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Cape Fear Chapter |
| Last updated: September 8, 2010 |
Message from the Dean |
| Welcome to the Cape Fear Chapter of the AGO! We invite all church musicians, organists, choral directors or those just interested in the organ & choral music to be a part of our chapter. Contact information is found below. We would love to hear from you.
Soli Deo Gloria |
Local Events |
Newsletter |
| St Patrick Catholic Church - Organ Scholar Program
The following information comes from Stephen Barnicle, Director of Music at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Persons interested in their Organ Scholar Program should contact him directly at (910) 323-2410 ext. 113 or sbarnicle@stpatnc.org. Purpose: An organ, being used liturgically for the accompaniment of choir and congregation is absolutely essential. The high regard in which the Catholic Church holds pipe organs is perhaps best summarized in this excerpt from the Decree on Liturgy, Vatican Council II: “The pipe organ is to be held in high esteem, for it is the traditional musical instrument which adds true inspiration to the Church’s rites and powerfully lifts up men’s minds to God and higher things.” There is a critical shortage of organists in this country and in our locality which affects all churches. We wish to encourage the training of talented pianists to serve such churches as organists. A part-time church organist position can provide avenues of service, valuable experience, and supplemental income for competent players. In no case do we intend that organ lessons be substituted for piano lessons, which serious students should continue. Each year, up to 4 Scholars of all ages will be selected. Details: While it is our hope that Organ Scholars will find their personal spiritual journeys enriched by their experiences at St. Patrick’s, there are no expectations placed upon them with respect to the doctrine or discipline of the Catholic Church. However, the nature of Catholic worship and Christian community life does require a certain level of decorum both within the services of the Church and in activities associated with them. Organ Scholars are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the aims of the Gospel. The normal commitment of a scholar is one academic year (September through May), and is renewable. The actual starting and ending dates will vary from year to year with the dates of Labor Day and the Feast of Pentecost. Requirements: have a strong commitment to serving in the music ministry; have a desire to strive for excellence in church music; demonstrate a high degree of musicianship or potential; a minimum of 3 years of piano/ keyboard instruction is desired; audition on piano: The audition will include (1) a prepared piece or pieces; (2) sight reading a hymn and a short composition; and (3) brief ear test in rhythm and pitch. Obtain piano/ keyboard teacher's approval (applies only to persons currently studying piano). Benefits: weekly organ lessons with our organist, Diana Kirkpatrick, practice time on the St. Pats Organ (scheduled through the organist); evaluation of the recipient for scholarship renewal yearly; opportunities to play portions of regular Liturgies, as student’s abilities progress. Responsibilities: practice faithfully and attend weekly lessons as well as occasional Liturgies; purchase music and organ shoes; willingness to play in public as part of regular Liturgies, as well as at area AGO events; enroll as a student member of the local American Guild of Organists, the professional organization of organists; the AGO membership will get you a subscription to the American Organist magazine, as well as opportunities to attend the educational and other events the Chapter holds. |
Membership |
| For membership information,
Chapter Treasurer - Alice Ann Campbell - aacampbell1968@aol.com |
Placement |
| Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild's National Website. |
Certification |
Contact Us |
| Dean -
Sub-Dean - Monica Sparzak, DMA organqueen@yahoo.com Treasurer - Alice Ann Campbell - aacampbell1968@aol.com Secretary - Charlyne Jones - charlynejones@firstprez.com |
Links |
| Visit the AGO National website |