NEW ORGAN FOR CHRIST CHURCH!  In a special session on Sunday, June 29th, the vestry of Christ Episcopal Church approved the purchase of a new sanctuary organ.  The instrument, a greatly expanded 3-manual Rodgers Trillium Masterpiece organ, is to be located on a specially constructed music platform on the ground level of the sanctuary.  Its doubled sound-system of 20 speaker channels will be spread out over the aft end of the church: the Great and Pedal divisions will be located on the rear wall above the chapel doors; the Swell and Choir divisions will be mounted high in the triforium, designed to speak down the aisles.  The floating Solo division will be installed in the old casework at the forward corner of the chancel, creating an opportunity for exciting antiphonal play.  The console itself will be fully movable, making it ideal for solo recitals and choral concerts.  This instrument not only triples the capacity of the old and ailing organ, but it will deliver a symphonic, surround-sound  experience to the congregation.  After years of having the prior instrument high in a corner loft, barely making use of architect Richard Upjohn's superb acoustic, Christ Church will finally be filled with glorious sound.  Installation is slotted to begin in August, with construction and fine tuning finished before Labor Day.  A festive dedicatory recital will be held in early September, so keep your eyes on this section for more news in the days ahead!

Summer Break!  It has been a wonderful and busy musical season this year at Christ Church and beyond, and we're all ready for a bit of summer vacation.  The Chamber Music at Christ Church series has successfully wrapped its second season, the choristers have hung up their robes until September, and the New London County Chapter AGO is on hiatus until the fall.  Though dormant, things are not in complete hibernation - there are many exciting developments brewing at Christ Church this summer, and we're looking to radically change the face of music there in the very near future.  Piano lessons continue throughout these months, and plans are being laid for the AGO's "International Year of the Organ" celebration next October.  Be on the lookout for news about what we have to offer, and stay cool in this sultry heat!

Keyboard Studio Openings: I am once again accepting new students to my piano studio: all levels of ability are welcome, ages 8 and up.  Lessons are comprehensive, and cover everything from technique and theory to style and interpretation.  A wide variety of keyboard methods are used, and are custom-tailored to the individual needs and strengths of each student.  Organ lessons are also available.  For more information, please contact me directly. 

Roberta Bitgood Scholarship Winner!  Congratulations to Mr. Joshua Ziemski, the 2008 winner of the Roberta Bitgood scholarship.  A student of Simon Holt, Joshua is a freshman at Norwich Technical High School, and plays monthly at Franklin Congregational Church.  He also substitutes frequently at Norwich area churches such as Central Baptist, Christ Episcopal, and United Congregational. He is a piano student of Jesse Glaude, and a rabid car fanatic.  Best of luck, Josh, and keep playing! 

Support the Fine Arts in Southeastern CT!  Check out Chamber Music at Christ Church!  In an effort to bolster the arts in the quickly expanding and redeveloping city of Norwich, the “Chamber Music at Christ Church” series was founded in 2006 by Christ Church's organist and choirmaster Jesse N. Glaude, and the Reverend S. Scott Hankins, rector.  Designed to showcase the musicians of eastern Connecticut and to create programs of lesser known and rarer works within the classical repertoire, the series aims to contribute to the growing cultural life in the downtown district and beyond.  For more information, please contact the Christ Episcopal Church office at 860.887.4249.