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Sacramento Chapter |
| Last updated: July 2, 2009 |
Message from the Dean |
| June 2009 Dean's Message
This newsletter features information about our new Executive Board. Please take the time to read about the members that are representing the Sacramento Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Meet our new Dean, Gerard Montana I moved to Davis from San Francisco in 2008 to be Director of Music and Organist of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis. I’m happy to report in my first year at St. Martin’s, we’ve acquired a concert grand piano, and our pipe organ is being rebuilt and doubled in size by The Bond Organ Company of Portland, OR. It will be delivered in October 2009. St. Martin’s has 3 choirs and a bell choir – and yes, I do it all – conduct the choirs, play the organ and the piano. Our Children’s Choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music (yes I do that too). It’s a lot, I know, but I love it. I’m also on the Commission for Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California. I moved here from San Francisco and have been a member of the San Francisco Chapter AGO for 25 years. I served that chapter in many capacities: Executive Board member for three years; Faculty for the P.O.E. in 2005; chaired election committees; and helped develop the San Francisco Chapter’s Programs for three of the last four years. I also have 29 years experience in the computer business. I started as a computer programmer and eventually got into management. I have been on the executive board of an international software company, and was Managing Director for two companies. In my last position I was a management consultant for a software company in Silicon Valley. It was all good experience, but, at age 60, I decided to leave that crazy world and be a musician. I have a Bachelors from St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Indiana with a double major: Music Education and Organ Performance, and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from DePaul University. I have been Assistant Organist at The Episcopal Cathedral of St. James, Chicago; Director of Music and Organist at: Trinity Episcopal Church, Chicago; St. Simon’s Episcopal Church, Arlington Heights, IL; and St. Elizabeth RC Church, San Francisco. As your Dean for the next 2 years, I hope to renew and revitalize the chapter with some exciting activities and new membership. I share the concerns I’ve heard from many AGO members about the decline of interest in the organ. I believe we can turn this around if we can begin now to introduce the organ to a new generation and new audiences. If you want to be part of this growth, now is the time. Contact me at Gerard888@comcast.net. If you know someone who might be a possible new member, try to encourage them to join. The future of the organ is depending on each of us to take some action right now. Gerard Montana, Dean, Sacramento Chapter, AGO Bios for Board 2009 2010 Sub Dean - Nancy Metzger Nancy Metzger grew up in New York State and became suitably hooked on the organ while studying for a design degree at Syracuse University. She and Bob moved to Eugene, OR the next year, where the University of Oregon had a fine organ department, and so the rest is history. Her affiliation with AGO began in 1963, and she has since been a member of 6 chapters. She eventually received her master’s degree in music and became an Associate Professor at Warner Pacific College in Portland where she taught music history, church music, organ, and art appreciation. She also taught harpsichord at Portland State University. She always managed to keep studying herself, and also had private students, working with many organists, harpsichordists and piano teachers throughout Oregon. In 1989, the 1st edition of her book, Harpsichord Technique: A Guide to Expressivity, was published and quickly became popular as a guide to baroque performance for all keyboardists. During her Portland years, Nancy was Organist at St. James Lutheran Church, was the Dean of the Portland Chapter of the AGO, and served as a board member of the Hymn Society of America. She has performed worldwide as a soloist on both harpsichord and organ and has recorded 3 CDs. She is a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Sacramento, where she designed all of the liturgical banners and chairs the Concert Committee. As a Sacramento Chapter board member, she brings her expertise as a performer/teacher and a member of other AGO chapters. She started our Bachathon in 2005 and the Scholarship Program in 2007. Treasurer - Gerald Perry Gerald Perry is a native of Rochester N.Y. He earned a BSEET from Rochester Institute of Technology and SUNY. He was a Senior Field Engineer for Rochester Instrument Systems for 25 years. He studied piano for 15 years, 6 with Sister Mary Gabriel, RSM in Rochester N.Y., and 4 years with Elizabeth Prior at the Eastman School of Music, and 5 years with Richard Egner, former professor at Eastman. His organ studies were with David Craighead at Eastman School of Music, and Nancy Metzger in Sacramento, CA. Jerry has been an organist and pianist along with other music responsibilities for various U.S.M.C functions at Camp Pendleton, CA and other locations. He was organist for three years at Chateauroux A.S. France Base Chapel. Organist at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rochester, N.Y. and is presently organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Sacramento. I recognize that everyone on the board has a multitude of talents, and with this in mind, we will be able to make sound decisions. I’m willing to shoulder responsibility for the board as well as myself, and with an open mind, help plan with the board, undertakings that will benefit and promote the Sacramento Chapter, A.G.O. Secretary - Doris Baxter Member at Large - Rex Rallanka Rex Rallanka, is Director of Music for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and Acting Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Sacramento. He received his MM in Organ Performance and Literature from the University of Notre Dame under Craig Cramer. He currently studies with Marian Metson of Auburn. Something I bring to the leadership of the chapter next year: I was on the board of the Grand Rapids Chapter, which is a large and vibrant group. Hopefully, I am able to share ideas and knowledge gained from that experience to enhance the Sacramento Chapter. Member at Large Rona Cummins Rona Commins, soprano, has sung to critical acclaim in Europe and the United States where she has been characterized as “an enormous talent” (Mezz’agosto Musicale, Italy) with “a voice of striking beauty” and “spectacular technique” ( Paedagogische Akademie, Austria). During studies with Tito Gobi at the Villa Schifanoia in Florence Italy, Ms. Commins was awarded the bronze medal in performance at Moncioni. She is the regional winner of the San Francisco Opera Auditions and the National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Auditions. During her High School years, Rona was a member of the Junior Organ Guild of Sacramento, and studied on scholarship with Dr. Allen Bacon at University of the Pacific. At Sacramento State College where she completed her M. A. in Music in voice, Rona studied organ with Dr. John Lewis and was awarded “Outstanding Music Student of the Year.” Rona Commins has taught for Sacramento State University, San Francisco State University, American River College and Brigham Young University. She has led University Art and Music study tours to Florence, Paris, London and Madrid for the past 20 years (Google it). Rona sings in an annual chamber concert series with Capitol Chamber Players whose performances are featured on KXPR Capitol Concerts. As a new Member at Large on the AGO Board, Rona expects to be able to help with community outreach for our Chapter, helping to involve more people, especially young people, in our organ concerts and training programs. Member at Large - Jim Schultz Jim Shultz, has been an A.G.O. member since about 1992 when he joined the San Diego chapter. He served on the board for one year as a member-at-large. In 1995 Jim moved to Pleasanton and for several years enjoyed everything the San Francisco chapter had to offer, then after moving to Sacramento in 2001 he joined this active chapter. Jim enjoys organ music and wanted to learn to play at an early age thanks to the skillful organ playing he heard every Sunday by Richard Zgodava (actually a concert pianist and composer of choir anthems), but having an organ was not in the cards at that time. After a few years of nagging his parents to buy a piano instead, after being inspired by Jo Ann Castle on Lawrence Welk (do you detect a varied interest in music?), they finally bought an old upright when he was eleven. His interest in piano ranks up there with his interest in organ. Jim studied piano in Minnesota with Georgia Chapman and Barbara Nymark, organ with Edgar Billups in San Diego, and currently studies with David Link in Sacramento. He is appreciative to David for his time and efforts to help him make music, especially after a lapse in lessons of several years while in the Bay Area. Learning to play hymns so people can sing them is top priority in our lessons. Although not a professional musician, Jim appreciates the Guild because of its dedication to preserving interest in the organ. The Sacramento chapter is a very special chapter thanks to great people, both professional and others who work together not mainly to satisfy our own interest in the organ, but to provide opportunities to show others the mixture of music the organ offers. By his participation on the board, Jim hopes to further the work of this chapter in any way he can, and in particular through serving on the program committee. Our programs educate and entertain the greater community, and bring joy through beautiful music. ************ Diamond Jubilee Celebration and Commemorative Booklet! The Sacramento Chapter is 75 years old this year. A Diamond Jubilee only happens once in our distinguished history so we're going to celebrate with a spectacular dinner on Sunday, May 10. Additional booklets will be available please contact Carol Newton Hawk to obtain yours! chawksac@pacbell.net or 916-799-1472 ************ UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS: FALL MEETINGS PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS September 14, (Monday night) at 6:30 PM we will have a pot luck supper followed by a short members' recital. Place: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, corner of J and 15th Sts. Parking is limited, but street parking should be available after 6. Organ: The recently restored 19th c. tracker by Johnson & Sons. Members of the chapter are eligible to play. Call Nancy Metzger if you are interested! November 14 (Saturday) (Stay Tuned for the exact times) at St. Mark's Methodist, on St. Mark's Place off of Butano at the rear of Country Club Center. An all day workshop by Barry Green, the author of The Inner Game of Music. Anyone who has ever had any performance anxiety ( we all have, haven't we?) should attend this workshop, dealing with how to overcome doubt, fear, stage fright, etc. and how to silence any inner, distracting voices while learning to experiene the most joyful way to make music. More info. later. Meanwhile, INVITE YOUR OTHER MUSICIAN FRIENDS, STUDENTS, ETC. *********** Scholarships Awarded The Sacramento Chapter has, for the 2nd year, awarded scholarships of 20 free lessons of organ study. This year's winners are: Christian Malzahn, 12 years old, of Sacramento, studying with Jack Miller; and Virginia #Electra, 26 hears old, a piano teacher in Stockton planning on graduate school, studying with Nancy Metzger. We can still give 1 (one) more scholarship this year. IF you know of a teenager with musical training and an interest in the organ, the application needs to be made IMMEDIATELY, however. Contact Nancy Metzger, 916-422-5168 or nmetzger@rcip.com Wells Competition for Young Organists The First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, Texas is holding a competition open to young organists born between 1984 and 1991. Prizes are substantial: $2,500, $1,200, and $800. If you know of anyone interested, contact Sue Miller, Dean, for more information. (916-624-2045) *********** From Phoenix: There is so much information, and so you don't miss this exciting event: Please visit www.AGOinPhoenix.com to learn all about this exciting Region IX event! * * * Future Chapter Newsletters Stay tuned for new information relating to the newsletter and web site! ****************************************** Please stay informed! Check the AGO National Site for up to date information throughout the year. http://www.agohq.org/bulletin/index.html ****************************************** The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The purpose of the AGO is to 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. The Guild currently serves more than 20,000 members in more than 340 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 24,000 each month. |
Local Events |
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********** ATTENTION ALL PIANO TEACHERS: We are currently accepting applications. For additional information, please contact Nancy Metzger 916-422-5168 Sacramento Chapter, American Guild of Organists 2008-09 Application for A.G.O. Organ Scholarship (scholarship consists of 20 free organ lessons with qualified A.G.O. teacher) Eligibility: Pianists with no previous organ studies; Suggested Age Group: 12-22 Please address all questions to: Nancy Metzger, 6827 Coachlite Way, Sacramento CA 95831-2152 ****************** COMMUNITY LISTINGS: ****************** WEDNESDAY MUSIC AT NOON - 12-1pm - Always Free! Westminster Presbyterian Church 1300 N Street Sacramento 916) 442-8939 Jul 01 HOT TICKET Women’s Trio Sings Pop Songs of the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and more Jul 08 WEEK I - Sac Youth Symphony Chamber Music Workshop; Susan Lamb Cook, Director Jul 15 WEEK II - SYSCMW Jul 22 Matthew Grasso; 7-String Guitar Jul 29 Award-Winning Piano Students of Hitomi de la Fuente Aug 05 Violinist Chase Spruill and Friends Aug 12 Cathedral Organist Rex Rallanka plays a grand pipe organ recital Aug 19 KEYBOARD KIDS: Pianist Kevin Sun and Jade Huang Aug 26 Folk Singer Lisa Phenix & Friends ******* PIPES ON THE RIVER NoonTime Series (Notice the NEW Name!) Trinity Episcopal Church, Reno 200 Island Ave., Reno, Nevada 9775) 329-4279 7-03 Kristian Schneider - Linz, Austria 7-10 David Link - Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, CA 7-17 Rex Rallanka - Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacramento, CA 7-24 Fauneil Smith - First United Methodist Church, Modesto, CA 7-31 Faye DeLong - Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Fresno, CA 8-07 James Lytton - Cathedral of the Risen Christ, Lincoln, NE 8-14 Richard Coulter - Los Gatos, CA 8-21 David Christopher - Sts. Andrew and Matthew Church, Wilmington, DE 8-28 David Hatt - St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 9-04 Angela Kraft Cross - Congregational Church of San Mateo, CA 9-11 Michael Langham - Carson City, NV 9-18 OPEN DATE 9-25 OPEN DATE 10-02 OPEN DATE 10-09 Richard Coulter - Los Gatos, CA 10-16 David Hatt - St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco, CA 10-23 Faye De Long - Pilgrim Armenian Congregational, Fresno, CA 10-30-09 OPEN DATE ****************** |
Newsletter |
| THINGS FOR SALE!
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Membership |
| Gerald Perry 916-492-2926
gerald.perry@sbcglobal.net |
Placement |
| Substitutes:
Thomas Stahl 427-2020 No preference of liturgy Carole Maxon 852-8141 No preference of liturgy Robert Edmondson(Dr.)530-662-7856 No preference of liturgy Joan Tennis 334-3846 No preference of liturgy Kevin Manz 524-5342 UCC, Episc. AMC, ELCA Pres. Jane Fanucci 224-4917 Rosemary Wren 873-6412 Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild's National Website. |
Certification |
Contact Us |
| Dean - Gerard Montana 520-231-5410
Gerard888@comcast.net Sub Dean - Nancy Metzger 916-422-5168 nmetzger@rcip.com Treasurer - Gerald Perry 916-492-2926 gerald.perry@sbcglobal.net Secretary - Doris Baxter 916-454-1567 Mem.at large - Rex Rallanka 916-261-1463 rrallanka@cathedralsacramento.org Mem.at large - Rona Commins 916-487-2137 conacommins@yahoo.com Mem.at large - Jim Shultz 916-977-7673 jimshultz@pacbell.net |
Links |
| Visit the AGO National website |