Columbus AGO Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday, January 21, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Present: John Schuder, Brian Johnson, Bianca De Maria, Mark Stuart, Carol Neff, Brett Green, Al Adcock, John Bryan, Josh Brodbeck, Weldon Adams

Absent:  Sara Montgomery, Stan Osborn, Wanda Neudorfer-Pack

Many thanks to Josh Brodbeck for providing dinner and beverages! Very much appreciated.

• The meeting was called to order.
• Minutes from the 11/26 meeting were approved.
• Dean’s Comments — John Schuder
  • A nominating committee, headed by Sara Seidel, has been appointed: Scott Hayes, Tom Gerke, Judy Willour
  • There will be no student competition, as no applications were received. This is suspected to be due to approval of eight regional competition sites. Steven Jacoby has been notified. If we wish to host a contest in 2015, we may need to think about earlier announcement.
  • Mark Stuart and Anthony Fabro have reported that the chapter website has had hacking issues lately, with the addition of “payday loan” text to a few pages. The hosting company has been responsive and helpful. Does this increase service costs?
  • POE: After reviewing the guidance documents, it was agreed that a POE is way too much work to have ready for 2013. Consider for 2015; a decision would be needed by January 2014. Sally Casto will help (perhaps as a co-host?), but is travelling in 2014. There was general discussion on possible venues with plenty of organs within walking distance. Capitol University area? Delaware is not a good option. There was concern that the low interest in the competition might be indicative of general (low) interest in a POE. Al observed that the guidance document implies similar planning / scope of a convention.
    • ACTION ITEMS: Invite Paul Barte to speak to the executive committee / have Q&A about POEs. Subcommittee formed work up a mock application: Brett, Bianca, Brian?
  • Upcoming workshop (organ building): There are more than 15 participants who have registered for each of the workshop times.
• Treasurer’s Report — Al Adcock
  • Since the local competition is cancelled, a motion was approved to send $500 benevolence to the Southwest Michagan chapter to support their regional competition expenses.
  • A notice was received from AGO National about reduced AGO rates (Feb 1-Mar 31). The committee chose not to promote this option.
  • The budget report was approved as presented.

• Concerts — Josh Brodbeck
  • Jonathan Ryan is available next September to play at Capital. His fee is ~$2000. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be at Nationwide Arena in June. Josh is inquiring about organist Richard Elliot’s schedule. Gillian Wier Masterclass at Holy Trinity, spring 2013.

March (Searle Wright concert/masterclass): The executive committee will host dinner for Andrew Kotylo and/or have a cocktail reception.

April (Student recital): Consider hosting a reception for recitalists after. Invite Mid Ohio Food Bank to give (short) speech.

May (social): Planning on dinner from 7-8. Program to last ~75 minutes, beginning after dinner.

Outreach to young musicians: Josh is inquiring with Rodgers about providing a traveling instrument that could be taken to schools for a program. A model program might be available from the Choristers Guild.

There was discussion about the AGO salary guidelines, which, anecdotally, are way too high. Are guidelines misleading and/or deceiving? How to honestly represent to potential students the REAL career potential?

Next meeting: Mon March 4, Brian Johnson’s house.

The meeting was adjourned.