East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church is seeking an organist. The job is primarily for a Sunday organist (one service at 8:30) with opportunities of collaboration with their Contemporary service director. From September to May, the church has a choir, and the organist provides rehearsal accompaniment on Thursday evenings on the piano. There are also periodic special events during the year, i.e. Thanksgiving services, Lenten services, Spring Cantata, and occasional funerals and weddings for which the families pay additionally. The church has one of the Elite (III) organs by Allen, 2008 model with 3 manuals. The traditional service requires a Prelude, Offertory music and Doxology, and a brief Postlude in addition to 3-4 Hymns at each service. Full job description supplied on request. Qualifications include professional level proficiency with piano, organ and following a choral conductor. For more information, please contact Jenni Poole at 570-422-1289 (h) or 570-460-1322 (c).
Join us for a Music Swap at Church of Christ Uniting on May 31
Please plan to join us for a Music Swap at the Church of Christ Uniting, 190 South Sprague Avenue, Kingston on Friday, May 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has received entire choral libraries from several churches. Everything from great choral masterworks to contemporary music is available, free, for the taking. The AGO chapter has been trusted to be stewards of these octavos and is interested in extending the useful life of the music by making it available to any group that can use it.
Everyone is strongly encouraged to take as much or as little music as the individual groups could use. This is a prime opportunity to expand your choral group’s library free of charge. If anyone has any unwanted/unneeded choral octavos and would like to make them available for others to use, feel free to bring them along to the event. Someone, somewhere can probably use your no-longer-needed music.
Join us for our Spring Gathering at St. Peter’s Cathedral
The public is invited to attend our chapter’s upcoming Spring Gathering at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
The evening will begin with Easter Vespers in the Cathedral. After dinner, Peggy Haas Howell will present a fascinating lecture-demonstration of organs and organ music in the United States and Canada in the 18th and 19th centuries. Peggy is Organist and Choirmaster at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lynchburg, VA, and is the Music Director of Cantate Children’s and Youth Choir. She has been a member of the American Guild of Organists since the age of sixteen, and is currently Dean of the Lynchburg Chapter.
Tickets are $14.00 per person for non-members and $12.00 for AGO members. Please RSVP before April 22, 2019 by calling Raphael Micca, Dean, at 570-301-9253 or email dean@agopane.org.
Job Opportunity: St. Paul Lutheran, Tannersville
St. Paul Lutheran, Tannersville seeks a part-time (10-15 hours per week) individual(s) to fill the choir director and accompanist roles. Versatility in playing the organ (2 manual Allen Digital Computer Organ), piano (Young Chang baby grand), and electric keyboard is desired. Two choirs (adult vocal and bells) provide musical leadership for one Sunday liturgical service (9:00 am) as well as evening Lenten services and weddings/funerals. First Sunday of the month is contemporary worship with praise band and may or may not request keyboard input, which would have separate compensation scale. Salary is commensurate with experience and level of musicianship. Please send resume and request for job descriptions to St. Paul Lutheran Church, attn. Personnel Committee, P. O. Box 196, Tannersville, PA 18372, or by e-mail: parishcoordinator@stpaultannersvillepa.org.
Job Opportunity: Moscow United Methodist Church, Moscow
Moscow United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Music/Organ- Piano Accompanist. Please see the job description below. Contact the church office at moscowumc@gmail.com or call 570-842-7251 for more information or to apply.
Join us for our Fall Gathering in Wilkes-Barre
You are cordially invited to attend our chapter’s Fall Gathering at St. Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception, 134 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, on Saturday, September 29 at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin with Vespers followed by a buffet-style dinner and the installation of officers.The program is open to the public: please spread the word and invite your pastor, colleagues, and any other interested persons. Tickets are $12 for AGO and NPM members and $15 for non-members. Payment will be accepted at the door, but reservations are required.
Please R.S.V.P. by Friday, September 21 by calling 570-301-9253 or email dean@agopane.org.
Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza is coming to Scranton!
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, October 14 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scranton from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. 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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR PEDALS, PIPES, AND PIZZA!
Job Opportunity: St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral, Scranton
Saint Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral in Scranton is seeking a skilled, experienced organist to play its three manual 41 rank Austin pipe organ for Sunday worship services, Holy Day Liturgies, and other services and functions, including weddings, funerals, concerts, and recurring parish events. The selected candidate will also serve as Director of Music Ministry, cooperating with the pastor and other music staff, to plan and coordinate the music program. The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting adult and youth church choirs. Degreed candidates familiar with the Catholic liturgy are preferred. Others are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a salaried position with benefits. Interested candidates should email Bishop Bernard Nowicki at bishop@saintstanislauspncc.org or telephone at 570-343-6017.
1898 N. P. Kraig tracker organ for sale
A 1898 N. P. Kraig tracker organ currently located in Towanda, PA is for sale. For more information on the instrument, please contact David Lenington at 570-268-5035.
Job Opportunity: Mount Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill
Mount Calvary Episcopal Church, Camp Hill, is seeking an Organist/Choir Director. The church has a 2 manual, 13 rank Moeller pipe organ. Two services weekly (Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.), plus Christmas Eve (2 services), Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter Vigil and 2 services on Easter Morning. Position includes directing the Senior choir, conjunction with the Rector, and weekly staff meetings. Salary commensurate with education and experience. For more information or to apply, please call 717-737-9834 to speak with Father Greg Welin.
Job Opportunity: Clarks Green United Methodist Church
Clarks Green United Methodist Church is in need an organist. The church is offering $8000 as a starting salary. A summary of duties is listed below. For more information or to apply, please contact Julie Nicholas at janicholas13@yahoo.com.
Sunday duties
- 8:30 or 9:00 rehearsal with Gospelaires – Men’s Choir – 8 members
- Praise team 4 members – 9:15-9:45 rehearsal (2nd Sunday of month) – Gospelaires will rehearse at 8:30 due to Praise Team rehearsal at 9:15
- Sanctuary Choir 10 members – 9:30 rehearsal (1st Sunday of month) – will generally start Gospelaires rehearsal at 8:30 or 8:45 due to Choir rehearsal at 9:30
- Service 10:00 am -11:30
- Arrange special music for any 5th Sunday or play something for special music; will also play special music on the 4th Sunday of the month should the bells be unable to perform
- Be available to accompany the Sunday School singers whenever the need arises
One Tuesday/month
- Sanctuary choir rehearsal – 6:30-7:15 (generally September through May or June with summers off) – Small Choir – 10 members
- Responsible for finding appropriate music;
- Also, for Easter and Christmas – Rehearsal 2 weeks before to accommodate members schedule
Summers – No extra hours
- Arrange for special music for each Sunday and/or play something if no one is available, involves putting up a signup sheet in advance and asking people as well
Funerals/Weddings – Only by schedule
- Not many weddings in the past few years, but be available to do so; usually scheduled far in advance
- Potentially be available for funerals during the week (substitute can be arranged if Organist has full time work)
Holidays
- Two services on Christmas Eve (5:30/11:00pm) – 1 hr services
- Ash Wednesday – up to Pastor – 1 hr in evening
- Holy Thursday/Good Friday – up to Pastor – 1 hr – during the day
Celebrate America!
Join us for a concert of American music at St. John’s Church in downtown Pittston on Monday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m.. Members of the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will perform selections on the church’s pipe organ accompanied by a brass quartet and a community choir. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Singers needed for “Celebrate America” concert
Members of the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists are planning a concert of patriotic music entitled “Celebrate America!” on Monday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston. Chapter members are hoping to form a combined choir which will sing the National Anthem and patriotic hymns during the concert. The choir will be under the direction of Raphael Micca, Dean, and accompanied by organist Michael Sowa, music director at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish. Anyone who loves to sing is invited to take part in this concert! Rehearsals will be held at Saint John’s on Monday, June 18 and Monday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in singing, please e-mail Mike Sowa at msowa126@gmail.com, or call him at 570-881-2301 by Monday, June 4.
Job Opportunity: Faith Lutheran Church, Blakeslee
Faith Lutheran Church of Blakeslee, PA is looking for an organist and choir director to serve two services (liturgy and hymns) each Sunday and special services. Send letters of interest to Mr. Phil Newlander, President at faithlut@epix.net or mail to P. O. Box 228, Blakeslee, PA. Phone inquiries can be made to 570-646-0309. Salary is negotiable dependent on experience.
Tips and Tricks for Organists
Church of Christ Uniting, 190 South Sprague Ave, Kingston, will host “Tips and Tricks for Organists” on Friday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter, American Guild of Organists.
Participants will learn how to set appropriate registrations for hymns and solo works, discover how different combinations of sounds can affect the mood of various organ selections, and find out how to maximize their church’s organ resources, even when the initial resources are limited or humble. Both beginning organists and experienced players will benefit from the discussion. Pianists interested in learning to play the organ are especially encouraged to attend.
The workshop will be led by Mr. Carl Ruck, Minister of Music at Church of Christ Uniting. Mr. Ruck holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Mansfield University and a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Ithaca College School of Music.
The event is free and open to the public. Musicians of all denominations are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Raphael Micca, Dean, at 570-301-9253 or email dean@agopane.org.
Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter 