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Category: Chapter Events

Master Class with Dr. Damin Spritzer

Master Class with Dr. Damin Spritzer

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These are events coming soon through the Wichita AGO.  Think of the young musicians you know who have potential or interest and help spread the word and good news! Saturday, April 18, 2020   10:00 am  “Masterclass with Damin Spritzer” First Presbyterian Church 525 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS. Click HERE to sign up for the masterclass. Biography: After an appointment as Visiting Professor of Music for the Fall of 2014, Dr. Damin Spritzer has been full-time Assistant Professor of Organ at…

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Chapter Social Event!

Chapter Social Event!

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The Wichita (KS) Chapter AGO enjoyed its annual social event on Sunday, February 9, at First Church of the Brethren with a potluck, and catered barbecue ribs furnished by the Chapter.  Sales of music from the Chapter’s extensive library of organ music, mostly donated by deceased members, went toward the Scholarship Fund to pay for POEs and lessons for young organists.  The entertainment was playing Organ Jeopardy with such categories as Wichita Chapter History, National Organization History, Composers, Inventions, Compositions,…

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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Wednesday, Feb. 5, 5:15 PM WEDNESDAYS IN WIEDEMANN LYNNE DAVIS, organist Wiedemann Hall, WSU, Wichita   Saturday, February 8, 7:00 PM PLYMOUTH WORD AND NOTE: PERFORMANCE Bassoons Across Nebraska, a bassoon quartet Plymouth Congregational Church 202 N. Clifton, Wichita *ticketed event   Sunday, February 9, 4 PM/5PM WAGO WINTER CHAPTER SOCIAL Church of the Brethren 1103 Jefferson, Wichita   Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4 PM BETHEL ORGAN SERIES STARS – Students of KU Organ Department Bethel College Admin. Building Chapel 300…

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Student Update!

Student Update!

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On January 5, twelve dedicated students, many of whom are alumni of Pipe Organ Encounters, gave an Epiphany eve recital for an appreciative crowd of AGO members, parents, and other church music enthusiasts.  The large two-manual Berghaus instrument in Wichita’s Church of the Resurrection showcased literature from simple two-part Christmas carols to the Dupre G Minor Prelude and Fugue. Participants included Catherine Hinson, Gabriella Hinson, Natalia Jimenez, David Hinson, Grace May, Ben Kraus, Scotney Reichenberger, Matthew Kroeker, Amy McLellan, Nick…

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Chapter Social Event!

Chapter Social Event!

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Our chapter is hosting a social event at First Church of the Brethren, 1103 Jefferson in Wichita, on Sunday afternoon, February 9. Doors open at 4:00 for fellowship and browsing through an extensive library of organ music that is available for sale. While proceeds are dedicated to our scholarship program, no reasonable offer will be refused! At 5:00, a pot luck dinner begins. Please bring a vegetable, fruit, salad, or dessert. The chapter will provide pork ribs from Bite Me BBQ and beverages….

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2020 Updates!

2020 Updates!

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The Wichita Chapter of American Guild of Organists has much to offer young people involved and enthusiastic about piano, pipe or digital organs, and church music! These are events coming soon through the Wichita AGO.  Think of the young musicians you know who have potential or interest and help spread the word and good news! Saturday, March 7, 2020  Hutchinson Organ Scholarship Auditions   Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Ave Hutchinson.  Young interested pianists or organists audition for organ study…

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Wichita State Organ Day

Wichita State Organ Day

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This is a special invitation to all organists and pianists in the Kansas area!  Please come and join us to discover and play the great Marcussen organ in Wiedemann Hall on the campus of Wichita State University on SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019 between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Guest organist from Dallas’ First Presbyterian Church, Thomas Froehlich, will be there to guide us through what it is to play the organ today, how to use creative registration, how to “hear”…

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Pre-Concert Dinner

Pre-Concert Dinner

Chapter members, friends, and guests are invited to join for dinner at Sweet Basil, 2424 N. Woodlawn, on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.  The dinner will precede the Rie Bloomfield Organ Recital of artist Renee Anne Louprette at Weidemann Hall on the campus of Wichita State University at 7:30 p.m..  Reservations for dinner must be emailed to Annette Lindal by Friday, November 9

Jeff Patry Recital

Jeff Patry Recital

Sunday, Nov. 4, 3:00 PM Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson Join Emanuel Lutheran as they celebrate 25 years of the Casavant organ with organist Jeffery Patry. A reception to follow. Jeffrey A. Patry is currently the Director of Sacred Music and Organist at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Robbinsdale, MN.  A native of Hutchinson, KS; Jeffrey’s early organ study was with Mrs. Shirley Brandyberry.  Jeffrey graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.M. in Organ Performance studying under…

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Hymn Festival

Hymn Festival

Organist Christopher Shaw will present a festival of Harvest, Praise, and Thanksgiving. The program will include hymn settings found in the November and Autumn publications by Augsburg and the Autumn Festivals publication by Oxford. Christopher Shawis a graduate of Bethel College and Wichita State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in organ performance and a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting.  Shaw is currently the Choral Director at Goddard High School. In addition to teaching, Shaw is the staff organist at Plymouth Congregational…

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Upcoming Events 2018

Upcoming Events 2018

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS: “Rising Stars,  A Recital of Young Organists” Sunday, March 4, 2018                                       4:00 p.m. Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Rd., Wichita   A recital showcasing the recipients of the 2017 Wichita AGO Student Organ Scholarships.     **** Submissions for the Newsletter must be received by the 20th of each month. Submit them to agowichita@gmail.com

Hesston College Andover Organ Series

Hesston College Andover Organ Series

Hesston College Andover Organ Series Submitted by Ken Rodgers Hesston College will have its inaugural season of the Andover Organ Series this spring. The Andover organ was installed in February 2008. Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 pm Emmanuel Arakelian, Paris, France. Organist in residence at St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana. Tuesday, March 21, 7:00 pm Kevin J Vaughn, Professor of Organ, Goshen College, Goshen, IN. Concerts are on the Andover Organ at Hesston Mennonite Church, Hesston, KS. Free admission. Watch for further details…

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Rie Bloomfield Organ Day

Rie Bloomfield Organ Day

We will have the immense pleasure of welcoming a second time the renowned French organ-builder, Bertrand Cattiaux, who was here 2 years ago.  This time he will talk about the great organ at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, its history and what changes have come about and which ones are coming in the future.  We will hear him speak as well as hear and see the organ through his recordings and slides. This is a very popular subject, so please…

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June Update

June Update

It’s the last day of May and I’m enjoying the sunshine from my patio. The school year has closed and summer is here! And with the beginning of summer, we wrap up another program year with our last event next week. I’ve also come to the end of my two years as Dean for the Wichita Chapter. And let me tell you, it has been a joy to serve this chapter. I didn’t have the intention of being the Chapter…

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May Update

May Update

Happy May Day to each of you! It was a busy weekend to close April in Wichita. Many of our members and friends participated in the many ICTArtDog events on April 29th. It was a great day for the ARTS in Wichita. With the help of the Wichita Community Foundation and the many sponsors, ArtDOG raised 1.14 million in just one day. Our own Chapter met it’s goal of raising $1000 for the Recital Fund. Way to go Wichita! The…

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Rising Star Recital

Rising Star Recital

Congratulations to our young organists for an excellent “Rising Stars” recital March 6. Organists and teachers pictured at the right. Congratulations to Our 2016 Scholarship Winners: Aidan Hill Matthew Kroeker Megan McCoy Sonora Vossen

ArtDOG 2016

ArtDOG 2016

ArtDOG 2016/Pipe Organ Crawl On April 29, 2016, our community will come together for the Wichita Art Day of Giving (ArtDOG), and we need YOU to join us. It’s 24 hours of unprecedented nonprofit giving—and it’s your chance to make a real difference, right here in Wichita. Last year during ArtDOG, $1.17 million was donated! You can donate to the Wichita Chapter by clicking on the image at the right. All donations are put into the Chapter’s Recital Fund and…

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Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, April 6, 5:15 PM  WEDNESDAYS IN WIEDEMANN with LYNNE DAVIS, Wiedemann Hall, WSU Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 PM RIE BLOOMFIELD ORGAN SERIES MARIE RUBIS-BAUER & guest Michael Bauer Wiedemann Hall, WSU Wednesday, April 27, 5:15 PM  6th Annual Organ POPS Concert with LYNNE DAVIS, Wiedemann Hall, WSU Friday, April 29, 7:00 PM COLLEGE HILL ORGAN CRAWL ArtDOG Fundraising Event Locations to be determined

Walter Pelz Tribute Concert

Walter Pelz Tribute Concert

CONCERT PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHURCH COMPOSER/MUSICIAN On Palm Sunday, March 20, The Messiah Festival of Arts and the Bethany Oratorio Society will present “Lift Up Your Voice! A Celebration of the Music of Dr. Walter L. Pelz.” The concert will take place in Presser Hall Auditorium on the Bethany College campus at 3 p.m. Dr. Pelz is a renowned Lindsborg musician and has been honored for his contributions as a composer and church organist. He was a Bethany music professor…

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Epiphany Party

Epiphany Party

Plan now to attend our Annual Epiphany Party, a time for fellowship and friends after a busy season! Jim Jones is working up a special treat for entertainment after our Potluck Meal. The Wichita AGO Board will provide the main dish. Members will be invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share, assigned by Carolyn Chambers at a later date. Please be sure to RSVP by contacting Pat Walcher. Invite someone to attend with you! Directions to 847 Bramerton,…

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January Update

January Update

Happy New Year! As an organization, we have a lot to celebrate about from 2015. Great workshops, recitals, meetings, and a fantastic POE! And we don’t want to forget all of our new high school members! But I’m also excited to share a great slate of events for the first half of 2016! Thursday, Feb. 4, 6 PM: Meet the Cherwiens, Organist and Author Sunday, March 6, 1:00 PM: Student Organ Study Scholarship Auditions.  Applications due March 1. Sunday, March 6,…

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Favorite Voluntary Report

Favorite Voluntary Report

Favorite Voluntaries. Members of the Wichita and Hutch AGO Chapters meet at Bethel College Mennonite Church to share favorite voluntaries. With the term “voluntary” undefined, there was a wide variety of literature presented (the purpose of the event). Besides great pieces, there was a lot of sharing and networking among those in attendance. DeAnn Diller of Senseney Music had a great table of seasonal organ literature and new publications.  A list of pieces is available here. Thank you to the…

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December Update

December Update

“Christmas time is here. Happiness and Cheer.” It might be hard to think of the happiness and cheer at this moment as we approach one of the busiest seasons of the year as a musician, organist, choir director… well just about anyone really!  We’ve barely digested our Thanksgiving meal, observed the first advent candle of hope, Advent II is upon us. But really that’s just the beginning of the list of things we have to do this December. I thought…

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November Update

November Update

I hope that you were all able to get a little rest today with the extra hour! We will need it for the next couple of months! At school and at church, Halloween reminds me that Advent and Christmas will soon be upon us. I was looking at my calendar at the end of last week and grew concerned seeing that I only had four weeks of rehearsal before my school choirs present their winter concerts….but let’s not get too far…

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Favorite Voluntaries

Favorite Voluntaries

Favorite Voluntaries. Nov. 19th, 7 PM, Bethel College Mennonite Church, 2600 College Ave., North Newton. The Wichita and Hutchinson AGOS join to present Favorite Voluntaries. We encourage you to invite guests from outside of the chapter for this wonderful opportunity to share pieces that are accessible and useful in worship. Each person presenting will play one piece and two more suggestions. This may be the perfect opportunity to expand your music library! DeAnn Diller from Senseney music will have a booth with music…

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Wichita Home Organ Tour

Wichita Home Organ Tour

You are invited to a Tour of Home Organs at the homes of  Phillip and Donna Wahlbeck & Sage and Mary Ellen Joyner Saturday, October 17,  beginning at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Wahlbeck home for a demonstration of the organ and a chance to play and ask questions.  We will then travel to the Joyner home for another demonstration, performances and refreshments.  Free and open to everyone.  Please RSVP to Marlene Hallstrom at mhallstrom@cox.net or 316-304-6089 if you plan to attend. DIRECTIONS:…

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October Update

October Update

Greetings to each of you as we fall into October! These cooling temperatures give me chills, chills like those you might get when you attend our Organ Spooktacular. Many of our young members and several of their teachers, plus a few chapter members, are preparing pieces to be part of this program. I’ve heard the Phantom of the Opera may make an appearance, along with a performance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in d minor, plus other festive selections. Be sure to invite a neighbor and a…

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Featured Voluntaries

Featured Voluntaries

Favorite Voluntaries. In November our members will be presenting a joint workshop with the Hutchinson Chapter of Favorite Voluntaries. We would like to know who plans on presenting and the title of their pieces so we can prepare a handout to share with all participants. Please contact the Deanif you would like to present for this workshop. Non-members are also encourage to participate.You do not have to present to attend this event. All ideas can still be shared with each other and…

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June Update

June Update

As I sit here to write this newsletter, while finishing up other AGO tasks, I can’t help but be excited for the upcoming Pipe Organ Encounter events and the Wichita Chapter. I’ve had the opportunity to put together the Program Booklet for the POE. The events planned, the workshops, and the concerts are must hear events. There is something almost every night and multiple events during the day. See Marlene Hallstrom’s letter later in the newsletter to see how you…

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POE Countdown!

POE Countdown!

COUNTDOWN TO POE: The Wichita Pipe Organ Encounter is only two weeks away!  The committee has worked countless hours to make all of the arrangements for a smooth running and successful event.  The schedule is included in this newsletter, and we hope you will take advantage of the many interesting concerts and programs throughout the week.  AGO members are welcome to observe during the daytime activities, and the public is welcome at most concerts (except Tuesday night which is for…

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May Update

May Update

Happy May Day! It’s hard to believe that we are wrapping up our Program Year. It seems like yesterday when I was sitting down with Debbie Lynch to discuss our 2014-2015 season. Highlights this year have included a workshop on music accessible to small pipe organs, the Holy Trinity Choir, Laura Rau in Recital, organ literature workshop, choral literature workshop, family organ tour in North Newton and Peabody, RYCO host, local scholarship auditions, Members Recital, and a Downtown Organ Tour….

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ARTDog Update

ARTDog Update

2015 ArtDOG Report April 24, 2015 was a very successful day for the Wichita Chapter. We raised $1200 for the recital fund, and that is with out the bonus pool money from ICTArtDOG. We had a great turnout for the Downtown Organ Crawl. Each venue had 15 or people, many just appreciating the organ music played my Brett Valliant, Carole Pracht, Chris Shaw, and other participants on the tour. Courtney Looney and the Wichita Foundation put together a very successful…

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POE Update

POE Update

Pipe Organ Encounter Update: Marlene Hallstrom, POE Director The Pipe Organ Encounter Committee has been very busy working out the details for our POE to be held at WSU on June 14-19.  The original limit we set was for 22 students in order to have enough organs and teachers for the students.  We have reached that limit already, even before our final deadline! Now that we are getting close to the actual event, all of our members will be asked to help…

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Downtown Organ Crawl

Downtown Organ Crawl

Downtown Organ Crawl April 24th, 2015, 7 PM To join the ArtDOG celebration and the numerous Arts Events planned, the Wichita Chapter AGO is sponsoring a Downtown Organ Crawl. Our event begins at First United Methodist Church at 7 PM, followed by St. John’s Episcopal Church at 7:30 PM, and end at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 8 PM. Each stop will include a demonstration, history of the church and instrument, and an opportunity for anyone on the…

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RCYO 2015

RCYO 2015

Regional Competition for Young Organists Pictured from Left to Right: Dr. David Childs, Marlene Hallstrom, David von Behren – second place, Anna Jeter, David Ball – first place, Pat Walcher, Lynne Davis. The competition took place on Saturday, March 7th at Eastminster Presbyterian. A BIG THANK YOU to Pat Walcher and Anna Jeter for being gracious hosts whom executed a wonderful competition. David Ball will compete in the Regional Convention in St. Louis this June.

Women Composers Recital

Women Composers Recital

Member’s Recital: Works by Women Composers Join us Sunday, April 19th, 2015 at 3 PM for a recital featuring the compositions of women composers. Musicians for the afternoon include a choral ensemble directed by Jim Jones, works for voice and piano performed by Lily Guerrero and Carole Pracht, and organists Tyler Breneman, Carolyn Chambers, Kathy Fehrmann, Nylas Moser, Nickolas Carlson, and Christopher Shaw. This will be a kick-off for our ArtDOG (Day of Giving) event, details for ArtDOG can be found later in the newsletter….

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Women Composer Recital

Women Composer Recital

Member’s Recital – A Recital of Women Composers April 19th, 2015, 3 PM @ First Presbyterian Church Join us for a recital featuring the organ music of women composers. The recital and reception will take place at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wichita. This will be a kick-off for our ArtDOG (Day of Giving) event, details for ArtDOG can be found later in the newsletter. We are still looking for performers for this recital. In addition to organ works, think about hymns and…

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POE Trivia

POE Trivia

Pipe Organ Encounter Trivia. There will be four Pipe Organ Encounters in the US this summer: Wichita State University, June 14-19 Valparaiso University, July 5-10 Columbus State University (Georgia), July 12-17 Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY), July 26-31 We currently have 3 student registrations and the promise of several more on the way. Our chapter scholarship auditions will take place on March 8 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Scholarships are also available through the AGO National Headquarters.  Some churches are willing to provide financial…

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Family Organ Tour

Family Organ Tour

Sunflower Organ Initiative Family Organ Tour: Sunday, February 22nd Join us for our 2015 Sunflower Organ Initiative Family Organ Tour! Our tour will include four organs, two of them being tracker instruments, one being recently renovated, and one being added to the historical organ list!  These four organs can be found in North Newton and Peabody, Kansas. The tour will be lead by Christopher Shaw, dean and Donna Hetrick. At each stop we will hear a brief history of the…

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Choral Workshop

Choral Workshop

Choral Music Workshop. Church choir directors and accompanists are invited to participate in our workshop on March 10th, 7:00 PM, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 430 N Broadway St, Wichita. The workshop will include a session focused on rehearsal techniques and conducting led by Dr. John Paul Johnson (Wichita State University). This will be followed by area director’s sharing anthems that they have found successful – accessible to choir of any size. Directors are invited to bring copies of these anthems to…

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WSU Organ Day 2015

WSU Organ Day 2015

WSU ORGAN DAY 2015. Bravo to Lynne Davis for an excellent mini-workshop on the French Organ. Bertrand Cattiaux lectured on french organ building. Cattiaux is the organ builder responsible for ongoing improvements to the great organ of Notre Dame, Paris . Stéphane Béchy is a renowned concert artist and Titular Organist of St-Merry. Béchy lectured and performed pieces composed by the past organists of St-Merry. Seated left to right: Bertrand Cattiaux, Lynne Davis, Stéphane Béchy.

February Update

February Update

It’s SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! Hopefully you have your snacks ready to enjoy the commercials. After a busy holiday season, January has given me time to focus on the work of the chapter and my own musical goals. As we role in to February, I can’t help but think of how SUPER our Wichita Chapter is and the many gifted members around us. I’m reminded how dedicated our members are to the success of the chapter and chapter events. We’ve had…

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