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Welcome to Suffolk AGO

Welcome to the website of the Suffolk Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO).

We are a not-for-profit organization of professional musicians, educators, choir directors, organ builders, and amateur organists and enthusiasts from all walks of life. The Suffolk Chapter carries out the mission of the American Guild of Organists locally by sponsoring workshops, masterclasses, scholarship awards, recitals and other activities to promote the continuing education of organists and choir directors, as well as to create a fellowship of all people who love the organ and organ music. The chapter serves the western portion of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, and is one of 28 chapters in the New York-Northern New Jersey area (Region II).

We meet on a regular basis throughout the year and hold annual events such as the Children's Choir Directors' Workshop and Children's Choir Festival, the Organ Expo, and the Scholarship Recital and Awards for students of the organ, in addition to other workshops and lecture/recitals led by members and guests. In some cases we partner with neighboring chapters in the Long Island/New York City area to organize activities. Meetings are educational and informal.

Next Chapter Meeting: Friday, September 17, 2010 6 pm
Annual Potluck Supper

At the home of Tom and Claire Zatorski. Details and directions will be published in the September issue of Suffolk Soundings.

Chapter News
Installation Dinner

On Sunday, June 13, the Chapter ended its program year with a Members' Dinner and installation of Officers at Oysterman's Restaurant and Pub in Sayville. Dinner began with a prayer offered by Suffolk Chaplain Rev. Tim Hoyt-Duncan, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Northport.

The chapter was pleased to welcome District Convener Frank L. Crosio, who performed the installation ceremony for the newly-elected chapter officers: Claire Klein, Dean; Paul Elsener, Sub Dean; Joan Wingerter, Secretary; Janet Pinto, Treasurer; and Chris Cusumano, Member-at-Large.

The Chapter also presented outgoing Dean, Deborah Jenks with the AGO Past Dean pin and a Certificate of Appreciation for her leadership and service to the Chapter. Special thanks to Joan Wingerter for making the restaurant arrangements.

Scholarship Recital and Awards Presentations
On Sunday, May 23, the chapter presented the 2010 Scholarship Awards Recital, featuring organist Nichole Cochran, a recent graduate of the Juilliard School, who performed a program including works of Duruflé, Bruhns, Tournemire, Howells, Langlais, and Bach (see photo below) The Suffolk Chapter is grateful to Sts. Philip and James Church, its Pastor, the Reverend Anthony Stanganelli, and the Director of Music, Margaret Adams, for hosting the Recital, and to Tim Adams for technical support.

The Chapter also thanks the many supporters of the Scholarship Program, especially Dr. Carol Weitner, who has administered the program for the past seven years.

Scholarship Awards Announced

On Friday evening, April 30, the auditions for the Suffolk AGO scholarships and Elsener Award were held at St. James’ Church in Setauket. The Suffolk Chapter is pleased to announce that Suffolk AGO College Scholarships were awarded as follows: 1st place to Brent Trubia ($1,000) and 2nd place to Bill Roslak ($500). The Elsener Award winners were: Jessalyn Christen, in 1st place ($500) and in a 2nd place tie: Theresa Mary Bissex and Vito Reciniello ($250 each). Congratulations to all and keep up the good work!

Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Carol Weitner, Scholarship Chair, for coordinating the auditions. Thanks also to St. James Church and to Director of Music, Jim Sheridan, for providing a venue for the auditions. In addition, we thank our esteemed judges, Tom Bailey and Wayne Dieterich, and Deanna Muro for providing technical support with audio equipment. Awards will be presented at the Scholarship Awards Recital on May 23.

2010 Suffolk AGO Scholarships Winners Announced

The 2010 Suffolk AGO Organ Scholarship and Elsener Award winners have been announced.

Learn about Suffolk AGO Scholarships by clicking here or by selecting Scholarships from the menu at the top of this page.

Learn more about this year's activities and upcoming meetings by clicking here or by selecting Chapter Programs from the menu at the top of the page.

Membership

Keeping your membership current means that you continue to receive an uninterrupted subscription to the national magazine, The American Organist, and our local chapter newsletter, Suffolk Soundings. The membership year starts July 1st, 2010, and renewal forms were mailed to current members in early June.

If you're getting ready to join us for the first time, the membership application for 2010-2011 is available online. Click here for a copy. And Welcome!

You can learn more about the benefits of membership by clicking here or by selecting "Join the AGO" in the Menu at the top of this page.

AGO Placement List

Churches, temples, and other organizations who are searching for directors of music, organists, and choir directors advertise their open positions in our newsletter, Suffolk Soundings. If you have an open position to advertise, learn more about listing your position with the Suffolk Chapter of the AGO by clicking here or by selecting Placement in the menu at the top of this page.

For Sale

We occasionally list items that may be of interest to our members. Learn more about sale items by clicking here or by selecting Placement from the menu at the top of the page.

If you have any concerns, questions, or requests about this website, please contact the Webmaster.

Image: Bourdon pipe schematic, French Horns. From the Encyclopedia of Organ Stops by Edward L. Stauff. Permission granted under terms of copyright. For more information go to www.organstops.org.