Merrimack Valley Chapter

Last updated: July 30, 2011

Message from the Dean

Thank you for visiting the web page of the Merrimack Valley Chapter of northeastern Massachusetts! Our region is defined by the majestic Merrimack River (110 miles), shared by southeastern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts. With a river and the Harold Parker State Forest in our backyard, biking, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing and sailing are popular. Once the world’s textile manufacturing center, now the area’s economy has shifted to biotech and other tech-based businesses.

Whether you’re here for business or for outdoor activities, we invite you to explore our vibrant cultural scene. We are privileged to be home to the eminent Methuen Memorial Music Hall, which houses the first concert organ in the United States and hosts exquisite summer organ recitals. The Shanklin Music Hall, home of the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ, is another place that provides unforgettable musical experiences. The Andover Organ Company and the Noack Organ Company are both located here. Phillips Academy, one of the country’s most prominent private high schools, is home to the Addison Gallery of American Art and the Peabody Museum. The Buttonwoods Museum-Haverhill Historical Society narrates the history of the Merrimack Valley from Native America settlement to the present. Indian Hill Music School and the Orchestra of Indian Hill provide community-based music education and performance opportunities. The Rodgers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College is home to the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic. Other musical groups in the area include: the Treble Chorus of New England, the Andover Choral Society and the Young Opera Company of New England.

Among the area’s notable artists, conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein was born in Lawrence; Ann Bradstreet, the nation's first poet, Samuel F. Smith, author of the song "America," poet Robert Frost, comedian Jay Leno and singer Robert Goulet have also called this area home.

Founded in 1958 by Robert J. Reich, the Merrimack Valley AGO chapter—currently about 60 members— serves all parties interested in organ and choral music. While most of our members are organists and choral directors, we are open to people from all walks of life. We are delighted to have new faces and new ideas at our meetings.

The chapter sponsors programs such as recitals, organ crawls, “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza,” choral and organ workshops, and lessons in Alexander Technique, to name a few. These events, often accompanied by food and drink, happen every month except during summer. We normally conclude each year with a members’ recital and potluck dinner. We also have an annual Mini-Convention every February in which we cover activities ranging from anthem reading to workshops on performance practice.

In continuing our commitment to education, our scholarship fund helps young people in the area interested in continuing organ or choral music study. We also post jobs and announcements on our website and in our monthly newsletter, "Swell 2 Great." Please visit www.merrimackago.com for more information.

Just a few miles north of Boston, it is easy to get here via interstates I-93 and I-495 and by train. Our chapter is known for its hospitality. If you would like to join us, attend events, or simply see some organs in the area, we look forward to meeting you.

Welcome!

Patrick Kabanda, Dean

Local Events

We are working on arranging our programs for 2010 - 2011, and will post more information as soon as possible. You can also check our main website at http://www.merrimackago.com.

Our newsletter, "Swell 2 Great" is published monthly except for the months of June, July, and August.

For the latest issue; add or check events and job openings; check for calendar conflicts; submit an article for publication, please contact our Newsletter Editor, Ruth H. Bowers. (978-922-8137), Ruth.Bowers [at] comcast [dot] net)

Membership

MERRIMACK VALLEY CHAPTER AGO DUES INFORMATION

Please join us or renew your membership! The form below is important for two reasons: it gives the treasurer the information he needs and it also provides up-to-date information for a membership list. The sooner we recieve this information, the sooner we can be in touch with you. Please consult our main website for more information! We look forward to hearing from you.

Placement

Please contact our chapter's placement coordinator for information about current job openings in our area.

Norma Reich, 978-688-1778
AGONorma [at] aol [dot] com
Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild's National Website.

Certification

Please peruse this Link: http://www.agohq.org/education/pcertify.html

Contact Us

Here is a list of our current chapter officers. You may contact them via webmaster [at] merrimackago.com

Cyndi Bliss, Dean

Cynthia Arsenault, Sub-Dean & Chair, Program Committee

Jodi Templer, Secretary

Craig Seaman, Treasurer

Members-at-Large:
Alain Bojarski (3 years)
Frances Burmeister (2 years)
Leonard Harris (1 year)

Paulette Grundeen, Registrar

Robert Reich, Auditor, Organ Restoration Chair

Norma Reich, Placement Coordinator

Ruth Bowers, Newsletter Editor

Rev . E. Tom Barrington, Chaplain

John Skelton, Education and Scholarship Committee Chair

Webmaster - David G. Baker

Region I Councillor - E. Lary Grossman (Hatfield, MA)

District Convenor - Robert Browne (Harwich Port, MA)

Visit the AGO National website