Welcome to the beginning of a new year of programs, activities and events of the Salt Lake Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. I invite you at the beginning of this program year to become acquainted with our Chapter website. There you will find the Chapter’s calendar of events and other resources and information aimed at assisting you in your work and love of the organ. Our Webmasters, Max Walker and Chad Staten have done a wonderful job with the website. They wait upon your further advice and input as to what would you would like to see as far as information or other resources as we continue in the effort to give you the best resources available via the website.
During this coming program year you can expect to see some organizational changes designed to promote the efficient operation of the Chapter and also designed to expand the breadth and quality of events for both professional and amateur organists. It is our aim in so doing to expand the positions and assignments for Chapter programs and events so that as many of our Chapter members who would like to participate will have the opportunity to do so, without the fear or anxiety of having to make a large commitment of time. We believe our upcoming organization changes will enhance the quality of being a member of this Salt Lake Chapter – the Best Chapter of the West.
The mission of the Salt Lake Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ. We have a thriving community of musicians. I have visited and experienced the services of the Catholics, Episcopalians, Methodists, Protestants, Baptists and other denominations in our community, not to mention the Mormon services, (whoops – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ services – one can hardly say all of that in one breath). I enjoy and I am enthused about the professionalism of our organists and the choirs and choral groups in all the denominations in our community. I invite our members to do as I have done and visit and become acquainted with the amazing organists and choral groups of other services. Listen, learn and appreciate as they play for their services. They really are amazing. In fact, if you choose to visit a service of any denomination, invite me along, because I want to visit new services and venues and promote the sharing of our excellent musicians’ knowledge of the organ and music.
We hope to schedule events in this calendar year where you will accomplish exactly what our mission calls for – sharing knowledge and inspiring passion for the organ.
So here is to a great year coming up. In closing, I ask you this question. What is the definition of an optimist?
Dean: John K. Rice