Click HERE for full chapter event schedule.
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
Thank you to all who attended the installation of officers on Monday, September 22, at Saint John Lutheran Church in Carnegie. There was a strong sense of camaraderie within the chapter, particularly during the dinner, and it was truly a joy to see everyone gathered together. Special thanks are due to Jeff Gray, who served as a most gracious host, as well as to Kevin Clemens and Chris Cox, who arranged the music for the evening.
Invite a Colleague or Friend to the October Meeting!
Our October gathering will be held at Mount Lebanon Lutheran Church on October 27, where we welcome composer and organist John Dixon, who will present a program of his organ music. John’s works are both engaging and approachable, making this an event that will appeal to organists of every skill level. I encourage you to invite your colleagues and friends to join us. Pam Shaw has extended an invitation to members of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians to attend this meeting.
The Executive Committee is Hard at Work!
I’d like to share some highlights from the September Executive Committee Meeting:
● Membership Renewal: Lapsed members nearly outnumber active ones. To address this, the committee will organize a calling/email campaign to personally reach out and invite colleagues back into active membership. Many members are uncertain about their status because of the new AGO member website. Registrar Nick Will is forming a task force to address this issue and to attract new members.
● Treasurer’s Report: After the disruptions of the COVID years, Treasurer Aaron Sproul presented a draft budget designed to encourage renewed engagement—which includes subsidizing a portion of the monthly meals for the time being. Aaron is also assisting in arranging an audit of the chapter books in accordance with the bylaws. The committee approved pursuing state tax-exempt status.
● Programs: A full season lies ahead, with strong representation of diverse topics and interests. Final details are being shaped for the November Technology meeting, the March Bach program in Oakland, and other events.
● Education: Coordinator of Education Ben Bates reports that two people are pursuing AGO exams this fall. It’s always a great time to consider taking one of the Guild’s tests.
● Membership Directory: The last directory dates back to before Covid. An updated roster is in the works.
● Communications: Jeff Gray reminded us that the deadline for newsletter submissions is the 20th of each month. Chris Cox asked that e-blast requests include ready-to-send content. Ryan Croyle continues to make important updates to the website.
The work of rebuilding our chapter is well underway, and there is much to look forward to in the coming season. Thank you for all that you do to strengthen our Guild and to support one another in the joy of music-making.
With gratitude and hope,
Chaz Bowers
Dean, Pittsburgh Chapter AGO