Workshops

AGO Region VII convention workshops will include presentations on the following topics:

The Hymn as a Pedagogical Tool - Timothy Olsen

Organ pedagogy methods using hymn playing and hymn-based compositions will be discussed and demonstrated. 

An Ounce of Prevention Is the Cure - Janet Loman

This workshop explores the causes of overuse injury and ways to play without pain.

Organ Registration for the 21st century - Crista Miller

The more researchers learn about organ registration, the more choices we seem to have as artists! How does one sit down at a 20th century instrument and coax out several centuries of music? This lecture will provide a step-by-step overview for several styles of repertoire from the 17th century to today, using short pieces as case studies. Handouts will be provided for further study.

Organ Music 2009: What's New for Sunday Morning? - Antone Godding

"What's New for Sunday Morning?" This session will involve a survey of recently-published (2007-09) organ music suitable for church use. Music for general, seasonal and special occasions will be demonstrated. Repertoire lists will include information about the literature covered in the workshop, as well as other newly-released music.

An interview - overview with Stephen Tharp

At just 39, Region VII convention recitalist Stephen Tharp is one of the world's busiest and most acclaimed organists. Famed for his immense technical skills, buttressed by insightful musicianship and a scholar's knowledge of the great French, American and German repertoire, Tharp is equally at ease performing concertos, playing solo recitals, and in the organ loft. Tharp will be interviewed about his studies, career, and views on the organ by Craig Smith, classical music critic of The Santa Fe New Mexican and Secretary-Registrar of the Albuquerque AGO chapter. A question and answer session will follow.

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you - Maxine Thevenot

These workshops are designed to answer your questions about what is expected from the examiner's point of view, to guide you through the process of choosing a balanced program for the exam, and to help you prepare for the requirements of both exams. Topics will include playing your chosen repertoire stylistically and musically, transposition, hymn playing, accompanying of psalms and anthems, and sight reading. There will be some time for hands-on, so if you are preparing for an exam, bring your scores, your shoes and your courage!

Bring Your Own Hard Hat: Practical Tips for Procuring a New Organ - Crista Miller

This lecture will provide practical tips for the selection and procurement of a new organ, using the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston, Texas as a case study. Specific topics include ways to re-think common challenges such as funding in difficult times, decision-making, and architectural space; creative alternatives to utilize if a church community faces a period of time sans organ; and special considerations for churches under construction or expansion. Tips for effective communication with architects and construction engineers will be given from the perspective of an engineer-turned-professional organist.

The Organ in Opera (the Secret Partner) - Craig Smith

The organ plays a larger part in opera than you might think - and doesn't appear in some operas that you might think it should. From continuo accompaniment in Monteverdi to the massive opening of Massenet's "Esclarmonde,"from being used for coloristic punctuation in Bartok's "Bluebeard's Castle" to the huge organ solo that pervades the church scene in Busoni's "Doktor Faust," the instrument appears in the scores of more than 100 operas. Craig Smith, classical music critic of The Santa Fe New Mexican and Secretary-Registrar of the Albuquerque AGO chapter, will discuss these instances and play musical examples.

Voice Building in the Children's Choir Rehearsal - Regina Carlow

This workshop will explore techniques used to loosen and free the young singing voice. The session will focus on ways to engage the non-auditioned children's chorus through deliberate and sequenced vocal training. Vocal warm-ups and rehearsal strategies will be demonstrated and deconstructed. Attention will be centered on practical applications vis a vis graded repertoire for treble choirs for children ages in grades K-5.

Topics in Choral Conducting Technique - Bradley Ellingboe

Workshop #1 - Conducting Gesture As It Shapes Tone

A discussion and demonstration of how body language and personal "affekt" are interpreted by our choir every bit as much as traditional conducting gestures are.

Workshop # 2 - What I Have Learned from Giants of Choral Conducting

Distinctive Music for Small Ensembles - Frederick Frahm

A dozen well written anthems for small choirs with an emphasis on settings scored for average ensembles with distinctive organ or piano accompaniments.  Composer and arranger Frederick Frahm will lead the sessions and will present music from select publishers for general and seasonal use.  Packets containing all of the repertoire covered will be available at both sessions, as well as order forms which can be used to acquire additional copies for your ensemble use.  Publishers represented will be Augsburg Fortress, Concordia Publishing House, MorningStar Music, and Graphite Publishing.

More than Music:  Employment Matters - Marsha Seale

A non-stuffy, practical approach to professional development for organists and choir directors tailored to the needs of those present. A brief look at employment issues, guidelines and contracts; publications from the AGO and denominational organizations. Planning and management for church musicians, including goal-setting, wedding and funeral policies, and AGO-sponsored group insurance plans. Information on becoming a mentor or receiving mentoring from a more experienced musician. And more...

Augmenting Your Chapter by Design - James Thomashower

Building the membership of your chapter is fun and rewarding. It strengthens your chapter's economic base, expands its talent pool, promotes diversity, and fosters camaraderie. This session will give you the tools to accomplish all of these objectives using a simple and straightforward membership marketing plan that will enable you to set and achieve your recruitment and retention goals.