|  | August Newsletter 2022 | | Happy August, dear musical friends! Another new AGO year has started with changes in the chapter board. First, I must acknowledge the hard work Susan Snook-Luther did during her time as Dean, and all the people who helped keep the San Jose Chapter going. Thank you, Susan and board members!! Thank you to those who have stepped up to fill new roles in the chapter. I am thrilled to see events returning and faces in person, new and familiar. I am excited and nervous for the new season, but I have found that growth always comes from new challenges. Whether it be filling in for a few months as a school teacher or learning a difficult piece, I find myself remembering the children's book "The Little Engine That Could" and applying it to the current ride. The scenery is always changing; sometimes it can be beautiful, or boring, filled with sadness or happiness. As organists we have probably had the privilege of playing for funerals (or, as friends of the organ, the honor of attending). During the past several months I have played for a few of these services and I learned about lives which inspired me to change my own. At one service, I learned it is NEVER too late to get a degree or certification — the deceased woman had finished her Masters in Education one year before she retired because she wanted to be the best at what she did. The following week I proctored part of a young organ student's CAGO certification and was impressed with this person’s desire to work hard and achieve goals, and then to attain the next one. Some of you have earned many letters behind your name and that is an inspiration to those around you! Many times the question has been asked: "Why work toward the AGO's various certifications?" Simply put, it is to do better and be better. If you would like to take a certification journey with me and work towards a few extra letters behind your name, let me and the national AGO know (here is the link: https://www.agohq.org/certification/). Let’s get on the train. Together we will hear our voices transform from saying "I think I can, I think I can," to affirming "I thought I could, I thought I could!" This is sure to bring joy to you and to others. Please be on the lookout for this year’s Chapter events and most importantly... attend. We can't wait to see you. ALL aboard! ~ submitted by Elisabeth Pintar |  | Kickoff meeting and installation, June 26 at the Pintar home. Above (L to R): Board members Eric Holderman, Elisabeth Pintar, Margaret Kvamme, and Melanie Cervi | | Meet Wolfgang Roethig, new member |  | I learned to play the piano at age 9 and the organ at age 14. My father was (and, thankfully, still is) a passionate musician, and he has instilled the love of music in me. Thanks to him I also learned a few wind instruments, such as recorder, bassoon and saxophone, although I am really out of practice on all of them. I did get a certificate as a trained church musician (including organ and choir directing) in my native country of Germany, but my professional path led me to Electrical Engineering. I studied at the University of Stuttgart, Germany and Telecom Paris University, France, from which I obtained a PhD in Electronics and Communication. My wife and I immigrated to the US in 1995, and I have worked in Silicon Valley since then. Our daughter was born and raised here, but she went back to her European roots for University studies. Now I can say that I have family in four countries on two continents. I substituted occasionally as organist at various local churches before becoming the regular organist/pianist at Foothill Community Presbyterian Church (FCPC), San Jose in 2018. At FCPC I participated musically in a production of the musical "Godspell" in 2019 to raise funds for disaster relief in Puerto Rico. I also did a piano recital for the benefit of a local food pantry later that year. Since the end of the pandemic I am also filling the role of music director/coordinator in an honorary capacity. Since I have a full time job in the high-tech industry, my activity at FCPC can only be successful as our team work. I am thankful to be in a community with many music enthusiasts who are volunteering like me. My philosophy is that all musical talents and styles are welcome, and anyone who wants to sing or play music can do so. Of course I have my favorite styles and composers. On the organ it would be Johann Sebastian Bach, and on the piano Ludwig van Beethoven, but don't let my preference influence yours. My other favorite music style is jazz. I play in two bands, and I am looking forward to participating in the San Jose Jazz Festival in August. I try to live up to what Louis Armstrong said: "There are two kinds of music, the good and the bad. I play the good kind.” ~ submitted by Wolfgang Roethig *editor’s note: if you would like to reach out to Wolfgang, he welcomes your greeting at: 408.952.9578 or via email: wolfgang.roethig@gmail.com | | AGO Seattle National Convention | July 3 —7, some 850 organists and organ enthusiasts gathered in this city by the Pacific to celebrate The Well-Tempered Future. With a tremendous showing of young organists amongst the audience, presenters and performers, the future indeed seems bright for our art form. Seattle is blessed with a cool summer climate and a plethora of beautifully crafted organs, many built nearby. Some of the new features of the convention experience were: 1. Seamless electronic check-in procedure, aided by helpful volunteers The convention app which housed schedules both general and personal, a platform for privately messaging individuals (which is how I realized my high school organ teacher was in attendance), places to upload photos, access to program notes, organ specifications, and much more.
| Expect innovations like these at next summer’s regional convention in Portland: July 10 —13, and at the next national convention held right here in the Bay Area: June 30 —July 4, 2024. Plan now to attend (and volunteer in ‘24!) ~ submitted by Margaret Kvamme |  | SJAGO recent national convention attendees (L to R): Amelia Riegert, Joyce Rhodes, Margaret Kvamme, Bob Rhodes and Ruth Kamas at Benaroya Hall, Fisk Op.144 (2000, III/83) | Report from Seattle, installment 1 | Concert and Silent Film, July 4 To celebrate July 4th, the convention gathered at the historic Seattle Paramount Theatre. Like San Jose’s California Theatre, this Seattle venue houses a mighty Wurlitzer: Op. 1819 (1928) IV/20. Organist Tedde Gibson truly showed off the Wurlitzer, one of three remaining in their original venues. Gibson – pianist, classical, Hammond, and theatre organist, composer, arranger, and silent film scorer – is a member of AGO and a church organist; his performance was exceptional and clever. He explained techniques of the Wurlitzer and its many interesting facets, including double touch. After falling into disrepair at the demise of silent films, the instrument has been restored and is currently used for Silent Movie Mondays at the Paramount. Gibson’s program was varied. In keeping with the patriotic theme, he honored veterans and their families, playing Lift Every Voice & Sing (the black national anthem), and The Start Spangled Banner, both of which were sung heartily by convention-goers. Show tunes included Get Me to the Church On Time, After the Cakewalk and Mama Mia. In tribute to the 200th anniversary of César Franck’s birth, he performed the famous Choral III in A minor with theatre organ flair. All selections were received with much enthusiasm. Percussionist Paul Honal AGO president Edward Hansen) joined Gibson with a tribute t uke Ellington and other selections, adding depth to the music. Several solos were sung beautifully by Grammy Award-winning soprano Tammie C. Woods, including My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord by Florence Price. Her voice filled the Paramount Theatre with heartfelt richness and was enhanced by graceful stage presence. The silent movie, Patriot, starring Laurel & Hardy, was accompanied by Gibson and Hansen. Besides being suspenseful and slapstick, it was gripping. Seeing Laurel & Hardy on the frame of a skyscraper “doing their thing” made for many laughs, oohs and gasps as the organist and percussionist definitively enhanced the action. In fact, it was so appropriate to the screen, I didn’t focus on the music; it just fit. It was a happy 4th of July -- fireworks were certainly felt! ~ submitted by Joyce Rhodes | | Obituary: John C. Chang |  | Long-time member and SJ AGO supporter John (known to his family as Jack) Chang passed away quietly on Sunday morning, May 29. Incredibly, he was being serenaded by a harpist as he drew his last breath. His wife of 26 years, Sophie (also a member of our chapter) predeceased him in 2021. John’s love of music began early. He joined the church choir around age ten, but his musical education took off when he started piano lessons with a retired teacher. She had offered to give the young Jack piano lessons as her contribution to England’s war work. She took him to his first recital and eventually helped him find an organ teacher. When the Great War was over, Jack worked for a local organ builder, then completed a stint as manager of Boosey and Hawkes’ Hammond organ subsidiary. After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, he worked for a company that developed components used in satellite communications. In 1969, he immigrated to California to start work with Litton Industries. Though he’d given himself a year to decide whether to stay in the US or return to England, within two weeks, he’d decided to stay! He eventually bought a house in Sunnyvale, which nicely housed his harpsichord, an organ, and a grand piano. Jack’s engineering career was subject to economic vicissitudes, but his membership in SJ AGO was an enjoyable constant. He loved hosting musical evenings in his conservatory and substituting when full-time organists were ill or on holiday. He will be missed! Per his wishes, those wanting to honor his memory are requested to make a donation to the San Jose chapter of the AGO. Checks should be marked “in memoriam John Chang” and mailed to: San Jose Chapter AGO c/o Elisabeth Pintar, Dean, 4505 Faraone Court, San Jose, CA 95136 | | Jobs Available | | Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, https://www.gracewc.org seeks an organist/accompanist for 1 or 2 Sundays per month for its 10:00 am service. The music needed includes prelude and postlude, 3 hymns, accompaniment for the choir, and offertory music. The organ is a three-manual Allen (2011). Compensation is at a competitive rate. If interested, please contact the Music Director, Jumi Kim, at sopranojumikim@gmail.com. | | Cupertino HS Choir Accompanist Position (Full or Part Time): The Cupertino High School choir program is looking for daytime and evening concert accompanist(s) for the upcoming school year. Offering consistent hours. Contact choir teacher Andy Aron with interest/availability. Andrew_Aron@fuhsd.org Cell: 408-892-9270 | | Concert calendar | (Listed by Venue) ———————————————————————————————————— Mission San Jose, Fremont, 43300 Mission Blvd. Saturday, September 17, 7:00 pm: Ron McKean, organist and lecturer. Pre-concert talk (7:00) explaining the Rosales organ, which renders the music of old Mexico and Spain with color and authenticity; 7:30 pm: Spanish Organ Concert. This event takes place during the 225th anniversary of the Mission’s founding in 1797. Reception to follow; all donations will go toward the Mission Restoration Fund. ———————————————————————————————————- St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Cathedral, San Francisco, 1111 Gough St. @ Cleary (Parking under/beside the cathedral). These concerts are live-streamed and available here (simply click on the url): https://YouTube.com/cathedralofstmaryoftheassumption Sunday, August 14, 4:00 pm: ARI Piano Trio, with Jin Kyung Lim, piano Sunday, August 21, 4:00 pm: Norm Paskowsky, organ. Sunday, August 28, 4:00 pm: Edward Lee, organ. Sunday, September 4, 4:00 pm: Katya Kolesnikova, organ. Sunday, September 11, 4:00 pm: Angela Kraft Cross, organ. Cesar Franck: Grande Piece Symphonique, Cantabile, and Piece heroique. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. Sunday, September 18, 4:00 pm: Jeanette Wilkin Tietze, piano, with bassoon. Sunday, September 25, 4:00 pm: Jin Kyung Lim, organ. César Franck: Grande Pièce Symphonique; Prélude, Fugue, et Variation; Pastorale. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. Sunday, October 2, 4:00 pm: Christoph Tietze, organ. Ceésar Franck: Piece heroique, Choral in b-minor, Priere, and Final. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. Sunday, October 9, 4:00 pm: Robert Gurney, organ. César Franck: Fantaisies in A and C, Choral in a-minor. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. Sunday, October 16, 4:00 pm: David Hatt, organ and piano. César Franck: Variations Symphonique; Prélude, Choral, et Fugue. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. Sunday, October 23, 4:00 pm: Alexander Ffinch (UK), organ. Sunday, October 30, 4:00 pm: Jin Kyung Lim, piano, with violin. César Franck: Violin Sonata. This recital is part of the Cathedral Franck Cycle, celebrating the composer’s 200th birthday. ———————————————————————————————————- Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, 110 California St. at Taylor (pay parking underneath the cathedral, entrance is on Taylor Street between California and Sacramento streets. A $10 donation is requested. These concerts are live-streamed and available here (simply click on the url): https://gracecathedral.org/watch-grace-cathedral/ Sunday, September 4, 4:00 pm: Jillian Gardner, organ (Huntsville, Alabama) Sunday, October 9, 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm: Complete works of César Franck. Scott Dettra (Dallas, Texas), organ | | Your SJ AGO Board 2022 - 2023 Dean: Elisabeth Pintar Subdean: Mike Cala Secretary: Melanie Cervi Treasurer: Eric Holderman Newsletter Editor: Margaret Kvamme Handbook/Directory: Kay Lee Education/Resources; Historian: Valerie Sterk Budget/Auditors: Christine Merjanian, Cathryn Wilkinson Members-at-large: David Snook-Luther, Paula Seo, Laura Green | | The next newsletter will be published in October. The deadline for submitting concert listings, articles, photos, job listings and notices of instruments for sale, etc. is October 1. Click on the red button below for a set-up email where you can conveniently type and attach items. | | | |
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