University of Florida Sacred Music Workshop

May 2-4, 2010, The University of Florida will host the 3rd Annual Sacred Music Workshop. This year's workshop, "Inspiring Worship," will feature guest clinician David Cherwien and guest ensemble the Orlando Deanery Boychoir and Girls Choir. The registration fee is $75 if postmarked by April 15, and $90 if postmarked after April 15. Group rate hotel rooms are available at Holiday Inn University. For more information, please visit the Sacred Music Workshop web page, or e-mail Alyssa Rodgers at jalyssar@ufl.edu or call 352.273.3181.

Pipedreams in Miami - Feb. 26-28

Michael Barone will be hosting a "Pipedreams in Miami Weekend" in conjunction with the Miami International Organ Competition at Church of the Epiphany in Miami Friday, February 26 through Sunday, February 28. For more information, please visit the Pipedreams website.

Tampa Chapter announces Scholarship Competition

As part of an effort to inspire young people to take up organ study, the Tampa Chapter of the AGO is sponsoring a competition for piano or beginning organ students to be held on Friday, February 26, 2010, at Hyde Park United Methodist Church at 8:00 p.m., following the Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza program—to which contestants are also invited.

The winner will be awarded a $500 scholarship for one year’s organ lessons with a qualified instructor. This scholarship is funded by contributions received at our annual “Bach Birthday Bash” held each March.

For scholarship guidelines and an entry form, please contact Van Howard, Tampa AGO Sub-Dean . The deadline for receipt of the entry forms is Friday, February 19, 2010.

Charlotte Chapter to host Pedals, Pipes and Pizza

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28204.

Saturday 9:00am – 1pm

This event is designed to give young people in grades 4 and above, a brief introduction to the pipe organ and its music. Participants will have the opportunity to hear two different organs: a five-manual Aeolian-Skinner of 96 ranks in the chancel and a two manual Schlicker of 37 ranks in the gallery. If you know children or young piano students who might be interested in attending, please contact Alan Reed, coordinator of this event, at alan@saintjohns-charlotte.org or 704-366-3034. There is a $5 registration fee which can be mailed to Alan Reed, 8808 Darcy Hopkins Drive, Charlotte NC 28277. Checks should be made to Charlotte Chapter AGO. All are welcome to attend.

Register NOW for our regional convention!

Don't wait! Register before Oct. 31 to receive the discounted early registration rate. The Sarasota Chapter has been working hard to prepare a fabulous convention for us January 17-20. You will be very happy staying at the convention hotel right on the beach, the Lido Beach Resort. The featured performers are Balint Karosi, John Fenstermaker, Dr. Laura Ellis, Tom Trenney, Ahreum Han, Felix Hell, Dr. Janette Fishell, The Richard Zielinski Singers and Cynthia Roberts-Greene. You will hear organs built by Letourneau, Nichols and Simpson and more! Visit the Psalms and Palms convention website to learn more and to download the registration form. Plan now to take a break after Christmas, and come to be with friends, and spend some days learning and listening to great music. You will leave inspired, refreshed and renewed. I look forward to seeing you there!

Sarah Hawbecker, Regional Councillor