Potomac Chapter Installation September 24, 2012

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Evening Prayer and Installation of Officers

Monday, September 24, 2012

Woodside United Methodist Church

Silver Spring, Maryland

Those members that were willing to sing in the choir met at 6:30 in the chancel. 

We began with Peter Crisafulli rehearsing the men in his Phos Hilaron. 

Then the Handbells rehearsed their part with the organ.  

After everyone had finished rehearsing, we began the service at 7:30. This service was modeled after An Order for Evening Praise and Prayer, found in the United Methodist Book of Worship from 1992. 

Clarice Jane Snyder, Dean of the Potomac Chapter, played the Grave: Adagio from Organ Sonata No. 2 in C Minor by Felix Mendelssohn as the prelude. 

The Reverend Rachel Cornwell, Pastor of the Silver Spring United Methodist Cooperative Parish, which includes Marvin and Woodside churches, gave the Welcome and led us in the Proclamation of the Light.

During the singing of Peter Crisafulli's Phos Hilaron, Gerald Piercey served as Crucifer to bring in the Cross.

Then as Cantor Dr. Nae Pearson led in the singing of the Service of Incense, Julie Vidrick Evans served as Thurifer, incensing the sanctuary. 

Deborah Kijack Hess read the Prayer of Thanksgiving, which was followed by the opening hymn, When Words Alone Cannot Express, to the tune Lasst Uns Erfreuen.  Emily Koons played the organ for the service music.

This is the ladies of the choir singing the hymn.

Then David McCahan read the scripture lessons, 

2 Chronicles 5:11-12 and Acts 2:43-45, from The Message

Then our Chaplain, The Reverend Dr. Cheryl Tathum, delivered the message 

"Wouldn't it be loverly?"

Cheryl began by playing "Harmony", performed by Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke, from her cell phone into the microphone, demonstrating the use of technology in worship. 

Cheryl delivered her sermon from the side of the pulpit, since she was basically

 "preaching to the choir". 

Our hymn of response was Help Us Accept Each Other to the tune Acceptance. 

Then Miriam Meglan, AGO Convenor for the District of Columbia and Maryland, performed the Installation Ceremony.

The officers installed were

Dean Clarice Jane Snyder

Sub Dean Emily Koons, SPC, CAGO

Secretary David McCahan

Treasurer David Haykin, Jr.

Registrar Judith A. Daffer, CAGO

Chaplain The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Tatham

Class of 2013 

Robert Jones

Kenneth Lowenberg, AAGO, FAGO

Class of 2014

Becky Lee, SPC

Mary Ann Willow

Class of 2015

Debora Kijak Hess, SPC

Brenda Weiser, SPC, CAGO

Heel and Toe Editor Gerald Piercey

Then Ken Lowenberg led us in the singing of his anthem "Prayer for Guidance". 

Cantor Dr. Nae Pearson then led us in the Prayers of the People, using "Hear My Prayer" by Jacques Berthier, followed by The Lord's Prayer. 

Our closing hymn was Go, My Children, to the tune Ar Hyd Y Nos. Following the Benediction, Clarice Jane Snyder played the Allegro maestoso e vivace and Fuga: Allegro moderato from Mendelssohn's Sonata No. 2 as the postlude. 

Then we adjourned to the vestibule for refreshments. As it was Julie Evan's birthday and several other members had birthdays in September, we sang "Happy Birthday" before the cake was cut and served. 

There were four tables of food and drink, a delightful assortment of goodies, sweet and savory. 

This was one of the best installation services I have ever experienced, and one of the best attended.  Our thanks to host Mary Ann Willow, who organized the event!

Nashville AGO Convention 2012

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Clarice Jane Snyder, Dean of the Potomac Chapter of the AGO, attended the National AGO Convention in Nashville, Tennessee in July.  She submitted these pictures. 

Organized Rhythm, organist Clive Driscoll-Smith and percussionist Joseph Gramley perform at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Here are some of the percussion instruments used.

Then there was a worship service at Westminster Presbyterian Church; here the choir is assembling for the service. 

National AGO President Eileen Guenther recognizes the volunteer leadership of the AGO.  These are outgoing Regional Councilors.  Jane Errera is in the center. 

Installation of the 2013-2014 National Council, by Fred Swann

Belmont University Concert Hall (formerly the Belmont Heights Baptist Church), rebuilt in 2007, 

Aeolian Skinner organ Opus 1504 (1969)

Matthew Dirst, Harpsichord, Nashville Chamber Singers.

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Fisk organ, during intermission of the recital 

by Sophié-Veronique Cauchefer-Choplin

First Presbyterian Church, organ by von Beckerath

Brentwood United Methodist Church, Möller organ

Brentwood UMC stained glass in chancel

Area AGO members at the recital at Covenant Presbyterian Church. 

James Fitzpatrick from Annapolis, Irwin Peterson from DC, Julie Vidrick Evans and Mary Ann Willow of Potomac Chapter. 

Mary Ann Willow, Clarice Jane Snyder and Brenda Weiser of Potomac Chapter 

pose under the AGO banner

Ken Lowenberg was photographed between workshops.

May 14, 2012 with Mark Schweizer

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On Monday, May 14, 2012, the Potomac Chapter of the AGO met at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Bethesda, MD.  Our host was Director of Music Clarice Jane Snyder. 

We began with dinner, supplied by Office Caterers.

This is the appetizer and salad table.  By the time the main courses were uncovered, people were lined up to serve themselves and I was unable to get a picture of them.  

The menu was:

Charcuterie Display, Artisinal Cheese Platter with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Marinated Fresh Mozarella with Grape Tomatoes

Garden Salad with Assorted Dressings 

Chicken Parmesan with Pasta

Veggie and Barley Stuffed Peppers

Steamed Asparagus

Pound Cake with Mixed Fresh Berries and Fresh Whipped Cream

There was more than enough food; take home containers were also supplied, and everyone that wanted to was able to take home as much as they liked.  The food was wonderful. Ask anyone that was there. 

The program was introduced by our Dean, Clarice Jane Snyder, who introduced our Sub Dean, Emily Koons, who introduced our guest, Mark Schweizer.

Mark began by telling us the history of St. James Music Press.

Then he described how he began writing the Liturgical Mystery Series. 

He read the story of Big Mel and the Christmas Parade, which had us all laughing. 

Then Mark led us as we sang several of his most recent hits. 

At the conclusion of the program Mark had his books for sale.  Posing are Sub Dean Emily Koons, Mark Schweizer wearing Raymond Chandler's hat, and Dean Clarice Jane Snyder. 

Deborah Kijak Hess said: "That was a great program.  Those that didn't attend really missed out on a wonderful evening. I loved the sight singing.  I thought I was going to fall off my chair, I was laughing so hard."

Lecture Recital Celebrating the Alain Centennial

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On Monday, March 5, 2012, the Potomac and Northern Virginia Chapters met at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish, Chevy Chase, MD, Anne Timpane, Director of Music Ministries, host. After a welcome by Potomac Dean Clarice Jane Snyder and Sub Dean and Program Chair Emily Koons, Peggy Kelley Reinburg, Recitalist and Alain Scholar, presented a program entitled “The Liturgical Potentional in Selected Organ and Piano Works of Jehan Ariste Alain,” performing on the organ and the piano to demonstrate. A reception followed.

The 2007 Berghaus organ of St. John's Episcopal Church

Peggy Kelley Reinburg presenting the lecture portion of her program.

Peggy Kelley Reinburg at the piano, performing the piano portion of the program.

Dean Clarice Jane Snyder of the Potomac Chapter, Peggy Kelley Reinburg, and Ann Timpane,

our host for the event.

A reception followed in the church.

Bring and Sing! Anthem Sharing, February 13, 2012, Woodside United Methodist Church, Silver Spring, MD

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On Monday, February 13, 2012, the Potomac Chapter, AGO, meeting was

Bring & Sing! Anthem sharing; your favorite anthems.

The meeting was held at Woodside United Methodist Church,

8900 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

We were welcomed by our host Mary Ann Willow,

Director of Music of the Silver Spring Cooperative Parish,

which includes Marvin Memorial United Methodist Church

Dean Clarice Jane Snyder welcomes the group.

Clarice explains how the anthem sharing will be done, and passed out a sheet with the list of anthems and publishers.

John Brooks tells us about the anthem he will play and conduct from the organ console.

Hospitality Chair Becky J. Lee presents the first door prize,

movie tickets, to past Dean Gary Clark.

Here Becky is explaining how the second door prize will be awarded.

Elizabeth Schneider won a 16th Century Renaissance paint on ceramic "Mother and Daughter Playing the Lute".

At the reception after the event, Clarice presents a birthday cake to John Brooks,

so that he may blow out the candles. The event occurred on his birthday.

The list of anthems presented:

"There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" Maurice Bevan, SATB, Oxford

Shared by John Brooks

"In Praise of God" based on Old 100th, Gordon Young, SATB, Harold Flammer

Shared by Becky J. Lee

"Creator of the Stars of Night", based on Conditor alme siderum, arr. Kenneth Lowenberg,

2 part with optional C instrument, GIA Publications

Shared by Ken Lowenberg

"Easter Anthem" William Billings, SATB, Public Domain

Shared by Nae Pearson

"Blessed Assurance" arr. Rober Sterling, SATB, GlorySound/Shawnee

Shared by Gerald Piercey

"Steal Away" arr. Nicholas White, SATB, Augsburg Fortress

Shared by Clarice Jane Snyder

"Write Your Blessed Name, O Lord" Dale Grotenhuis, Sacred Music Press

Shared by Brenda Weiser

"Lord, Before This Fleeting Season" Libby Larsen, SATB, Oxford

Shared by Mary Ann Willow

12th Night Service and Dinner, January 9, 2012

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Potomac Chapter AGO 12th Night Service and Dinner

January 9, 2012

All Saints Episcopal Church

Chevy Chase, Maryland

Peter Crisafulli rehearsing with the choir prior to the service.

After the service, the Reverend Edward T. Kelaher, Rector, in the center.

Coming in to the hall for the meal.

The food was wonderful and there was plenty for all.

The easel to the left of the Potomac AGO banner holds the memorial plaque honoring Past Dean Tom Bast that is to be given to Irma Bast. All the above photos were taken by Clarice Snyder.

The group at supper; picture taken by Jerry Dennis.

Present and past Deans: Clarice Snyder, David Haykin Jr., John Brooks, Carol Dennis, Marjorie Jovanovic, Ken Lowenberg, Peter Crisafulli and Carl Schwartz. Picture taken by Jerry Dennis.

Members in Recital, November 7, 2011

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Members in Recital

On Monday, November 7, 2011, the Potomac Chapter met at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, MD. After being welcomed by Pastor Adam Snell, David Storey described his recent work of rebuilding and enlarging the 1967 Aeolian Skinner Opus 1499, which was done in conjunction with Casavant Frères. Four organists performed, beginning with host organist Marvin Mills, and then Thomas P. Smith, Julie Vidrick Evans and Samuel Springer. Dean Clarice Snyder expressed thanks to the church and welcomed members and guests to the reception.

Pictured are Samuel Springer, Thomas P. Smith, Julie Vidrick Evans, Marvin Mills and David Storey.

Photo by Gerald Piercey