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Dean's Message - AGO Website Greeting

Thank you for visiting the website of the Wabash Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
 
We were chartered on April 15, 2002. Our active and vital membership has grown to thirty in one year. A sizeable and comprehensive lending music library has been established; along with a growing scholarship fund for young students of the organ. We sponsor monthly Sunday Afternoon Concerts, during the fall/winter season, at Central Presbyterian Church as well as other local churches. Our chapter has been honored to present two major artists in concert. The late Tom Hazelton and Erik Suter of the Washington National Cathedral both performed at the Hatfield Performing Arts Center at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Workshops have been provided as requested by our members.
 
Our membership is diversified; representing all levels of organ proficiency, as well as those in other areas of music and interest in the organ. Our chapter is active with an excellent Newsletter and many events during the year. We welcome, with all stops out, new members that are interested in liturgical music and/or play the organ.
 
Please contact me with your questions or comments.       Gary L. Jenkins, Dean   Wabash Valley Chapter AGO

 

The Ten Commandments of Organ Practise


1. Thou shalt practice every day, even if only for a short period.


2. Thou shalt NEVER practice faster than thou canst play perfectly, for
it is written: Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.


3. Thou shalt NOT put off working on the hard parts; David did not invite
Goliath to come back after tea.


4. Thou shalt work out a usable fingering, inscribe it on thy papyrus and
NEVER vary from same, for Fumble Fingers Find Fate Fickle.


5. Thou shalt never apologize for thy playing, nor say "Oops!" when thou
makest a mistake, for thou wilt only draw attention to things which
otherwise would never be noticed by the thick people.


6. Thou shalt practice each composition in short segments; that thy
fingers may not break off more than thy mind can chew.
Thou shalt listen ... and not only to organists, for it is written:


7. What this untidy world needs is fewer organists and more musicians who
can play the organ


8. Thou shalt NOT play pedals without shoes ... for thy Odor-Eaters may
be spent, and besides, it leads to sloppy playing.


9. Thou shalt begin and end each practice session with something thou
canst play readily, that thou mayest not be discouraged.


10. Thou shalt always remember that thy practice is a labor of love and
that by persistence (oft proved by thyself in other undertakings) thou
can’st bring to pass many wonders.