Many thanks to Tacoma AGO member Shari Shull for a great ending to our 2018-2019 program year. The final program featured Shari discussing her sabbatical in Europe, with pictures, recordings and stories of her travels and studies. The program was well attended, and generated a long discussion afterward.

Now it’s time to look ahead to next year. The board is hosting a program planning session on Monday, June 10 (details in the calendar entry). If you can’t make it, please send us your ideas by replying to this email or contacting any board member. The programs don’t have to be traditional lectures. We would also like to include workshops, social events, and outings. The topics don’t necessarily have to be directly related to organ playing. The AGO mission specifically includes choral music as well as organ music.

Remember that this is your organization. The AGO programs should be a resource for you–to increase your knowledge, increase your skills, or help you with other aspects of your job or avocation. Let us know what you need!

Don’t forget! Our final meeting for this program year is May 13, 7:00 PM, at St. Mark’s by the Narrows Lutheran Church.

Shari Shull, member and past dean of the Tacoma Chapter of the AGO, will share a slide show travelogue from her sabbatical trip to Europe last year. Her travels included visits to some important organs in Paris, choral evensong programs in and around London, and visits to organs in Province Groningen in the Netherlands. Shari took organ lessons on seven historical antique organs with Stef Tuinstra, Director of the North Netherlands Organ Academy and organist at the Martini Kerk and Nieuwe Kerk in Groningen. She will also share some recordings from her lessons.

Shari holds degrees from the Oberlin College Conservatory and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and is the Minister of Music at Agnus Dei Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor, WA.

After a very successful program year, it’s time to start thinking about the next season. On June 10, the board will meet to discuss programming for next year, and we need your help! This is your organization, and our goal is to produce programming that meets your needs.

Everyone is welcome at the board meeting. It’s in the calendar, and by logging in, you can get the address. If you plan to come, please let us know so that we can plan for seating and refreshments.

If you can’t come in person, please send your ideas. The mission of the AGO is to support organ and choral music, and we would like to do both in our programming. We would also welcome ideas for social gatherings, public outreach opportunities, and any other ideas you might have.

If you have any ideas to contribute, please send them to ago@tacomaago.org.

There is no April meeting because it’s a busy time for organists. However, there are chapter events coming up in May and June, so mark your calendars!

Our May meeting has been moved to May 13 at 7:00 PM at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by the Narrows. Please note the new date. Shari Shull will discuss her recent sabbatical trip to Europe. More information is available in the calendar.

On June 10 at 7:00 PM, the board is hosting an open meeting to discuss upcoming programming ideas. If you would like help to shape the programs for 2019-2020, this is a great opportunity to provide input. Please check the calendar for location and other details.

Tacoma AGO Subdean and Program Chair was invited to represent our chapter at a regional AGO leadership training session in California. The seminar was focused on developing a strategic plan that individual chapters can use to maintain and increase interest and membership in our organization.

Sheila has already done a preliminary report for the board. You can look forward to hearing more about this effort as we determine which ideas we can incorporate into our own planning.

A presentation given at the meeting by a professional communications specialist is attached below.