Dear Jax AGO Colleagues,

I would like to first welcome our new members. Within the past few months we've had several new AGOYO members join us. On behalf of the chapter and the entire guild, WELCOME! This community is made up of organists, pianists, choir directors, clergy, and music lovers from every walk of life. Regardless of where you are on your musical journey, there is a place for you in the AGO.

As you may have seen recently, the ball is rolling on our first program of the season! PPP: A Plentitude of Preludes and Postludes will require many forms of support: performers, planning volunteers, event volunteers, and an audience! This event is the perfect opportunity to share your favorite accessible voluntaries with the greater community of Jacksonville organists. If you would like to share one or two selections with us, or if you can help either in-advance or on the day of the concert, please reach out to Tony Cruz or respond to this message.

We have received several questions about virtual viewing of our events. The Executive Committee will be meeting again soon and this is on our agenda. As you can see, at least two of our events are already planned to be offered virtually. We will share more soon about how and when these virtual offerings will be available.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Musically Yours,

Brandon Michael Smith, Dean

The 2021-2022 Program Year

Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

A Plentitude of Preludes and Postludes

Enjoy an evening of short pieces suitable for a variety of worship settings. All members at every level of proficiency are invited to play. We should all leave this event with a handful of useful pieces for use in our own church settings. Hosted by St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

·         one or two short pieces, with each no longer than 4 minutes in length

·         all seasons are welcome

·         pieces should be accessible for most organists

·         music suitable for church services

·         provide publisher information for the program

This event will also serve as our first chapter meeting of the season. You definitely don't want to miss it. For a year and a half, we've missed our community and this will provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with other musicians and music lovers in the area and to get involved with the other upcoming events we will be presenting in the coming months. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.

October 2021

Hymn Festival

The theme of this year's festival will place a focus on celebrating and caring for God's creation. Performers will lead those gathered in one hymn each, with readings and reflections offered between hymns. This has become a favorite offering within our chapter, and we are looking forward to singing together once again. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.

November 2021

Managing a Music Program Luncheon

Topics to cover may include: Copyright Compliance, Musician and Clergy Collaboration, Organization Tips, Overview of publishers and which denominations they cater to, Online Music and Liturgical Planning Resources, Workplace Harmony, etc. Members with expertise in these areas are encouraged to reach out.

December 2021

Virtual Members Concert

The first of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of December on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.

January (Early) 2022

Annual Holiday Party

Hosted by members of our chapter, this event is always a great time to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy delicious food and friendship in an informal setting.

January 23, 2022

David Hurd In Concert, Co-Sponsored with Beaches Fine Arts

We are thrilled to welcome David Hurd back to Jacksonville for a concert at St. Johns Cathedral. We will be assisting with the reception after this concert. As always, admission to this concert will be free and open to all.

March 2022

Stainer’s Crucifixion

Inspired by the success of Messiah Sing-Alongs across the country, our seasonal spin will feature The Crucifixion by John Stainer. Conducted by Brandon Smith, with James Holyer at the organ console. Chapter members will sing the solos, and our whole community will join to sing in the choir. Hosted by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Ortega.

April 2022

Virtual Members Concert

The second of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of April on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Passover, etc.

May 2022

Annual Members Banquet

The final chapter meeting of the season. The food is sure to be delicious, and we will celebrate a job well-done until the following program year.

The Year of the Young Organist

The AGO National Council is committed to membership recruitment, retention, and growth within our organization. During the Year of the Young Organist, July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022, any individual under the age of 30 can become a member or renew her/his membership for free as part of this program. The Year of the Young Organist will provide opportunities for both personal and professional development. Programs will include master classes and webinars on a wide variety of topics. To take advantage of this opportunity, please click here or go to yearoftheyoungorganist.com. This is available to new, current, and lapsed members!

Connecting on Social Media

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Chapter Officers:

Our next meeting is August 19, 2021 at noon. Look out for an email next week with more details.