David Enlow, Dean

From the Dean

Dear Colleagues,

Your chapter board has been busy, with several immediate changes and developments.

Neal Campbell, for many years the editor of the chapter newsletter, is about to embark on a banner year for his church and for the Association of Anglican Musicians, as his choir is going on tour to England next summer and he is the co-chair of the committee involved in planning the annual AAM conference next June in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Neal has justly asked to be relieved of his chapter responsibilities, considering just how demanding the planning of the tour and conference will be. At the most recent meeting, the board unanimously rendered a vote of our sincere thanks to Neal for all he has done for the cause of organ music through the agency of the New York City Chapter; you might wish to add your own personal thanks for his many years of of service. Neal Campbell is one of the kind gentlemen of the organ world; it doesn’t bear dwelling on how rare they are. Thank you for everything, friend.

Who, I pondered, is a person of letters, knowledgeable about the organ world, and willing to serve as newsletter editor? I am pleased to say it did not take a very long time for me to think to ask John Bishop, known to many of you through his monthly column in the Diapason, and known very well to me as he is my organ builder at the Church of the Resurrection. I always say that John’s column isn’t just good writing about the pipe organ, it’s really good writing, full stop. I have made it clear to John that he is free to make the newsletter similar or different to any degree he thinks prudent. We look forward to his first issue, October 2015. I am the editor-in-necessity for September.

Neal’s resignation, according to the operating procedures, also opened his position as chapter auditor. I have appointed Chelsea Chen to serve in that role, and we look forward to Chelsea’s increased involvement as an officer of the board. Another implication of Neal’s departure from the board was that the Millennium Fund Trustees were short an auditor member as required, and so I proposed and received board approval for Chelsea to serve the fund. Keith Tóth continues as chairman of the trustees.

Chelsea’s move to the auditor post created a board member vacancy which was also mine to fill by appointment. I am happy to say that Michael Hey has agreed to be on our board, and joins us shortly after having taken up his new responsibilities at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

It is a tribute to your board that all of the changes requiring a vote were unanimous. I feel grateful to work with such an effective and supportive group in the city chapter, and look forward to as much continued service as I am allowed.

You will read elsewhere in this issue the program year proposed by Sub-Dean James Kennerley and the program committee, and approved by your board. With many educational, performance, and social opportunities before you, it is only left to me to encourage you to take advantage of any that you find appealing.

With every good wish for the summer,

Yours truly,

David Enlow
Dean

Upcoming Events

The 2015-16 season begins with "Fantasia", a Members' Recital and champagne reception on Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 PM on the newly restored III/44 Casavant Frères, Op. 2892 at Saint Ignatius of Antioch. The church is located at 552 West End Avenue between 86th and 87th streets. Interested performers should contact me directly [mailto:jameskennerley@me.com]. This is an excellent opportunity to perform for and entertain your colleagues, and to try out new repertoire.

The second event of the season will take the form of a masterclass with Carole Ruth Terry, renowned American organist, harpsichordist, and pedagogue. Professor Terry teaches on the faculty of the University of Washington and as visiting professor at many institutions throughout the US, Canada, and Europe. The masterclass will take place on the II/43 Johannes Klais Orgelbau instrument at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 17th at 3 PM. The church is located at 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street. Interested participants should contact me directly [mailto:jameskennerley@me.com].

Looking ahead in the season, November will see a choral conducting masterclass with Dennis Keene at the Church of the Ascension. Our annual improvisation symposium and concert will take place in January.
The 2016 Presidents' Day Conference is entitled “An American in Paris: the French Romantic School” and kicks off with a concert by Ray Nagem at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine on Sunday February 14th. The main events of the conference will take place on Monday February 15th at the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola.

The final event of the year will take the form of a festive dinner with special guest David Hurd, known to many of us as an organist, composer, and contributor to the Episcopal 1982 Hymnal, among his many other endeavors.

We look forward to welcoming you to this spectacular season of events!

James Kennerley, Sub-Dean

Members From the Past

	Neal Campbell, 1967

When I began this page in September 2009 a friend challenged me to put up an oldie of myself. I said "no, but perhaps when the time comes for my final issue."

So it is that the Member From the Past in last month's issue is yours truly at my eighth grade graduation at the organ in the Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D. C. The Skinner organ, Op. 434, was originally in Town Hall in New York and had been reinstalled fairly recently at my family church. It was not an entirely successful relocation, but it contained many beautiful signature Skinner sounds and it led to my fascination with and appreciation of Skinner and Aeolian-Skinner organs which, as many of you know, continues to this day.

It's been a rewarding task to compile the newsletter for the chapter and I look forward to continuing to be active and to serve in other ways.

Good wishes to you all,

Neal Campbell

Bach to Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Chapter has organized a bus tour of many interesting Brooklyn churches and organs for September 12, 2015. For more information, or to sign up, follow the link below. You may also write to dean@brooklynago.org.

http://tinyurl.com/pzgb6wl