A community of musicians who share their passion for the organ
A Message from The Dean of the Chapter
January 5, 2025
Happy New Year CNJAGO! Please put on your calendar our Hauptwerk Workshop on Monday, February 10 at 7 PM. You can attend on Zoom, or make arrangements with one of our three presenters to attend in person in Jamesburg, Matawan, or Pennington. Contact the Dean at steven@becoming-sound.com for the Zoom link, or to arrange in-person attendance.
Also, start practicing for our Members' Recital on Sunday, May 4th at 4 PM at the Princeton Theological Seminary.
We live in an area rich in organ tradition, and full of active, talented organists. Reach out to those you know who may not be members of our chapter and invite them to attend an event.
If you are not yet a member of our Chapter and would like to join us, we would love to have you. Please see Membership information below or join us at www.agohq.org
Sincerely,
Steven Russell, Dean
Upcoming Chapter Events
February 10, 2025
Hauptwerk organ workshop
7pm
-
9pm
Zoom or in-person in Jamesburg, Matawan, or Pennington
Event Details
February 10, 2025
Hauptwerk organ workshop
You can attend on Zoom, or make arrangements with one of our three presenters to attend in person in Jamesburg, Matawan, or Pennington. Cont...
7pm
-
9pm
Zoom or in-person in Jamesburg, Matawan, or Pennington
May 4, 2025
Members' Recital
4pm
-
6pm
Princeton Seminary Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
May 4, 2025
Members' Recital
Annual members' recital.
4pm
-
6pm
Princeton Seminary Chapel, Princeton, NJ
June 1, 2025
End-of-year Picnic and Annual Meeting
4pm
-
7pm
Home of Colton Martin
Event Details
June 1, 2025
End-of-year Picnic and Annual Meeting
Annual meeting of the chapter and end-of-year picnic. Details forthcoming.
Home of Colton Martin.
4pm
-
7pm
Home of Colton Martin
Upcoming Local Events
January 30, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
January 30, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
Iain Quinn, organist
(Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL)
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
February 6, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
February 6, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
Eddie Zheng, organist
(St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York, NY)
Live broadcast on WWFM planned
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
February 13, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
February 13, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
Christopher Hatcher, organist
(Morristown, NJ)
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
February 20, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
February 20, 2025
After Noon Concert, Princeton University Chapel
David Jernigan, organist
(Christ Church on Capitol Square, Raleigh, NC)
12:30pm
-
1pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
February 21, 2025
Lift Every Voice
7:30pm
-
9:30pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
Event Details
February 21, 2025
Lift Every Voice
University Organist Eric Plutz will offer "Lift Every Voice," a program of works by Black composers. The performance will showcase creations...
7:30pm
-
9:30pm
Princeton University Chapel, Princeton, NJ
More Events
Local Scholarship Opportunity
George Markey Scholarship (Metro New Jersey Chapter)
The Metropolitan New Jersey AGO chapter is offering the $2,000 George Markey Scholarship to any current high school/undergraduate/graduate student in New Jersey 2024-2025 pursuing organ study (can be a beginner).
Deadline to apply: February 15, 2025.
Winner to be announced April 1, 2025.
For more information, contact: MetropolitanNJAGO@gmail.com
To Apply
Requirements:
1. Submit the Google Form for the scholarship.
2. Submit a 3-paragraph essay on why you should be awarded this scholarship.
3. Submit a piano/organ piece video recording (3-5 minute time limit) of your choice that best displays your current abilities (can be a phone recording).
About The Central NJ Chapter, American Guild of Organists
Our Mission
The mission of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), and its Central New Jersey Chapter, is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ--"The King of Instruments." The vision of the American Guild of Organists is to engage, support, and uplift every organist, and every organ enthusiast.
Our History
Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the American Guild of Organists (AGO) seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The Guild is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. The Guild serves nearly 15,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad.
On October 7, 1919, a meeting of organists from Trenton was held at the residence of Paul Ambrose, organist of the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton, for the purpose of forming the local chapter of the National Association of Organists (NAO). On November 20, 1919, the local chapter of the NAO was formed and adopted the name of the Central New Jersey Chapter of the NAO. The chapter name was changed in 1935 to the Central NJ Chapter of the AGO when the two organist associations merged.
Our Central NJ Officers
Steven Russell, Dean – Email
Martin Tel, Sub-Dean – Email
Mina Choi, Secretary – Email
Mina Choi, Public Relations – Email
Kathleen Connolly, Treasurer – Email
Eric Plutz, Professional Development – Email
Mina Choi, Chaplain – Email
Joyce Irwin, Newsletter Editor – Email
Colton Martin, Hospitality – Email
Bill Garrett, Webmaster – Email
Bill Garrett, Archivist – Email
Membership
If you are an organist new to the central New Jersey area and are interested in becoming a member of the chapter, please click on the following link to be redirected to the membership area of the National AGO website: AGO Membership Info
If you are not an organist, but would like to be affiliated only with our chapter, please join as a Chapter Friend. Chapter Friends support the local chapter, receive our chapter newsletters, and participate in chapter events. As a Chapter Friend, you do not have national voting privileges, membership benefits, or a TAO subscription. Please email Kathleen Connolly and she will be glad to forward you membership information.
Organ Substitutes and Job Placement for Central NJ
Below is a list of current members who are available as substitute organists.
Please contact them directly if you are in need of a substitute organist.
Should you need further assistance, please contact Eric Plutz, Professional Development Officer, louis.vierne.1870@gmail.com
These organists are available Monday through Sunday:
Thomas Borkowski, tebdiapason@gmail.com or (908) 451-4456
Steven Russell, steven@becoming-sound.com or (732) 939-1909
Edgar Newton, EdgarMNewton@gmail.com or (267) 261-8919
Lauren Park, LaurenHPark02@gmail.com or (610) 639-4067
These organists are available Monday through Saturday:
Michael Diorio, DMA Michael.Diorio@aya.yale.edu or (609) 947-5112
Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild’s National Website.
Central NJ AGO Chapter Members with AGO Certification
Ronald Hemmel, FAGO
Dennis Dell, CAGO
Kathleen Connolly, CAGO
Joyce Irwin, CAGO
Noel Werner, CAGO
Mary Giordmaine, SPC
Alice Lee, SPC
Links to other Organ and Choral websites
Central New Jersey Chapter on Facebook
Central NJ AGO Youtube channel
Patrick Murphy & Associates – http://www.PJMorgans.com
Zarex Corporation – http://www.zarex.com
Longwood Gardens – http://www.longwoodgardens.org
Peragallo Organs – http://www.peragallo.com
Friends of the Wanamaker Organ – http://www.wanamakerorgan.com
Ocean Grove Summer Music schedule
http://www.oceangrove.org/music-and-entertainment/
Free internet downloads of complete organ works of J.S. Bach http://www.blockmrecords.org/bach
Eric Plutz website - http://www.ericplutz.com
Central Jersey Choral Society - http://www.cjchoralsociety.org