Newsletter
April 2025

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Although the weather seems to think otherwise, the calendar points to the seasons advancing. Yes, the world is gradually greening up and replacing winter’s drabness, but it also reminds us of how that same relentless march of time highlights the fragility of our own existence. Lately I find more friends and acquaintances being touched by illness or death. Coupled with the political turmoil, it’s sometimes difficult to keep a positive outlook.

Yet on those days when the sun breaks out, and the color riot of spring flowers dots the fresh green, I am reminded of how little mankind plays a role in the creation of such magnificence. How, long after battles have played out, and we are gone, these same cycles will continue to repeat. Therefore, why not treasure what we have now, what we have accomplished, and do what we are still able to do?

Making music is what we are about, and because music is eternal, it will outlast us. Some of the greatest music has been created by composers compelled to express their emotions on music staffs; to mourn, inspire or celebrate. If you, as a musician, can convey these feelings, you contribute to making our world better.

Your board of directors is taking the lead in putting our own stamp on this season. We produced a wonderful concert in the magnificent chapel of The Mount in Esopus, NY. Kudos to all those members who participated in front of a very appreciative audience. (See last month’s newsletter for further details.)

Funded by the Alice Cann bequest, we have a new young student, Roman Pemberton, who is now taking lessons from Emily Lapasardi. He tells me he’s really enjoying it; go Roman! Our hope is to expand on this educational effort. We are investigating the purchase of an “Orgelkids” program, which has had success elsewhere. We have also been talking about organizing a “Pizza and Pipes” and possibly a “Pipe Organ Encounter”.

On May 10th we have an “Organ Crawl “scheduled in Goshen, NY (see details below), where after lunch we are invited to the Middletown Paramount theatre to get acquainted with its Wurlitzer pipe organ beginning at 2:30 PM. You may have a turn at that console if you like, until 3:00 PM when Bardavon staff organist Juan Cardona Jr. will demonstrate with a small concert. This is a collaborative event with the New York Theatre Organ society.

I believe we also need to do more to show our face to the public. For example, last week I was involved in a most timely silent film showing in Brooklyn: Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings” which was brought to life by not one but two organs, plus a choir! The result was so impressive, that I wondered about the possibility of a local repeat! And on a more daring note, I have been in touch with social media sensation Anna Lapwood’s agency about the feasibility of hosting her in our area. That would put us on the map!

I believe that all of these positive ideas will help us move forward, except for one thing. Your board needs more active members. We cannot do it alone. Recall what I said about the march of time and then consider your current board members. With Easter approaching, and the Great Celebration coming – a time of Cleansing – you could help us to take a fresh look at our chapter. Please consider joining us with your ideas. Together we can move to brighter days!

Your dean,

Organ Crawl - May 10, 2025

The day will begin at 10:30 AM at 1st Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen. They have plenty of parking and offered to let us leave our cars there on the first part of the crawl. Organist Jonathan Hall will demonstrate the 1931/2022 Austin Organ (Opus 1780, 3 manual, 47 stops), in an 1870 case!

Directly across the village green and within walking distance is St. James Episcopal Church, 1 St. James Place, Goshen, where Organist Jacob Friedman is our host. The St. James organ was built in 1927 by F. A. Bartholomy Company.

Then we will visit Scotchtown Presbyterian, 367 Blumel Road, a short drive, to visit a 19th century Odell Instrument.

Around 12:30, we will return to 1st Presbyterian Church for lunch in their fellowship hall. Please bring a sack lunch; coffee and cookies will be available. After lunch our tour will conclude at The Paramount Theatre, 17 South Street, Middletown, where we will visit the 1922 Wurlitzer Theatre organ.

Hope to see you there!

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