tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66762894158836250302011-12-08T17:25:50.231-06:00American Guild of Organists Region VIWelcome to the blog for members of Region VI (North Central States, U.S.A.) of the American Guild of Organists! Our Region includes the states of CO, KS, MO, WY, NE, SD, IA, ND, MN, and WI.
CHECK OUT THE REGIONAL CALENDAR, BELOW!Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.comBlogger521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-74744087459029072162011-12-08T17:22:00.001-06:002011-12-08T17:25:50.240-06:00$15,000 Grant to AGO from The National Endowment for the Arts
I just received this press release from the national office of the AGO. It's great news! Jan
NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has been awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the 2012 AGO National Convention in Nashville, Tenn., July 1–6, 2012. The $15,000 NEA “Art Works” grant is directed to new music, workshops, and performances, and Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-28305658315826308282011-11-21T13:28:00.001-06:002011-11-21T14:01:21.812-06:00Your future and that of the Guild
I receive multiple chapter newsletters each month, both in regular mail and via e-mail, and I am always impressed with the activities, issues, and opinions mentioned in these publications. Below is a Dean's Message from Larry Wheelock, Dean of the Milwaukee chapter, which greatly inspired me when I read it in the November issue of their chapter newsletter. I hope it inspires you as well! Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-84288418973175827452011-10-27T13:59:00.000-05:002011-10-27T13:59:24.036-05:00Free Certification WebinarPlease see the invitation below. Free webinars are a new tool being incorporated into AGO offerings to members. If you have a computer with speakers, you will be able to access experts on a wide variety of topics. I encourage anyone interested in the Guild certification program to "virtually attend" this webinar! Jan
You Are Cordially Invited to Attend
A Complimentary AGO Webinar on Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-26323688120141010372011-10-24T16:36:00.001-05:002011-10-24T16:36:16.972-05:00Progam ideas for chaptersNow is the time of year that many chapter program committees are meeting to plan programs for the upcoming program year. I am grateful to Paul H. Hesselink, AGO District Convener who lives in Las Vegas, for compiling the following list of program ideas, and to Leslie Wolf Robb, Councillor for Region IX, for forwarding it to all of her fellow Councillors, including me. I hope it's helpful to Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-45777683220307409032011-10-15T17:07:00.001-05:002011-10-15T17:07:50.677-05:00AGO National Conference on Organ Pedagogy<!--[if gte mso 9]>
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Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-43647906885731008222011-09-27T18:24:00.002-05:002011-09-30T16:17:25.148-05:00A small group of thoughtful people
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
Last Thursday I was invited to attend the signing of a proclamation by the Governor of the State of Kansas at the state capitol in Topeka. Due to the ongoing efforts of a few in the Wichita AGO chapter, October has been proclaimed "Sunflower Organists Month" in Kansas! Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-73152757576056903592011-09-13T16:08:00.003-05:002011-09-13T16:13:17.480-05:00Condolences to Lincoln Chapter and Burns Davis' FamilyI received word last week that the new Dean of the Lincoln (NE) Chapter, Burns Davis, passed away unexpectedly. I know you join me in keeping Burns' extended family, her church families, her musical families, and her AGO chapter family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Below is the obituary that appeared in the Lincoln newspaper today. JanBurns Smith Davis, 63, Lincoln, died Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-3380589660704954852011-09-01T18:45:00.003-05:002011-09-01T18:55:47.523-05:00Tax Filing Requirements for AGO ChaptersIf you are a chapter Dean or Treasurer, please give your attention to the following post from James Thomashower, AGO's Executive Director. Handling this now will save you much hassle later! Chapters that fail to file will risk losing their tax-exempt status. Jan
As previously announced, the IRS has implemented a reporting requirement for nonprofit organizations with gross receipts of less Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-57706094882686168092011-08-15T21:09:00.006-05:002011-08-15T21:35:04.047-05:00Giving BackThe Guild's fiscal year is drawing to a close and will end on August 31. If you have benefited, as I have, from the Guild in any way during the past year, now is an ideal time to give back. We are very close to making our budgeted income projections, which will enable the AGO's plans to move forward and cause the Guild to thrive. Each contribution makes a difference!
The AGO is the world's Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-60311145380429089302011-07-05T15:35:00.026-05:002011-07-05T17:04:13.240-05:00Grateful for Dedicated VolunteersThe 2011 Region VI convention, June 20-23, was a huge success! The Central Iowa chapter prepared a wonderful party for the Region, with everything that makes a great party great. They created plenty of chances for us to celebrate, to gather with friends, to meet new people, to explore new places and ideas, to have stimulating conversations, to commiserate with colleagues, to learn and be Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-68710111440889162742011-05-07T13:21:00.003-05:002011-05-07T13:52:26.764-05:00Program Year-End Musings<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-75356434541676038272011-03-20T20:26:00.003-05:002011-03-20T20:35:12.889-05:00Be an Early Bird! Des Pipes, Des Pedals, Des MoinesRegion VI of the American Guild of Organists will again gather at our Regional Organ Festival and Convention this summer, as we do every two years. This year's event will be hosted by the Central Iowa chapter in Des Moines. This is a party planned for YOU -- don't miss it! Plan to join us, June 20-23, when Des Moines will be filled with great organists, choirs, handbell ensembles and more. Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-22047888364831137702011-03-03T15:24:00.004-06:002011-03-03T15:48:43.522-06:00Time and ThanksThank you to AGO member Larry Wheelock, Dean of the Milwaukee chapter, for gently bringing to my attention that I have been neglecting the Regional blog. I am glad that he reads it, and look forward to hearing feedback from more members who do.The issue of time -- or more clearly, time management and time commitments -- is one I've never been able to address completely successfully. I am an Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-76678016489069281072010-08-22T19:07:00.003-05:002010-08-22T19:41:54.021-05:00Making a Difference: It's Up to Each of UsI have been thinking recently of ways of making a difference.If you are like me, you see changes -- in your life, in your personal relationships, in your work environment, in the various organizations to which you belong -- that, if made, could make things a lot better. I find that sentences beginning with phrases such as "If only ...", "It's too bad that ...", and "Why don't they see that ...",Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-25706725966067963262010-02-18T13:28:00.002-06:002010-02-18T13:53:25.450-06:00Pipe Organ Encounters 2010I'm excited to post that the AGO will sponsor TEN Pipe Organ Encounters across the country this summer -- TWO in Region VI.A POE is a 4-5 day regional event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization. I was part of the Greater Kansas City chapter's POE for teens last summer, and I must say that I came away from the event with a newfound hope for the Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-69997436879684950602010-01-03T23:55:00.002-06:002010-01-04T00:03:19.797-06:00A great New Year's ResolutionWhy not resolve to invest in lifelong learning, by taking steps toward your first or your next level of AGO certification? See a letter from Jeff Verkuilen, Region VI's Coordinator for Education, below, and join us! JanREGION VI CERTIFICATION SUPPORT GROUP Have you considered working toward and achieving an AGO certification? A Region VI "Certification Support Group" has been formed and is Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-26605777562294627282009-12-19T20:25:00.002-06:002009-12-19T20:32:56.911-06:00Happy holidays to allTo all members of the AGO in Region VI: I wish you the very happiest of holidays! Our profession involves many demands on our time and creativity this time of year. I hope that you are able to find inspiration and rejuvenation in the midst of your music-making, and that you bring these gifts to everyone who hears your music.JanJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-45998356488867813682009-11-21T14:05:00.003-06:002009-11-21T14:16:35.607-06:00Exciting Times - Your Feedback Needed!An exciting new face of the AGO will soon be developed: one that includes our rich history and identity, but also embraces new trends, the desires of our membership, and the desires of the non-members we wish to serve.Your input is needed to help craft the future of the Guild!All Guild members with current e-mail addresses on file at our National office received the below e-mail from John WalkerJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-24447584976890907102009-09-13T23:59:00.002-05:002009-09-14T00:11:22.103-05:00New Program Years BeginIn many AGO chapters in Region VI, kickoff events of the 2009-10 program year are occurring this month. Best wishes to all of you for exiting and motivational program years! Check out the Regional calendar, below, to see what your fellow chapter members are up to this year.My sincere thanks to all of you who are serving in a volunteer leadership role in your chapter this year. The Guild could Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-23879043991562501422009-07-11T16:47:00.002-05:002009-07-11T17:27:42.516-05:00Region VI Convention a great success!The first of the eight AGO regional conventions of 2009 was held in Wichita, Kansas, and I'm glad to report it was a great success! Thank you to the 135 registrants who attended this year. For those unable to join us, perhaps due to the current economic climate or other concerns, I hope that after reading the below report you'll be inspired to attend a future regional convention!I am so proud Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-67520936688753136002009-06-10T16:47:00.005-05:002009-06-10T16:56:42.673-05:00AGO Membership Enjoys New GrowthThis is great news, worthy of celebration! Kudos to all Guild members who invited musical friends and colleagues to join our "ranks"! See the press release from the National Office, below.A special note to Independent Members: this blog is for you! Let's use it as a way to keep in contact virtually, when we can't meet in person.Jan 18,409 Individuals Renewed Membership or Joined the American Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-89398222167720776822009-05-05T16:20:00.004-05:002009-05-05T16:39:03.555-05:00End-of-the-year Thanks and UpdateAs our chapter program years draw to a close, I want to thank all Chapter Deans, elected officials, and volunteers for all of the work you have done for Guild members and friends of the organ in your area this year. I am grateful for all of your time, talents, and energy!Two weeks ago, I attended AGO national council meetings. During four days of very challenging and very productive meetings, Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-60716891829771361442009-02-07T11:57:00.010-06:002009-04-02T15:17:36.173-05:00Pipe Organ EncountersOne of the best programs of the Guild is the Pipe Organ Encounter (POE), a summer experience for young and young-at-heart organists and budding organ technicians. POEs are summer organ "camps," typically 4-5 days in length, in which participants enjoy playing country's most significant instruments, benefit from instruction from well-known faculty in workshops and lessons, go on field trips to Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-29626598399673250982009-01-03T09:29:00.002-06:002009-01-03T09:54:32.365-06:00New Year's ResolutionsThose who know me well know that New Year's Day is my favorite day of the year. I really enjoy the idea of a clean slate -- a new year full of new possibilities. I relish the opportunity to review the past year, and am grateful for the ability to make plans for what I'd like the new year to include. I have my New Year's resolutions in place for 2009 and am excited about beginning to work Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-10771092473913720042008-12-24T22:38:00.002-06:002008-12-24T22:45:50.693-06:00Season's WishesOn Christmas Eve 2008, my wish for each of the Guild's members in Region VI is that, no matter what your religious beliefs are, you re-discover the joy and wonder of this season in your everyday music-making activities. We are privileged to make our mark on our world with our music. May you find inspiration from the music in your care -- passed down through generations of musicians and Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-59173708252893939972008-11-24T14:37:00.006-06:002008-11-24T14:47:56.345-06:00Looking for a great holiday gift?Are you looking for holiday gift ideas for your favorite organist, or for your personal list to give to family and friends? The AGO store has lots of great ideas for you. You might want to try dropping a hint to your church or synagogue as well! The best news: from now through December 23, AGO members can take advantage of significant discounts! The below information is from Headquarters. Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-80142055221333689402008-11-12T11:31:00.003-06:002008-11-12T12:34:13.104-06:00Important IRS Deadline November 15This important reminder from James Thomashower, AGO's Executive Director, was sent by e-mail to all chapter Deans today, November 12, 2008. If you are a chapter Dean, it is essential that you complete this IRS requirement. If you are not a chapter Dean, offer your help to see that your chapter's tax-exempt status is secure! Thanks - JanWe are writing to remind you that the deadline for filingJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-32976017540368630952008-11-03T20:36:00.004-06:002008-11-03T20:59:06.857-06:00Nominate your mentor for our Regional award!At the upcoming Regional Convention - June 15-18, 2009, in Wichita, KS - we will have a chance to honor someone within the ten states as our 2009 Regional Honoree. Who has impacted your musical life? Who comes immediately to mind as the person who most exemplifies Guild's mission?The AGO mission statement: "The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historicJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72834193374009602682008-10-28T17:50:00.001-05:002008-10-28T18:16:08.883-05:00On-line resources for chaptersAn amazing collection of resources that can help your chapter is available on the AGO Headquarters website. Check it out!Here are some of the offerings. All are free downloads:International Year of the Organ brochure. Throughout this exciting year (June 2008 through June 2009), I hope you will distribute these brochures at all chapter events and other IYO organ events in your community.AGO Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-49456912818836626782008-09-23T16:19:00.002-05:002008-09-23T16:34:40.644-05:00Advertise your October 19 event for FREE!One of the benefits of the entire Guild working together on the International Year of the Organ is the advertising exposure nationally. Oct. 19, 2008 will be an international day of celebration, and a focal point of the 2008-09 International Year of the Organ Celebration. If your chapter is presenting an Organ Spectacular event on October 19, the national AGO office wants to help you getJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-65382775317427372352008-05-23T16:30:00.003-05:002008-05-23T16:34:27.481-05:00Excitement Builds as Opening of the International Year of the Organ ApproachesThe following press release was published by the AGO on May 15. Join the international effort and make your chapter plans now! Jan2008–2009 International Year of the Organ to Be Inaugurated at the AGO National Convention in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., June 22–26, 2008More than 200 Organ Spectacular Concerts Worldwide on Sunday, October 19, 2008 Will Celebrate the King of InstrumentsNEW YORK Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-66318450247275904752008-05-02T19:27:00.002-05:002008-05-02T19:30:28.280-05:00POE+ for adultsFrom May 18-23, the Tri-State Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be hosting a Pipe Organ Encounter+, a special week for adults wishing to improve their skills at the organ. This is a great opportunity for adult organists to get away, spend time in a beautiful setting, and focus on musical skills with expert instruction on beautiful instruments. Please help spread the word!Two tracksJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-34832884283513927542008-04-27T10:29:00.002-05:002008-04-27T10:46:42.988-05:00Hope for the Future[From time to time, guest authors will be featured on our blog. The following is an article which impressed me very much when it appeared in the Springfield, MO, AGO chapter newsletter earlier this year. Its author, T. Daniel Hancock, Dean of the chapter, has given permission to re-print it here. Jan]As organists or lovers of organ-associated music, much indeed is said about the current role Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-75221896734146062862008-03-28T18:47:00.002-05:002008-03-28T19:06:58.080-05:00Vote!This is the time of year when your AGO really is in your hands. The direction set for your organization by national and regional leaders depends on your making your opinion known. One of the easiest ways to do this is to vote! This is an important election for the future of the Guild. Due to term expirations and other moves, we will be electing a new AGO President, Vice President, Secretary, Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-88610162808789966022008-03-04T09:55:00.003-06:002008-03-04T10:11:52.516-06:00Present an "Organ Spectacular" EventAs you probably know, the AGO has declared the 2008-2009 program year as the "International Year of the Organ." Many chapters are currently planning their programs for the upcoming year, and I encourage you to plan an extra-special event on October 19, 2008, the date of the "Organ Spectacular." You will be able to take advantage of international advertising to a very diverse potential audience,Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72174880178805500572008-02-24T18:05:00.002-06:002008-02-24T18:11:28.698-06:00Membership Reduced RatesFor the period of February 1 through March 31, 2008, AGO membership is available at special reduced dues rates for new members.Now is an ideal time to invite your organist, choral director, and clergy friends to join the AGO! Check with your chapter registrar for the dues rates for new members during this time period. Share with your friends your enthusiasm about the world of the organ and Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-26074201999821026182008-02-20T09:21:00.002-06:002008-02-20T09:50:33.008-06:00International Year of the Organ composition competition winnersThe AGO has named 2008-09 as the International Year of the Organ (see my previous post on the IYO - January 8, below). The year will begin with special events at the 2008 National Convention this summer in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and will conclude with the Regional Conventions in summer 2009. I highly encourage you to plan special events in your area!As a part of the celebration, the AGO Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-44095826643941547722008-02-11T16:46:00.000-06:002008-02-11T17:19:12.795-06:00POE Matching Gift ChallengeSummer 2008 will see not one but two Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) in Region VI! This initiative to support the next generations' interest in our profession is one of the most wonderful and successful programs of the Guild. (See additional information, including a video, in my previous post about POEs, below.)My colleague, Lary Grossman, Councillor for Region I (New England - see his blog), Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-72595636290130031992008-01-31T12:42:00.000-06:002008-01-31T12:44:07.594-06:00Breaking News - Early Bird Registration Deadline ExtendedIn browsing the 2008 National Convention website today, I learned that the Early Bird Registration Deadline has been extended 3 days, to Sunday, February 3. Find out more here. Hope to see you at the convention!Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-79732162739095816832008-01-25T11:47:00.000-06:002008-01-25T12:06:14.103-06:002008 Convention - Early Bird Registration Closes 1/31You won't want to miss the 2008 AGO National Convention! The early-bird registration closes January 31, 2008.Join us June 22-26 for the National Convention in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota - right in our own Region! To register on-line and learn the latest about all the details of this exciting convention, visit www.ago2008.org. Here are just a few of the Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-49796170231545178632008-01-13T19:25:00.000-06:002008-01-13T19:57:30.236-06:00Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs)"The graying of the Guild." Have you heard this expression? It's a fact that our profession is "graying" -- most chapters have many more older than younger members, and sometimes we wonder what will happen with our beloved instrument in the next generation and beyond.The AGO has great news to share! The Guild's premiere program for youth, Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs), now in its 10th year, hasJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-32729254979729343092008-01-08T11:57:00.000-06:002008-01-08T12:45:23.027-06:00Region VI Calendar of EventsOver the past year and a half as your Regional Councillor, I’ve carefully read the chapter newsletters and e-newsletters sent to me from many of the 48 chapters in the 10 states of Region VI. It’s obvious that many exciting programs, workshops, and events are being sponsored by our chapters! However, sometimes those programs go by unnoticed by those outside chapter membership. (Fred Swann onceJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-48287811168752413042008-01-08T11:52:00.001-06:002008-01-08T11:56:18.643-06:00Regional Certification GroupIf you are not currently pursuing AGO Certification, this new year is the time to start on that goal! I made this goal for myself when I invited members attending the Regional Convention in Lincoln this past summer to join me in a “Region VI Certification Group.” The members of this group will attempt to attain their next (or first) level of certification – whether the SPC, CAGO, AAGO, FAGO, orJan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-71573601513220254432008-01-08T11:47:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:49:47.138-06:00Fred Swann to be honoredThank you to those in Region VI who supported, through your attendance and/or your donations, the Recital and Gala Benefit Reception honoring John Obetz in April 2007. Almost $40,000 was raised to benefit the Guild’s Endowment Fund! What does the Endowment Fund “do”? It ensures the future of our art by expanding programs for leadership development in the Guild, educating new organists, and Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-55056404822761265372008-01-08T11:29:00.000-06:002008-01-15T19:53:03.437-06:00Your AGO Regional Leaders All AGO officers at National and Regional levels are volunteers just like your chapter leadership. Your Regional leadership can be especially helpful to you in many ways. All of our contact information is accessible on the AGO National website (www.agohq.org) or under the "Links of Interest" at the right side of this blog. As your Regional Councillor, I am part of the conduit of information Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-71085507715757143862008-01-08T11:21:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:23:39.329-06:00AGO National WebsiteIf you haven’t looked at the National AGO website regularly, you’re missing a goldmine of resources which can be of help to you and your chapter. Check especially the “Downloadable Docs” section, and the “Chapter Documents” section. You’ll find all sorts of useful, immediately accessible information, such as the Chapter Management Handbook, the AGO seal, membership brochures, information on Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-68333625630791446862008-01-08T11:15:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:20:57.105-06:00Pipe Organ Encounters in 2008The Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) program, celebrating its 10th year in 2008, has become a very effective outreach of the AGO to new organists. We’re beginning to reap the benefits of these programs nationwide and in our Region – we’re seeing more young chapter members, more students enrolled in organ programs at colleges and universities, and more entrants in organ competitions.Two Pipe Organ Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-56305872797653665862008-01-08T11:09:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:15:26.680-06:00Contributions to AGO's Annual FundChapter registrars and treasurers, how would you like to never have to fill out a membership report form again? What if the chapter portion of each member’s dues appeared automatically in your chapter bank account without your having to process a single check? What if members could join the Guild and pay their dues online? Many questions I receive about the Annual Fund and Endowment Fund are Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-12091161432785011632008-01-08T11:06:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:09:02.443-06:00International Year of the OrganAs you probably know, AGO has designated next program year, 2008-09, as the International Year of the Organ. The IYO committee is planning a series of events and national publicity to bring the organ into the public spotlight. The year will kick off with the upcoming 2008 National Convention this summer, and will conclude with events at the 2009 Regional Conventions. Plans include presenting Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-41605297634898551372008-01-08T10:59:00.000-06:002008-01-08T11:05:15.688-06:00Each One, Reach OneThe Guild is beginning the third and final year of our membership growth challenge called “Each One, Reach One.” In the past two years the focus has been on Chapter Challenges; the goal for this year is a Member Challenge. During the 2007-08 program year we are all encouraged as individual members to invite local organists and choral directors to our chapter activities. Let’s share the AGO Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-80521194660131610162008-01-08T10:47:00.003-06:002008-09-11T19:32:47.230-05:00Conventions in 2008 and 2009We are privileged to have the next National convention right here in Region VI! It will occur in the beautiful cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, June 22-26, 2008. In October the National Council met there, and I'm even more exited about this event. We previewed the convention hotel, visited some of the convention venues and instruments, and met many of the dedicated volunteers on Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6676289415883625030.post-58300650911353830922008-01-07T21:23:00.000-06:002008-01-08T10:46:52.929-06:00Welcome -- January 2008Welcome to the Region VI blog! I hope that your AGO chapter has enjoyed being together for various programs and projects as the 2007-08 program year reaches its midpoint at the beginning of 2008. The information in this blog will be helpful to you as you move forward. I’m in the middle of my second year of my first two-year term as your Regional Councillor. Last year, my first in this Jan Kraybill, Councillor for AGO Region VIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14232615506988443012noreply@blogger.com1