Join us for the first in-person event of the season. This is an opportunity to enjoy catching up with fellow members. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch at 10:30 am. The patio, which is heated, is reserved for our group. Heather Rice, our programme convenor, is planning to have musical quiz for us. All are welcome. It’s just a short walk from the Baseline transit station and there is plenty of parking nearby.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 11th by Contacting Don Marjerrison at: donald (dot) marjerrison (at) sympatico (dot) ca or tel: 613-724-3793 See you there!

A very special celebration to celebrate the 90^th birthday of our archivist, Larry Kempffer. The evening will begin in the church with some of Larry's favorite hymns, memories and prayers. Larry will speak of his time as the RCCO Archivist. Our Chaplain, Rev. Christine Piper will speak and give Larry a blessing. Then we will go downstairs for a reception with Birthday Cake!

The front door of St. Giles is on Bank St. The church is accessible with a ramp at the First Ave. door and an elevator. OC Transpo bus 6 & 7 stop at the Bank St. door and across the street. See you at the church!

The executive of the Ottawa Centre recently approved a plan to expand our social media presence to promote our events, connect with members and colleagues and promote the organ with the general public. Social media platforms can be intimidating and there are both benefits and risks but it’s too important nowadays to ignore. Many members are using social media already to both promote the organ and to follow and connect with organists around the world. The aim going forward is to harness this existing capacity and build from there.

The aim of the workshop is to offer tips and suggestions for members to participate in our social media strategy in whatever way they might feel comfortable. Perhaps it’s learning to take pictures are events, or link material to the Centre’s social media platforms or how to connect with others in the organ world across the country and world. Form and learn about hashtags, ‘reels’ and ‘stories’, friends and followers and a good dose about social media safety and savvy. If you have a smart phone, bring it. If you have a laptop, bring it as well.

Some on street parking is available and on the west side of of the forecourt of the Supreme Court across the street. The church is close to all public transit options in downtown. The church is easily accessible via an elevator from Kent St. for those who might require assistance.

The Kiwanis Music Festival Organ Classes

Although this is not one of our programmes, it does involve many of our organ student members and we are providing $500 in scholarship money to the participants. Come and support our students in recital. There will be five organ students playing in multiple classes. Further informationn can be found on the Kiwanis Music Festival website.

Student Recital

This year the Student Recital is at Kitchissippi United Church. If you drive South on Island Park Drive, the church is on the right immediately after going under the Queensway.

It houses a 2-manual Casavant organ (Op. 2205) from 1954. Teachers (or students) should contact Bob Jones, Co-convenor for Student Affairs at Bob Jones (email) regarding playing in the recital. Practice and lesson times in preparation for this recital can also be arranged through Bob Jones.

This is a good opportunity to meet our students and give them support.

This is your centre. The executive values the feedback received from members. Come out and voice your opinions on what you would like to have your Centre do.

The Annual General Meeting of the Ottawa Centre is our opportunity to conduct the necessary business of the College but also to celebrate the year past and look forward to the coming year. All members are encouraged to attend and participate in decision making and to hear reports of the various convenors and national council representatives.

Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the new National RCCO scholarship in memory of David Palmer. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20.

There is plenty of parking at the back of the church and the hall is air-conditioned.

Recital in honour of David Palmer

St. Stephen's Anglican Church
Date:Sunday June 8, 7:30pm

The Royal Canadian College of Organists (National) is establishing a scholarship in memory of David Palmer, a Past President of the College. He was organist and choir director at All Saints' Church in Windsor for over 50 years, as well as being a faculty member at the University of Windsor's School of Music. David was instrumental in building up the study of organ music in Canada. Every RCCO Centre in Canada is being asked to help raise money towards this memorial scholarship.

For their part, the Ottawa RCCO Centre is hosting a fund-raising recital featuring Robert Jones (organ) and Jonathan Bayley (flute) at St. Stephen's Anglican Church on Sunday, June 8 at 7:30. Bob, the Director of Music at St. Stephen's, was a choir boy under David Palmer at All Saints, and studied piano, organ and harpsichord with him. Jonathan Bayley teaches at the University of Windsor and sang in David's choir at All Saints. Music by Bach, Franck, Messiaen, Handel, Rachel Laurin and John Weaver will be performed.

The church is located at 2128 St. Stephen's Street (west off Pinecrest, just north of the Queensway). There is a large parking-lot and the church is wheelchair-accessible.

Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to the new National RCCO scholarship in memory of David Palmer. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20.

We look forward to seeing you at this special concert in memory of David Palmer.