On Sunday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m. the Jacksonville chapter of the American Guild of Organists will hold its first meeting – a meeting that is open to the public.
The venue is St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 3976 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville.
This is the chapter’s first in-person event since Covid-19 caused shutdowns around the world. Several organists from churches throughout the chapter’s reach (which includes the beach communities and St. Augustine) will play music written for church services.
Each organist will play one or two short pieces suitable for the beginning or the end of a worship service. We anticipate hearing music from a variety of traditions, styles, and historical periods.
Please share this information with others in your various circles!
The venue is St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 3976 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville.
This is the chapter’s first in-person event since Covid-19 caused shutdowns around the world. Several organists from churches throughout the chapter’s reach (which includes the beach communities and St. Augustine) will play music written for church services.
Each organist will play one or two short pieces suitable for the beginning or the end of a worship service. We anticipate hearing music from a variety of traditions, styles, and historical periods.
Please share this information with others in your various circles!
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2021-2022 Programs
A Plentitude of Preludes and Postludes
Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of short pieces suitable for a variety of worship settings. All members at every level of proficiency are invited to play. We should all leave this event with a handful of useful pieces for use in our own church settings. Hosted by St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
· one or two short pieces, with each no longer than 4 minutes in length
· all seasons are welcome
· pieces should be accessible for most organists
· music suitable for church services
· provide publisher information for the program
This event will also serve as our first chapter meeting of the season. You definitely don't want to miss it. For a year and a half, we've missed our community and this will provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with other musicians and music lovers in the area and to get involved with the other upcoming events we will be presenting in the coming months. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.
Hymn Festival
October 2021
The theme of this year's festival will place a focus on celebrating and caring for God's creation. Performers will lead those gathered in one hymn each, with readings and reflections offered between hymns. This has become a favorite offering within our chapter, and we are looking forward to singing together once again. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.
Managing a Music Program Luncheon
November 2021
Topics to cover may include: Copyright Compliance, Musician and Clergy Collaboration, Organization Tips, Overview of publishers and which denominations they cater to, Online Music and Liturgical Planning Resources, Workplace Harmony, etc. Members with expertise in these areas are encouraged to reach out.
Virtual Members Concert
December 2021
The first of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of December on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.
Annual Holiday Party
January (Early) 2022
Hosted by members of our chapter, this event is always a great time to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy delicious food and friendship in an informal setting.
David Hurd In Concert, Co-Sponsored with Beaches Fine Arts
January 23, 2022
We are thrilled to welcome David Hurd back to Jacksonville for a concert at St. Johns Cathedral. We will be assisting with the reception after this concert. As always, admission to this concert will be free and open to all.
Stainer’s Crucifixion
March 2022
Inspired by the success of Messiah Sing-Alongs across the country, our seasonal spin will feature The Crucifixion by John Stainer. Conducted by Brandon Smith, with James Holyer at the organ console. Chapter members will sing the solos, and our whole community will join to sing in the choir. Hosted by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Ortega.
Virtual Members Concert
April 2022
The second of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of April on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Passover, etc.
Annual Members Banquet
May 2022
The final chapter meeting of the season. The food is sure to be delicious, and we will celebrate a job well-done until the following program year.
Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of short pieces suitable for a variety of worship settings. All members at every level of proficiency are invited to play. We should all leave this event with a handful of useful pieces for use in our own church settings. Hosted by St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
· one or two short pieces, with each no longer than 4 minutes in length
· all seasons are welcome
· pieces should be accessible for most organists
· music suitable for church services
· provide publisher information for the program
This event will also serve as our first chapter meeting of the season. You definitely don't want to miss it. For a year and a half, we've missed our community and this will provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with other musicians and music lovers in the area and to get involved with the other upcoming events we will be presenting in the coming months. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.
Hymn Festival
October 2021
The theme of this year's festival will place a focus on celebrating and caring for God's creation. Performers will lead those gathered in one hymn each, with readings and reflections offered between hymns. This has become a favorite offering within our chapter, and we are looking forward to singing together once again. If you are interested in playing or volunteering in some other way, please contact Tony Cruz.
Managing a Music Program Luncheon
November 2021
Topics to cover may include: Copyright Compliance, Musician and Clergy Collaboration, Organization Tips, Overview of publishers and which denominations they cater to, Online Music and Liturgical Planning Resources, Workplace Harmony, etc. Members with expertise in these areas are encouraged to reach out.
Virtual Members Concert
December 2021
The first of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of December on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc.
Annual Holiday Party
January (Early) 2022
Hosted by members of our chapter, this event is always a great time to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy delicious food and friendship in an informal setting.
David Hurd In Concert, Co-Sponsored with Beaches Fine Arts
January 23, 2022
We are thrilled to welcome David Hurd back to Jacksonville for a concert at St. Johns Cathedral. We will be assisting with the reception after this concert. As always, admission to this concert will be free and open to all.
Stainer’s Crucifixion
March 2022
Inspired by the success of Messiah Sing-Alongs across the country, our seasonal spin will feature The Crucifixion by John Stainer. Conducted by Brandon Smith, with James Holyer at the organ console. Chapter members will sing the solos, and our whole community will join to sing in the choir. Hosted by St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Ortega.
Virtual Members Concert
April 2022
The second of two virtual concerts in which performers will pre-record one seasonal selection to be compiled into an online concert which will be viewed throughout the month of April on YouTube. Selections may feature a variety of instrumentation and may include music from any part of the season: Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Passover, etc.
Annual Members Banquet
May 2022
The final chapter meeting of the season. The food is sure to be delicious, and we will celebrate a job well-done until the following program year.
Our 2021-2023 Executive Committee
Dean (and Communications): Brandon "Zeek" Smith
Sub-Dean (and Quarterly Newsletter): Tony Cruz
Secretary: Duane Carter
Treasurer: Ray McDonald
Membership: Bette Mattox
Past Dean: Jan Pitts Smith
Member-at-Large Class of 2025: Bill Broyles, Jane Daugherty, Karen Phillips
Member-at-Large Class of 2023: Cathy Fortson and Mark Lemmenes
Sub-Dean (and Quarterly Newsletter): Tony Cruz
Secretary: Duane Carter
Treasurer: Ray McDonald
Membership: Bette Mattox
Past Dean: Jan Pitts Smith
Member-at-Large Class of 2025: Bill Broyles, Jane Daugherty, Karen Phillips
Member-at-Large Class of 2023: Cathy Fortson and Mark Lemmenes