Region VIII Newsletter 9/02

Word of appreciation

First of all, let me say how honored I am to serve as your Regional Councillor, 2002--2004. I am truly humbled by the trust you have placed in me, as well as the magnitude of the task ahead. It is hoped that by writing to you and listening when you write back we can further the goals of our Guild in this region and well represent our concerns to the National Council. We are a team!

Who are we, Region VIII?

Officially: "... for purposes of administration and representation, the Guild is divided into nine geographical regions, and each chapter is assigned to a district within a regionŠ.a network of volunteer officials at the regional, district, and local levels directs the geographical activities of the Guild."

That's us! Looked at another way: Region VIII comprises the five "Great Pacific Northwest" states. We are 18 chapters strong, separated by mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, forests, rivers, streams (and, umm..., "Canada?" ) We are united by the mutual love, affection, and an ongoing infatuation with the "King of Instruments."

What is this Newsletter?

First in a series of communications designed to help unite and inform us Northwest AGO "neighbors." We may have more in common with each other than with similar chapters "back East." I'd like to illustrate our similarities so we can learn from each other. Parts of each coming Region newsletter will be dedicated to chapter deans, chapter newsletters, chapter deans, chapter treasurers, and chapter webmasters.

Renewing your members, a declining roster?

Suggestion from the National Membership Committee: send renewal forms and dues collection notices via first-class mail? The dues collection process typically is drawn out over many weeks or months and notices are usually sent as part of newsletters. If a notice were sent out for the sole, specific purpose of collecting dues and address/contact updates, and sent by regular first class mail, just like any other bill, our members might be inclined to respond more promptly. Talk it over with your treasurer and consider whether it might be useful for your chapter.

Sponsor a Young Organists Competition!

Every chapter is hereby strongly encouraged to host a chapter competition for young organists. Next year at the Regional Convention in Salt Lake City, each chapter winner is entitled to compete in a Regional Competition. Without chapter winners, we can have no Regional winner--thus depriving our students of a chance at the National!

Does your directory accept professional cards?

Ours in Portland does, and I always pay for a personal "card" to the tune of about $15.00. I'd like to pay for a professional card in your chapter directory as Regional Councillor, if it is not too late. Please let me know by return e-mail, and I will send you some brief copy -- and a check by snail check. It would simply say: "Greetings from your Regional Councillor!" (with name and e-mail) (I'll send you a graphic!)

Web-Site for Region VIII?

Here's how we look to National Headquarters. Hopefully they can update soon! www.agohq.org/regional/reg8.html

Regional Convention 2003 -- Appeal to newsletter editors

Not too early to announce our coming Regional Convention in your chapter newsletter!
This is how Alice Branton from our Anchorage Chapter puts it in theirs:

"This would be a good time to put on our calendars our coming Regional Convention. June 16-19, 2003. This will be Region VIII and Region IX together in Salt Lake City. The convention hotel is the Best Western Plaza Hotel, under $100 per night. Registration includes breakfasts, banquet, and bus pass. There will be four noontime recitals at the Tabernacle, and four recitals every day at 2:00 p.m. Eight new organ pieces were commissioned. Evening recitals include the Tabernacle, the "Supernacle" (Conference Center), Church of the Madeleine, and University of Utah." --Alice J Branton (Anchorage Chapter)

Janet Griffin, Convention Co-Chair, from Salt Lake City adds:

"The Hotel will be $82.00 a night for 1-2 people and $92.00 for 3 or 4 people. They are really giving us a good deal. We have already had people calling for reservations. The cost for early registration (before March 31st) will be $250 - after March 31st it will be $280. Seniors and spouses will be $235 and students $170. We will have organ crawls and much more!" Each evening we will have a recitalŠWe hope you will begin making plans to join us in Salt Lake City next June. --Janet Griffin Click here: www.SLCAGO.ORG

Installation of Leaders

If you haven't already installed your Chapter Officers, there are two rites in the Chapter Management Handbook, or you can use this new one written by our immediate past National Chaplain, Rev. Vicki Sirota.

NEW SUGGESTED RITE FOR INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

The presiding/installing official should be one of the following: district convener, regional councillor, national councillor, retiring dean, sub-dean, chaplain, or if necessary, any designated chapter officer. She/he will read the service as follows:

Installing Official: The ___(chapter name)___ Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents for installation the following duly elected officers. (Call names and respective offices; ask them to come forward.)

You have been chosen by your colleagues to guide this chapter during the coming year. This selection shows confidence in your wisdom, character, creativity, leadership, and vision.

At the heart of the reasons for the formation and continuing life of the American Guild of Organists is its essential purpose, which is part of the charter of the Guild:

The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members.

Installing Official addresses the officers: As elected officers of the (name) Chapter, I ask you to keep this purpose statement in mind as you carry out the functions of your offices. Remember al-ways the great purposes and principles that guide us. We charge you to hold our vision to the highest standard and to carry forward the banner of the Guild (into the new millennium) with great joy. Officers, do you accept the challenges and responsibilities of the office to which you have been elected and agree to work with your fellow officers and members in an atmosphere of mu-tual respect toward the common goals of the continued health and growth of the (name) Chapter and the American Guild of Organists? If so, please respond, "I do."

Installing Official addresses the general membership: Members, do you accept the responsibility to support these officers whom you have elected in the work they are about to undertake on your behalf? If so, please respond, "I do."

Installing Official addresses both officers and members: Officers and members, do you this day mutually agree to encourage, support, and cooperate with one another in the work of this chapter? Please respond, "We do."

Installing Official addresses the officers: The charge to you becomes a charge to all of us, for we are all mem-bers one of another. In common vocation with you, we pledge to you our support that you might freely exercise the leadership committed to you. Congratulations.

September in your Chapter?

(If you haven't already attended to these)

Follow up with members who have not renewed.

New Member Campaign should precede your first Fall event.

After September 1, Applications for the Service Playing Test may be requested!

September 30: Deadline for submitting dues and dues reports to Headquarters.

Assignment for next time

Tell me a little about your Chapter! What are your challenges or strengths? What is your current membership? Do you host Young Artists' Competitions? If you could wave a magic wand, how would your Chapter be different? Have you hosted a Regional and/or National Convention? If possible e-attach a Chapter logo, such as is used in your newsletters and official communication. Let's share and learn from each other! :)

Passing the Region VIII torch

Here's a picture of retiring Regional Councillor Emeritus, Jim Barrett of Spokane (right), and me (left), the "newbie," in Philadelphia this summer at the annual AGO breakfast and installation of officers ceremony. Jim should be promoted to sainthood for all the help he is giving me to get started. Thanks, Jim!

Coming next newsletter

How to create a Chapter Website; How to put your Chapter Newsletter ON-LINE; Meet your Regional Officers, Conveners, and the like; plus newsletter features from selected chapters including Tacoma, etc.

Sincerely, Walter Krueger, Region VIII Councillor

Pipe up and share your thoughts.

The "wise gargoyle" me fecit, mmii.