Southern Arizona American Guild of Organists

The Great Eighteen are a group of ambitious, large-scale organ works based on Lutheran chorales. Bach assembled them toward the end of his life from pieces he had written years earlier, revising and in some cases expanding them, perhaps intending to have them printed. Many are favorites with organists and audiences, such as: the brilliant fantasia on “Come, Holy Ghost” for full organ; the lyrical “Savior of the Nations, Come”; and the quietly moving “Before Thy Throne I Now Appear,” said to have been revised by the composer shortly before he died.

Church musicians are made, not born, and becoming a better church musician is largely self-directed, on-the-job training. Few of us start our musical journeys with clear ideas of the steps we would need to take and the challenges we would encounter.

Dr. Raymond T. Ryder, SAAGO Dean and Piano Director, Pima Community College, will address how musicians, pianists particularly, can successfully prepare to transition into service playing, choir accompanying, and leading rehearsals. During this seminar/workshop, Dr. Ryder will present proven strategies, and resources, for improving our musicianship skills. Dr. Ryder will also share repertoire suggestions for pianists and organists (since we often do a bit of both).

Saint Philip’s Sings: An English Easter with Asleif Willmer, Soprano; Ellen Ensey, Violin; and Mary Paul, Soprano: All are invited at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 11 in the main sanctuary for a festival of lush, English works from the last century featuring performances of Gerald Finzi’s sublime cantata, Dies Natalis, a chamber setting of Vaughan William’s dreamy The Lark Ascending, and Patrick Hawes’ effervescent cantata, The Song of Songs. This is a free concert; donations support Saint Philip’s music ministry.

Musforum Conference: Women of the West
Central Arizona
May 12-13 2025
EVERYONE Is Welcome!

#Musforum2025 #OrganMusic #WomenInMusic #PhoenixConference #OrganistLife

This inspiring event celebrates the history and future of women in the organ world and features dynamic presentations, incredible concerts, and a chance to connect with fellow organists from across the country. Our very own Pamela Decker will be performing some of her own compositions at Pinnacle Presbyterian in Scottsdale. Come support her! While the spotlight is on women in organ music, everyone is welcome—this is a conference for all who are passionate about the instrument and its future.

Concerts and presentations are FREE and open to the community!

Want the full experience including pre-concert dinners for more of an opportunity to network with other organists from across the country? Register at: 📅 Details & registration: https://musforum.org/may-2025-musforum-conference-women-of-the-west-in-phoenix-arizona/

Don't miss this chance to recharge, learn, and grow.

Musforum Conference: Women of the West
Central Arizona
May 12-13 2025
EVERYONE Is Welcome!

#Musforum2025 #OrganMusic #WomenInMusic #PhoenixConference #OrganistLife

This inspiring event celebrates the history and future of women in the organ world and features dynamic presentations, incredible concerts, and a chance to connect with fellow organists from across the country. Our very own Pamela Decker will be performing some of her own compositions at Pinnacle Presbyterian in Scottsdale. Come support her! While the spotlight is on women in organ music, everyone is welcome—this is a conference for all who are passionate about the instrument and its future.

Concerts and presentations are FREE and open to the community!

Want the full experience including pre-concert dinners for more of an opportunity to network with other organists from across the country? Register at: 📅 Details & registration: https://musforum.org/may-2025-musforum-conference-women-of-the-west-in-phoenix-arizona/

Don't miss this chance to recharge, learn, and grow.

Youth of Saint Philip’s in Concert: All are invited at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 25, in the main sanctuary as we conclude the year with vocal and instrumental offerings from the Youths at Saint Philips, including folk song arrangements by the Danish String Quartet, and the Missa Brevis of Benjamin Britten, from our Saint Nicholas Choir. This is a free concert; any donations will support the joint UK Residency/Pilgrimage program.

Join your Chapter friends for fellowship, potluck dinner, and a brief business meeting at the beautiful Clubhouse at Colonia Verde! Non-members are welcome to attend for food, fellowship, and information. Bring any organ music you no longer want.

Please watch the events page of the SAAGO website for information on whom to let know what you’ll be bringing. Utensils and soft drinks will be provided.

Click on the flier image (below) to download the 2 page PDF which includes driving directions to the venue.

St. Andrew's Concert Series is presenting "Patriotic Pipes 3 - Americana" on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 7PM. Featuring local Sierra Vista and Tucson artists performing patriotic American tunes by Berlin, Cohan, Joplin, Gershwin, Porter and Carmichael. The festivities include a musical salute to our Armed Service members and an audience Sing-A-Long. The historic 1949 Moeller Pipe Organ will be featured, the largest in Cochise County.

There is no charge to attend this concert, a freewill offering will be accepted. All donations go to the organ restoration fund.
St. Andrew the Apostle Church is located at 800 Taylor Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ. For more information please call (520) 226-5574.