Elaine Gardner, Editor 141 Cleveland Drive Kenmore, N.Y. 14223-1027

NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. XXXIII No. VI

NEXT EVENT: ORGAN RECITAL – CHRISTOPHER HOULIHAN

Cosponsored by the Buffalo Chapter AGO and the UB Music Department

Organist Christopher Houlihan is widely acknowledged as one of the brightest stars in the new generation of American organists, praised by the media as “gifted” (New York Times), “dazzling” (Wall Street Journal), and “eloquent” (Los Angeles Times). Still in his 20's, Houlihan's international performing career is well underway, having performed in celebrated venues in major cities across North America and Europe, as well as at numerous conventions of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. Houlihan's Fall 2014 tour takes him to Los Angeles, CA for his Disney Hall debut, Hartford, CT; Buffalo, NY; San Antonio, TX and more.

Christopher Houlihan's “Vierne2012” tour attracted international attention and critical acclaim for his marathon performances of the six organ symphonies of Louis Vierne in six major North American cities. The Los Angeles Times called his performance there “a major surprise of the summer, a true revelation.” Houlihan returns to Los Angeles in Fall 2014 for his debut at Disney Hall in a concert which features principal brass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.������

Houlihan studied with Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs at The Juilliard School, where he earned a master's degree, and with John Rose at Trinity College (Hartford). During a year in France, he studied with Jean-Baptiste Robin at the Versailles Conservatory earning the "Prix de Perfectionnement,” an award equivalent to a university artist diploma. While abroad he performed for the then President and First Lady of the United States, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Bush at the American Cathedral in Paris. ���

Houlihan's recordings include music of Maurice Duruflé and Jehan Alain, and Organ Symphony No. 2 by Louis Vierne, both on Towerhill Records. Houlihan lives in New York City, where he is Artist-in-Residence at St. Ignatius of Antioch Church. More information, including photos and videos, can be found at: christopherhoulihan.com. (from: classicalmjsiccommunicatiions.com)

Don’t miss hearing this outstanding, sensational, young performer. We are privileged to have him performing on the Slee Hall organ. Come to enjoy this wonderful recital and then a “Chris Snyder” reception following the performance where you can visit with colleagues and friends, and meet Christopher. Remember to bring your AGO membership card which will get you one free ticket for the recital. Your Patron Card will get you two free tickets. See you on November 7th!

“Christopher Houlihan has traversed the trajectory of ‘Rising Star’ to ‘Risen Star’ in a remarkably brief period of time…. He combines elegance and grace with brilliance and bravado…. His outstanding interpretive and communicative skills make him an audience favorite.” (The American Organist, 2012)

Christopher Houlihan Organist

“YOUNG STAR ORGANIST ASTONISHES: Star power is possible, even in the world of organ performance.” (The Birmingham News AL, 2011, awarded 5 out of 5 stars)

“Once again the pipe organ emerges as ‘The King of Instruments,’ and Christopher Houlihan is its youngest and most promising interpreter in the realm…. the crowd was in a full roar of approval….Christopher has “IT” – that elusive something ‘which draws others with its magnetic force.’” (Huffington Post, 2012) (from: concertartists.com/Houli.html)

The Bombarde is published five or six times a year by the Buffalo Chapter AGO

Elaine Gardner, Editor Kenmore, New York

E-mail: ecgardner@roadrunner.com subscription by membership

MEET OUR CHAPTER OFFICERS . . . This is the first in a series of biographies about each of our Buffalo Chapter officers. One will appear in each next Bombarde:

DEAN: John P. Novak has served as the Organist and Minister of Music at University Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, since September 2005. John also holds a full time teaching position at Letchworth Central School in Gainesville where he directs four choruses and teaches general music and music theory at the middle and and high school levels, as well as co-directing the annual spring musical production. John studied organ with Jonathan Biggers and Judy Congdon and holds degrees from Binghamton University (Master of Music in organ performance) and Houghton College (Bachelor of Music in Music Education). In recent years John has performed organ recitals in Geneseo, Buffalo, Binghamton and East Aurora. He is also very involved in several Western New York music organizations, currently serving as President of the Genesee Valley School Music Association, Western New York District Convener of the AGO and Treasurer of the Portageville Chapel, a retreat for organists. John has previously served the Buffalo Chapter as Sub-Dean and as a member of the Executive Committee. John is currently pursuing an advanced degree in school administration at the University at Buffalo and resides in the rural community of North Java. NUNC DIMTTIS

We recently received word that long-time Buffalo Chapter member, Howard Penny passed away in North Carolina on October 31, 2013. Howard was very active in our chapter but found, several years ago, that he had to move away from the area for health reasons. He has always been a generous Guild Patron. He worked for the phone company, did organ consulting work, and was an Episcopal Church musician. RIP POSITIONS OPEN . . .

Only churches providing F.I.C.A. and Workers’ as well as Unemployment and Disability Insurance are

listed, and a written contract will be provided for all positions listed unless otherwise noted.

New Position Organist-Director: Church of the Nativity UCC, Town of Tonawanda:

one 10:30 Sunday morning service, six extra services; direct and rehearse weekly Adult Choir and Bell Choir [And optional for the position: direct and rehearse three Youth Choirs and/or the Praise Team that performs at the 9:00 AM Sunday service]; one or two concerts per year; staff meeting about every 6 weeks, one staff (day) retreat per year, monthly Worship Committee meeting, bi-monthly meetings with the pastor; two manual, 8 rank Schlicker organ (25-30 yrs. old); church does not use denominational guidelines; Benefits: 4 weeks paid vacation, others negotiable; Salary: $15,000 – $30,000 [Evaluation = Minimum – Adequate depending on the scope of the position] contact Margaret Hilligas at margaret@nativityucc.org

Previously Listed Still Open Organist-Singer: Infant of Prague RC Church, Snyder: Organist with

ability to play and sing and work with the Music Director Organist-Director / : St. Katharine

Drexel RC Church, Buffalo: contact Fr. James Monaco at 895-6813 or cell: 228-2514

Organist-Director: Riverside Presbyterian Church, Niagara Falls, NY: To begin Jan. 1, 2015 – two Sunday morning services (one with choir), three extra services, weekly choir rehearsal with Adult choir, staff meetings; 2 man. 1950 Moller organ; church uses it’s own guidelines, 4 weeks paid vacation and AGO / other dues paid; Salary: $11,000 – $13,000 [Evaluation = Good] contact Rev. Laura Norris Buisch at: lnorrisbuich@yahoo.com or 283-9752

PLEASE NOTE: For information about other Roman Catholic Church positions please call Alan Lukas at 652-6565

IMPORTANT: You are reminded that listing of positions in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by the Buffalo Chapter A.G.O. or any of its committees. Appropriateness of a position must be judged by the applicant him/her self. For help with this, you may wish to contact the Placement Chair for additional information about a position and/or consult with a member who previously\held the position. You are also reminded to be very cautious about accepting a position without a written contract.

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COMING EVENT . . . On Friday, January 23 the chapter will hold our annual Post-Epiphany

Dinner –– 6:30 PM at Banchetti Buy Rizzo’s, 550 North French Road in Amherst (same venue as last year). If you plan to attend this dinner, please notify Caryn Lawler at 838-2385 / lawler.caryn@gmail.com by one week before the dinner. There may not be a January Bombarde. If not, more information about the cost etc. will be emailed to you, or you can call Caryn.

NEXT BOARD MEETING

The next Board Meeting will be on November 7th at 6:45 in Slee Hall –– immediately preceding the Christopher Houlihan recital. And remember, if you are an Executive Committee member you are expected to attend these meetings. PLEASE BE SURE to let Caryn Lawler know if you are unable to attend a meeting (lawler.caryn@gmail.com / 838-2385 DATE DOCKET . . . a l i st in g of memb ers even ts

All events are free unless otherwise noted Sunday, November 16 at 5:00 PM – Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 26

Brunswick Blvd., Buffalo: The Royal Serenaders Concert; $10 donation

Sunday, November 23 at 4:00 PM – Calvary Episcopal Church, Williamsville – Evensong by the St. Paul’s Cathedral Choirs

ORCHARD PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – EVENTS: Sunday, November 23 at 5:00 PM – A Service of Lessons and Carols

presented by the clergy and choirs of OPPC Friday, December 5 at 7:30 PM – Handel’s Messiah presented by the Advent

Chorale of WNY, Soloists, and WNY Chamber Orchestra – Gregory White, Director-Conductor; Admission $10

Friday, December 19 at 6:45 PM – Advent Spiral –– music by Doug Yeomans. Guitar

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, BUFFALO – EVENTS: Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 PM – Service of Lessons and Carols Every Wednesday – Recitals at 12:30 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BUFFALO – EVENTS: Friday, October 31 at 8:30 PM – Organist Garrett Martin accompanies the

1925 silent film The Phantom of the Opera in the sanctuary Sunday, November 2 at 11:00 AM – A Celebration of the Feast of All Saints

– the WPC Choir presents Herbert Howells’ Hymnus Paradisi (1938) Fridays, November 21 and December 19 at 5:30 PM – Taizé Worship in

Holmes Chapel – a candlelit meditative service Wednesday, December 24 at 11:00 AM – WPC Choir presents Vivaldi’s

Gloria followed by A Festival Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols

LISTEN TO PIPEDREAMS SUNDAY NIGHTS – 10:00 PM

WNED-FM 94.5 / WNJA-FM 89.

BOMBARDE DEADLINES

Please note these dates for your articles and Date Docket material:

Issue Deadline Date January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA if there is an issue March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 13 April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 1 May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1

FROM THE DEAN . . . What a fantastic opening weekend! If you were not able to attend any of the events of our opening weekend with Bruce Neswick at Westminster, you missed something great. On Saturday, Bruce led a workshop on service playing and improvisation for 30 attendees. Bruce employed his expertise and wit to provide an educational, inspiring and enjoyable two hour seminar. On Sunday afternoon Westminster church hosted a beautiful opening festival service for the chapter. Bruce’s service playing and improvisations were masterful and the combined choir of over 50 voices was stunning. A special thanks to Garrett Martin and Alex Benestelli for all of their work planning the service and preparing their choirs. I hope to see everyone at our next event at UB featuring organist Christopher Houlihan. I heard Christopher perform in Hartford at the regional convention a couple of years ago, and I know we are in for a wonderful performance. Looking forward...

John P. Novak Dean The workshop with Bruce

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