noah Palmer. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students. Friday, May 18, 7:00 PM * Scholarship Students’ Recital, ENYAGO Annual Meeting, Reception, Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady George Scherck and Matthew Pascazio, 2018 winners, and Silas Strich and Brandon Dumas, past winners. Reception following recital.

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Sunday, May 20, 3:00 PM * Festival Celebration Choir Presents “High Notes from Opera to Broadway”, First Lutheran Church of Albany, 181 Western Avenue Julie Panke, Director, and Justan Foster, accompanist. Roseann Hargrave and John Spinelli, soloists. Tickets are $18; $13 for seniors and students. Tuesday, May 22, Noon * Free Concert at Proctor’s, Schenectady Bring your lunch, bring a friend and hear Goldie, the Theatre Organ. June Friday, June 1, 7:30 PM * “He’s Coming Back,” Concert at First Lutheran Church of Albany, 181 Western Avenue Susan Hale playing organ music of Purcell, Bach and Widor. Hymns and gospel music on theme of Christ’s return. Marissa Scotti and Daniel Washington, and Siddharth Dubey, soloists. All singers invited to join in the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ as the finale. Art show and reception following the concert. For more information, call 518-393-4046. Sunday, June 10, 4:30 PM * Organ Recital, 1st Presbyterian Church, 209 Union Street, Schenectady Elinore Farnum, organist. Guest artist: the choir from Sayles School of Music, directed by Rachel Gaine. Free will offering will be taken to benefit Christian camps. Handicap accessible. Monday, June 11, 4:30-6:00 PM * June Afternoon Music Social! First Presbyterian Church, 400 Glen Street, Glens Falls A new event. As a preview to the Beeman Organ Concert, the Worship and Music Committee and Bryan Kirk will offer a new social event to highlight the music activities of our church for members, concert friends and the greater community. Refreshments will be served and concert organist David Enlow, who will be playing the Beeman Organ Concert the next evening, will speak about his program and play a short preview for all attendees as a musical teaser. Everyone is invited to attend this gathering, free of charge, but admission is by advance reservation. Please email or call Bryan Kirk to reserve a space: kbkirk@fpcgf.org or 518-793-2521, ext. 217. Tuesday, June 12, Noon * Free Concert at Proctor’s Schenectady Malcolm Kogut plays Goldie, the Theatre Organ. Bring your lunch and bring a friend. Tuesday, June 12, 7:30 PM * June Beeman Organ Concert, First Presbyterian Church, 400 Glen Street, Glens Falls David Enlow, concert organist from NYC and on the faculty at Juilliard, will present masterworks and transcriptions including works by Bach, Franck, Widor, Debussy, Dvorak, and Verdi to fully utilize the tonal resources of our two pipe organs. Come and enjoy an engaging program of fine music in our church by a fantastic musician. Suggested donation is $10. *********************************************************************************************

Please send important information, calendar notifications, articles and photos to me at the following email address by the 25th of each month, so that The Clarion will be online and in the mail by the first day of the new month:

jpearson@nycap.rr.com . Joan Pearson

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW MEMBER Dan Foster 115 Elmgrove Avenue Troy, NY 12180 DanFoster1@gmail.com

-------------------- ENYAGO ANNUAL MEETING: Friday, May 18, following the 7:00 Scholarship Students’ Recital. Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady. Please print and bring the ballot on p. 6 of this issue. Completed ballots will be collected at the meeting.

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ORGANIST/WORSHIP LEADER WANTED! Immanuel Lutheran Church, Niskayuna, N.Y. Desired Abilities: -Able to play both organ and piano -Open to working with other musicians -Open to both traditional and contemporary worship music -Able to aid in design of weekly worship experiences Instruments: -Allen Digital Computer Organ -Baldwin Digital Piano Salary: -$125/service Contact: -Rev. Matthew Schultz o. 518-346-1958 c. 314-440-2168 email: pastormcschultz@gmail.com

---------------------- ORGANMASTER SHOES FOR SALE: Like new, black, women’s size 7-1/2. $50. Contact Marian Zrelak at 518-767-9072.

-------------------- SHAPENOTE SINGING: Experience the old harmonies of the Sacred Harp tunebook every Wednesday from 6-8 PM in the Great Hall of St. George’s Episcopal Church, 30 N. Ferry St., Schenectady. More information at albanysacredharp.org. Come join us, and let your friends who love to sing know about this new opportunity. All are welcome.

-------------------- By way of Edee I received a copy of the first newsletter of the Finland Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. It is very neat . If you would like to see it, contact Edee Silva or me and we will forward a copy to you. In turn we will be sharing the Clarion with Finland! To see a clip of their 2017 Chapter recital, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=:8ri6tKEi2M&t

-------------------- FROM THE AGO: You can register for the National Convention in Kansas City.

- AGO Regular Member, $495 - AGO Senior (65+) Member, $450 - Spouse/Partner, $350 - Young Organist (under 30), $250

The full bus transportation package ($175 for those 30 and over) is recommended. For Young Organists under 30, the bus is only $100 for the entire convention. Daily and single-event bus passes are also being offered. Complete convention information can be found at www.agokc2018.com

FROM THE MONTREAL ORGAN FESTIVAL: The Canadian International Organ Competition will be hosting a talk with Alcée Chriss and Jean-Willy Kunz live on Facebook on May 9th at 2 PM. Participants will be able to tune in live and ask them anything. During this event they will also be unveiling the schedule for the 2018 CIOC Festival, taking place in Montreal October 7-30.

CONGRATULATIONS to our scholarship winners: George Scherck and Matthew Pascazio!!

PLEASE PRINT THE BALLOT ON PAGE 6 AND BRING IT TO THE

ANNUAL MEETING ON FRIDAY, MAY 18.

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American Guild of Organists

Ballot 2018

Officers: One-year term

____ Dean Susan Lohnas

____ Sub-dean Douglas Lohnas

____ Treasurer / Registrar Michael Ricchiuti

____ Corresponding Secretary Joan Pearson

____ Recording Secretary Kate Storms

Directors: Three-year term (2018-2021); vote for two

____ Nancy Frank

____ Donna Tallman

Please bring ballot to annual meeting on May 18 at Zion Lutheran, Schenectady, or mail to:

ENYAGO c/o Donna Tallman 1320 Waterside Way Cohoes, NY 12047