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Announcing the 2019-2020 Richard D. Moe Organ Series at PLU

Four concerts are scheduled in the Moe Series at Pacific Lutheran University this academic year.


On Sunday September 22 at 3pm, University Organist Paul Tegels will open the series with a concert combining organ music with words, dance, and visual arts. See the gargoyles and chimeras (Louis Vierne) come to life on a large screen on the stage. Resident assistant professor of dance, Sarah Seder, has choreographed the music of Mad Rush by Philip Glass. And see the gothic and romanesque architecture with music of Widor (movements of the Symphony Gothique and Symphony Romane).


On Sunday October 20, we welcome PLU alumnus Bruce Neswick; and in the Spring of 2020, the two remaining concerts are on March 1 by guest organist Erica Johnson, recently appointed as college organist at Wellesley College in MA, and on April 5, when we welcome rising star organist Zhen Piao.


All concerts take place in Lagerquist Hall on the Gottfried and Mary Fuchs Organ, built by Paul Fritts and Co.

Tickets: $17 General Admission, $10 Military/60+/PLU Community and Alumni, $5 PLU students/18 and younger
For updated information, visit: www.plu.edu/organ

If you are not on our email list, and would like to receive one reminder email before each concert, send an email to organ@plu.edu with the subject line “SUBSCRIBE”

Note from 2018-2019 Scholarship Recipient

This thank you is much past overdue but as the generous scholarship I received from you, the Tacoma AGO, wraps up, I relfect on this experience with joy and gratitude. 


A year ago, I was a musician and person who was terrified and didn’t believe in herself. And I had no idea how to play the organ, of course. 
But now, and only because of your generosity, I am a musician who knows how to play quite a few fun and riveting pieces of music on the organ, and I am a person who understands their capacity and who will never give up. 


Thank you, Tacoma AGO, for granting me an opportunity that changed my life. And thank you, Dr. Paul Tegels, for being an incredible teacher and friend. You have taught me so much about music and life! 

Olivia Brownfield 

Welcome Back!

Welcome back!

I’d like to extend a big thank you to those who submitted program ideas; those who filled out the interest survey; and especially to my hardworking fellow board members. You’ve all helped shape this year’s programs, and we have a wonderful variety of educational, musical, and social events planned.

In order for you to take the greatest advantage of the year, I’d ask that you do two things:

  1. Take out your calendar(s) right now and pencil in events which interest you! The provisional schedule is already published on our website. More information will be added to each event as it gets closer.
  2. Think about folks you could invite to join you (friends, colleagues, students, parishioners?). The chapter meetings are designed for members, but it’s fun to have guests, and it’s important to spread awareness of the guild’s existence and purpose. What better way than by sharing our love of music, learning, and snacks?

Speaking of eating, hope to see you at the picnic!

Sheila Bristow, SubDean and Program Chair

Poll Results and Program Planning

Your board met this week to evaluate the poll results and plan programs for the coming year. With one exception, it looks like we will be able to implement all of the program ideas with the most votes!

Fortunately for Hillsdale, Michigan but unfortunately for us, the Fritts Shop is ahead of schedule on the current organ, and it will have been shipped before September. Instead of a visit to the Fritts Shop, we will have an opening picnic at Point Defiance. It’s not a bad alternative, with its fantastic views and newly constructed pedestrian bridge and aquarium.

October will be a trip to the Paramount Theater in Seattle to see and hear the Wurlitzer theater organ.

In November, Christ Episcopal Church will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Brombaugh organ with a recital played by Kraig Scott. The AGO will “piggyback” onto this event with a fireside conversation about the history and design of the organ.

Member Mark Brombaugh is planning a program on tuning and temperament. Member Joseph Adam will present a program on Vierne.

There was significant interest in choral programs–and the support of choral singing is part of our mission. We are working out the details for two such programs in the Spring. One will be focused on practical instruction in getting the best out of a small choir, including warm-up and other rehearsal techniques. The other will be a presentation on shape note singing by Eric Rutherford, who just completed his dissertation on this topic.

Opening Picnic at Point Defiance Park

Mark your calendar, and cross your fingers for good weather! Our September meeting will be an opening picnic at Point Defiance Park. We have reserved the Gig Harbor Viewpoint picnic shelter on September 16 for a picnic at 5:00 PM. Bring your family, musical friends, or anybody else who might be interested in the AGO, along with enough food for those you bring.

Metro Parks – Free swimming at Metro outdoor pools. Covered Picnic kitchen shelters at Point Defiance Park. Photos by Russ Carmack.

The Gig Harbor Viewpoint picnic area is located on Five Mile Drive, and features a covered shelter, water view, grills, and bathrooms. A map and more detailed driving information will be sent out closer to the date.

There is an optional easy hike at 4:00 for those interested. Meet at the picnic area and we will go from there.