Changing times require innovation in music performance, using the organ/piano in new ways, adding other instruments, use of electronics, visual aids, learning ways to get volunteers involved. A hot topic for sure. Clinician TBD.
Enjoy the videos and handout from this wonderful workshop
A special thank you to Cheryl Duerr, AGO Region I Councillor and the Worship Team of the Attleboro Evangelical Covenant Church, MA, for leading this workshop; also the Nichols United Methodist Worship Team led by Greg Horton, Director of Music. Cheryl prepared a extensive handout with resource reference and associated Internet net links.
Enjoy the video of the Attleboro Team, assisted by Nichols United organist Greg Horton at the keyboard, and then the Nichols United Team with Janette and Bill Pond.
All and All, Lamb of God
Holy, Holy, Holy; This is the Air I Breathe
We had a good representation of area churches including Stratford United Methodist, First Church Episcopal (Stratford), Our Saviour Lutheran (Fairfield), United Congregational Church (Bridgeport), Unity Hill United Church of Christ (Trumbull), Nichols United Methodist Church (Trumbull), Grace Lutheran Church (Stratford), St. Peter’s Episcopal (Milford), Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Trumbull), First Church Congregational (Norwalk), Holy Infant RC Church (Orange), Huntington Congregational Church (Shelton). Great questions and sharing on opportunities and challenges by musicians and clergy in attendance.
We were also thrilled to have James Thomashower, Executive Director for the national organization of the American Guild of Organists in attendence for this program. This remains a very hot topic for all church musicians and clergy. At local level we’ll try to do more to promote sharing resources and talents to help grow the base of congregants that want to hear new music styles as they worship.
James Thomashower (Executive Director, AGO); Meg Williams (Dean, GBAGO), Cheryl Duerr (AGO Region I Councillor), John Polo (Host, GBAGO)
Saturday, April 13, Nichols United Methodist Church, Trumbull
9:30 AM Coffee, 10:00 AM Workshop, 12:00 Noon Light Lunch, 1:00 PM Short GBAGO Executive Committee Meeting (Board only)
Changing times require innovation in music performance, using the organ/piano in new ways, adding other instruments, use of electronics, visual aids, learning ways to get volunteers involved. A hot topic for sure.
As an AGO chapter with a mission to educate and inspire, we are pleased to offer a free 2-hour educational workshop, Revitalizing Song for the 21st Century, for our members, neighboring AGO chapter members, the area clergy, and any musicians and singers interested this topic and learning about shared experiences and resources.
Coffee will be on so you can meet new friends starting at 9:30 am. The workshop starts at 10:00 am. Light lunch to follow. RSVP John Polo, john.polo@charter.net by Thursday, April 10. Workshop – free, $5 donation for lunch. Bring your iPads, tablets, laptops – wireless available – there will be some demo of online resources too.
We’ll use this workshop to connect community resources for YOU to draw on even after this workshop. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow!
About the Workshop
With continued explosive growth in consumer electronics, the internet, and a seismic shift in the gadgets and the music we consume, it would be impossible for these trends not to impact the way we worship!
Changing times require innovation in music performance, using the organ/piano in new ways, adding other instruments, use of electronics, visual aids, and learning ways to get volunteers involved. Clergy, musicians and committees must develop a new collaborative style of learning and working together in order to forge dynamic and compelling worship which suits their own unique congregations.
We welcome Cheryl Duerr, Councillor for all New England AGO chapters along with The Worship Team of The Evangelical Covenant Church of Attleboro (Massachusetts) as we share ideas and listen to what fellow clergy and musicians are doing to address the changing needs for worship through song in the 21st century.
The workshop will survey styles and songs in use today, use of instruments, theology of texts, a collaborative planning and rehearsal model, developing organizational skills for implementation of new plans and music, publishers, downloading websites, and available publications, online digital music lockers, recordings, and places to hear music, and much more!
The presentation will be illustrated by participatory examples of music and songs which will especially highlight useful “crossover” music which bridges the span between traditional music and instruments and newer genres. This workshop will appeal to any denomination looking to broaden its musical ministry to be inclusive of youth and new styles of worship music.
About the Presenters
Worship Team leaders:
Cheryl Duerr, Minister of Music, Organ, Piano and Flute, MM Boston University
Tom Bonnarigo, Drums
Liam Harreys, Electric Guitar
Scott Kwarta, Guitar, Vocals
Kent Pigeon, Guitar, Vocals
Bill Urmson, Hammond B3, Bass, New England Conservatory
Ms. Duerr, AAGO, has a Masters in Music from Boston University. She serves as Councillor for Region I and is also a member of the International Coach Federation currently acquiring accreditation as a Personal/Professional Coach. Ms. Duerr worked most of her career in large Episcopal parishes around Boston. Currently she is enjoying her career as Minister of Music at Attleboro Covenant. She leads 2 diverse Sunday services, one Praise-based and one Traditional, leading The Chancel Choir, The Celebration Ringers, The Junior Choir and Junior Ringers, as well as the Worship Team.
The Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) is an evangelical Christian denomination of more than 800 congregations in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, the church is now one of the most rapidly growing and multi-ethnic denominations in North America. Historically Lutheran in theology and background, it is now a broadly evangelical movement.
The program will be held at Nichols United Methodist Church, 35 Shelton Road, Trumbull. Refreshments provided. All members, clergy and friends of the AGO welcome. No charge. Click here for directions.
