Mark Miller, concert organist and composer, will perform at East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 87 South Courtland St., on Sunday September 16 at 3:00 p.m. This program concludes our 2012 Organ Series.

Titled “Bach and Roll: Baroque to Gospel”, selections include classic, gospel and sacred pieces utilizing contemporary Midi capabilities of the instrument as well as standard sounds. Mark also invited local jazz sax artist Joe Dorsch to join him for 2 numbers, and local singers will present his choral tribute in memory of his sister.

Miller currently serves on the music faculties of Drew University and of Yale University. He has performed concerts and directed conferences in the USA for the United Methodist Church and has played internationally in 8 countries. He is currently Minister of Music for Christ Church in Summit, NJ, and has also been Assistant Organist at Riverside Church and Director of Contemporary Worship at the Marble Collegiate Church, both in New York City.

Miller describes his work as “characteristically American,” reflecting elements of classical, gospel, jazz, and folk styles. His Christmas “Toccata”, recorded on Gothic’s label, has been featured on National Public Radio’s “Pipe Dreams”. His work “Let Justice Roll: Song from a Birmingham Jail”, was featured on NBC’s program “Positively Black”, narrated by James Earl Jones. He is also the Composer-in-Residence for the Harmonium Choral Society, based in Morris County, NJ, which recently premiered a major commissioned work by him that appears on their new CD “Whitmania”. Miller and his band The Brooklyn Collective recently recorded a new CD, “Grace Abounds”.

The event is free, and open to the public. An informal reception will follow. For further information, email foxes@esumc.net.

To register, email Mike Sowa at dean@agopane.org.

Join members of the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for a Spring Gathering on Monday, May 7 at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre.

The evening begins with an open house at 6:30 p.m. giving members of the chapter and the wider community a chance to tour the historic edifice. At 7:00 p.m. Canon Mark Laubach will present a program of hymns and organ music showcasing St. Clement’s pipe organ. A reception will follow in the Parish House. All are welcome to attend this free event. We hope to see you there!

The pipe organ has been called the “King of Instruments.” The sounds of the pipe organ have inspired worshippers for centuries. Great composers have written countless works for the instrument. Pipe organs have been installed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and theaters. The American Guild of Organists is passionate about the pipe organ and we want to share our love with a new generation.

Join us on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception in Wilkes-Barre from 2:00 – 4:00 PM for Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza. Participants will receive a behind the scenes tour of the instrument in addition to a chance to play it themselves (and eat some pizza!). All are welcome to attend. Students currently studying the piano are encouraged to bring a piece to play on the organ.

Presenters for the event are Michael Sowa and Raphael Micca, local organists with backgrounds in music education and church music. Mark Ignatovich, Organist and Director of Music at St. Mary’s, is the host.

TO REGISTER FOR PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Saint Thomas Choir School, New York, will host an Open House for interested musicians, clergy and families on Sunday, February 19, 2012.

Choristers and their parents will give tours of the school and teachers will host visitors in the classrooms to answer questions about the curriculum and student life. At 3:00 PM, visiting boys will rehearse, vest and sit in the choir stalls with the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys for evensong. Please contact Ruth Cobb at 212-247-3311, Ext. 304 for further information or to reserve a place.

All are invited to attend an organ recital featuring a remarkable young talent. Mark Pall, a freshman at Dallas High School and a member of the Pennsylvania Northeast AGO Chapter, will present a concert of Advent and Christmas music on Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Dallas United Methodist Church. Mark studies organ with chapter secretary Ed Loch. Those who attend this program are sure to be impressed by Mark’s talent of playing by ear.

The Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is seeking information on regional churches whose organs were affected by recent flooding. If your church was affected, of if you know of a church that was, please contact us. Thank you.

The Arts Series at First Presbyterian Church, Clark Summit, will present Kevin O’Malia, organist, improvising the soundtrack to the classic silent movie “Phantom of the Opera” this Sunday, October 30 at 7:30 pm. There is no admission, but a free will offering will be taken. Put your costume on and join us!

Seven Berwick area organists will perform at First Reformed United Church of Christ, 301 West 2nd Street, Berwick, on Sunday, October 23 at 4:00 PM. A free will offering will be accepted to benefit the church’s organ fund. A reception will follow the performance. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 759-8991 or 542-7338.

Don’t miss the world renowned brass ensemble “Harmonic Brass” perform with chapter member Mark Laubach tomorrow at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre. The “Powerplay” organ and brass concert begins at 7:30 PM and tickets are available at the door. Hope to see you there!