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September 2020 - Handbells with Larry and Carla Sue at First Reformed
Local handbell experts extraordinaire Larry and Carla played their own arrangements for us, and answered questions.
We had AGO members, local handbell players, and even some passers-by enjoying the music on the lawn on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.
January 2020 - Epiphany Party
Hosted by Linda Fulton (who makes the BEST treats), we had a great time eating and talking together after the hecticness of the holidays were past.
December 2019 - Christmas Caroling for Homebound Members
A small but enthusiastic group met to carol for beloved and long-time members Dave and Mike. We totally rocked O Holy Night, too.
October 2019 - Music of Japan for Organ, Marimba, and Taiko Drums - Dimnent Chapel, Hope College
This unique concert featured a wide variety of music, from classical to folk and world, including a world premiere of a commissioned work by American composer Carson Cooman, (for organ, marimba, and Taiko drums) and the US premiere of a piece for organ and Taiko drummer by Japanese composer Tokuhide Niimi.
May 2019 - Member's Recital, Second Reformed Church (RCA), Zeeland, MI
We inducted two new members into our League of Distinguished Service - Roberta Kraft and Mary Overway. And enjoyed performances from a variety of members, including our oldest - Marie Blauwkamp, and youngest - Sander Owens!
February 2019 - First Reformed's new Console, Lending Library, and Music Reading Session
Rick and Cheryl Van Oss of First Reformed in Holland showed off the new console of their Casavant, led us in a chorale reading session, and gave a tour of the new lending library housed in the basement of First Reformed, and open to all.
November 2018 - Organ Plus
Members invited musician friends to join them in presenting selections for one another of pieces for organ plus... We enjoyed organ and piano, organ and strings, organ and flute, organ and trumpet, organ and bassoon, and organ duet. Pictured are all the musicians from the evening at Central Ave CRC.
October 2018 - Music of local composer Raymond Haan
We were honored to be joined by esteemed Grand Rapids organist, composer, and church musician Raymond Haan, who spoke with us about his compositions, which were played by members of the chapter, a few of whom are pictured here at Hope Church.
May 2018 - Hymn Festival lead by Bob Batastini with Grand Rapids AGO chapter and NPM chapter
Organists Phil Konczyk, Peter Kurdziel, and Rhonda Edgington at St. Francis Catholic Church along with Bob and other musicians, led us in a spirited hymn festival with hymn tunes of the 20th century, singing those tunes we nerdy musicians think are so fun!
March 2018 - Aaron Tan - Serving Two Masters: Thoughts on Being a Dual-Career Musician
We can say we heard him back before he was famous! Aaron won the AGO Organ Playing Competition this summer at the Kansas City national convention!
He also gave a fascinating Saturday morning talk, that was a glimpse into what a hard-working and inspired musician and scientist he must be.
Here is Aaron with our host for the morning, Dr. Huw Lewis, Aaron's good friend, former boss, and mentor.
February 2018 - The Hammond B3 with Tony Monaco
Hope College's Jazz Organ instructor instructed us in many of the complexities of the Hammond organ - it's fascinating history, the construction of the instrument and how it works, and how to use those drawknobs! He even let us play and try them out ourselves.
November 2017 - Our Favorite Wedding Repertoire
Hope Church - Gordon is serenading us, we are getting good ideas, and getting ready for homemade baked goods afterwards!
The newest pipe organ in town! - Martin Pasi, Opus 26
Steve Jenkins showing some local organ enthusiasts the instrument - as well as Steve Jenkins and Martin Pasi at a guild event in Spring 2017
2017 Members Recital
April 30, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, we celebrated a members recital filled with musical delights (including pieces for organ and violin and cello, organ and harp, student members, and hymn singing) and we honored two new inductees to our League of Distinguished Service - Mike van Doornik and David Roossien
Fall meeting and discussion with Viennese organist Dr. Wolfgang Reisinger
October 29, 2016 at Hope Church
2015 Annual Members' Recital
April 12, 2015 at Western Theological Seminary Mulder Chapel (1995 Van Daalen organ)
New Hymns Meeting with Bob Batastini
February 23, 2015 at 14th Street Christian Reformed Church
Meeting on Teaching and Learning the Organ with Huw Lewis
February 3, 2015 at the Hope College Organ Studio
What to do Before the Organ Repair Person Arrives with Jim Folkert
March 2, 2015 at Second Reformed Church in Zeeland
Photos from the September 15, 2014 Joint Officer Installation Service
with Holland, Grand Rapids, and Muskegon Chapters at Dimnent Chapel, Hope College.
Pictures from Our Chapter's Member Recital
on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at Harderwyk Church in Holland.
Pictures from Our Meeting with Dr. Pam Stover
AGO Regional Councillor for Professional Concerns
on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Grace Episcopal Church in Holland.
Casavant introduction with Huw Lewis and Simon Courture
on October 22, 2013 about the new Casavant organ being built for the Concert Hall in the new Music Building at Hope College.
