We look forward to a new year of exciting and enlightening programs here in the Tacoma AGO chapter! Many thanks to the entire Tacoma board and the members who worked on the programs committee.
The year kicks off with an introduction to the new two-manual, 34- stop Fritts Op. 41 organ nearing completion at the Parkland shop of Paul Fritts and Co. The organ will be installed this fall at First Presbyterian Church in Bloomington Indiana, where Indiana professor Christopher Young presides at the console. Paul will give a brief introduction to the organ, and we will be treated to performances by Curt Sather, Naomi Shiga, and Paul Tegels. The new Fritts organ is also featured in our summer outreach program for kids Saturday, August 5.
In October, we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation with a program featuring hymns of the Reformation at Christ Episcopal Church Tacoma. Rev. Samuel Torvend, Priest for Adult Faith Formation, and Mark Brombaugh, organist, and Co-director of Music Ministries at Christ Church will collaborate.
November provides an opportunity to improve your conducting skills with one of our newest members. Don Dunscomb has had many years of experience as a church music director in Roseburg, OR, and holds a BA in music from San Jose State University, and an MA in Education and a Lifetime California Teaching Credential from Stanford University. Anyone interested in participating as a student conductor, please contact me! The rest of you please come prepared for some fun audience participation as part of the choir.
We celebrate the busy and rewarding seasons of Advent and Christmas with our annual holiday party in December. Sandy and Dick Tietjen are our gracious hosts this year as they share their home and their beautiful Fritts organ. We will enjoy delightful organ music and carols of the season, festive food and drink, and congenial company.
Looking ahead to January and our annual joint meeting with the Seattle chapter, we will feature the 1871 E and GG Hook and Hastings organ at St. Matthew-San Mateo Episcopal Church in Auburn. Once again this year, Cheryl and Tim Drewes will be our capable guides as they introduce this wonderful historic instrument. Plan to socialize with Tacoma and Seattle friends over lunch after the presentation!
Stay tuned later in the year for our spring lineup, which will take us to Shelton and Gig Harbor, as well as Tacoma.
2017/2018 Fall and Winter Programs
September 19 Monday at 7:30 p.m. Fritts and Co. Organ Shop: Members Recital on the New Fritts Op. 41 organ with Curt Sather, Naomi Shiga, and Paul Tegels
October 16 Monday at 7:30 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church: Hymns of the Reformation with Rev. Samuel Torvend and Mark Brombaugh
November 20 Monday at 7:30 p.m. Kilworth Chapel at University of Puget Sound: Conducting Workshop with Don Dunscomb
December 4 Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tietjen Residence: Annual Advent/Christmas Party
January 20 Saturday at 10:30 a.m. St. Matthew-San Mateo Episcopal Church in Auburn: Joint Seattle Meeting featuring 1871 Hook and Hastings Organ with Cheryl and Tim Drewes