ChicAGO Chapter AGO Presents

"Introduction to the Art of Playing Figured Bass"

Led by Chapter Member David C. Jonies

Saturday January 23, 2010

10:30 - 11:45             Session I
11:45 -    1:00            Lunch
1:00 -    3:00           Session II

Holy Name Cathedral
State & Superior Streets, Chicago

"Introduction to the Art of Playing Figured Bass" led by Chapter Member David C. Jonies will be comprised of two sessions: in Session I Mr. Jonies will give an overview about the history and development of Figured Bass as well as an introduction into its practice, specifics of execution on organ and harpsichord, and variations in the notation by different composers. Session II in the afternoon will focus on the actual performance of Figured Bass. Participants will be able to "figure out" a continuo bass line and become familiar with some conventions of continuo playing.

David C. Jonies is Associate Director of Music at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. He received his education in Germany and at the Royal Academy of Music in London and previously held positions at the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace and Westminster Cathedral.

Both morning and afternoon Figured Bass workshops are open to all AGO chapter members and friends at no charge. All attendees are requested to make reservations for either or both sessions by contacting Abby at the Holy Name Cathedral Music Office at 312-664-6963 or email at:         music@holynamecathedral.org

Both "Figured Bass" sessions will be held in the Cathedral Music Offices on the Second Floor of the school adjacent to the Cathedral - please use the entrance off of the central courtyard. Car parking will be available in the Cathedral parking lot directly across the street from the Cathedral (entrance on Superior Street).

For those AGO Chapter Members and Friends interested in continued study of "Figured Bass", David Jonies has agreed to teach additional group and/or private sessions for a small fee.

All members are required to abide by the current American Guild of Organists Code of Ethics.

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. The Guild serves approximately 20,000 members in 348 chapters throughout the United States, and in Europe, Korea and Argentina. 

Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. 

Under the leadership of the National Council, a network of volunteer committees and officials at the regional, district, and local levels directs the activities of the Guild. The AGO National Headquarters is in New York City where a full time staff supports and coordinates publication, administration, and development activities of the organization. For purposes of administration and representation, the Guild is divided into nine geographical regions, and each chapter is assigned to one of them. 

The purposes of the American Guild of Organists are: 

• To advance the cause of organ and choral music, to increase their contributions to aesthetic and religious experiences, and to promote their understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment.
• To improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors.
• To evaluate, by examination, attainments in organ playing, choral techniques, conducting, and the theory and general knowledge of music, and to grant certificates to those who pass such examinations at specified levels of attainment.
• To provide members with opportunities to meet for discussion of professional topics, and to pursue such other activities as contribute to the fulfillment of the purposes of the Guild. 

Guild sponsored activities include a series of examinations for professional certification as well as programs and an extensive list of publications, audiocassettes and learning resources for all levels of interest. The Guild sponsors competitions in organ performance and improvisation and in organ and choral composition. National and regional conventions held in alternate years, present the finest performers. THE AMERICAN ORGANIST magazine, published monthly by the AGO, is the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world.

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