A Message from Our Dean: Looking Ahead to 2026–2027
Dear Members and Friends of the Chapter,
There is a lot to be encouraged about as the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Guild of Organists begins the 2026-2027 program year.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent chapter election. Nearly three-quarters of eligible members cast ballots, giving us our strongest voter participation in a decade. That level of engagement says something important about our chapter's vitality and the investment our members have in its future.
We are grateful to every candidate who was willing to stand for election and offer their time and leadership. We also offer our sincere thanks to Cloency Chua for his service as a chapter officer and to Mark Towne for his service on our Board. Both have contributed generously to SNCAGO, and we hope they will remain active and engaged in the chapter's life for many years to come.
There are also exciting signs of growth throughout the Southern Nevada organ community.
Following several new pipe and hybrid organ installations last year, two additional instruments have now been installed or are nearing completion at Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church - Henderson and Grace Presbyterian Church in Las Vegas. These projects represent substantial commitments by local houses of worship to music, worship, and the future of the organ.
There is also a new program to develop new organists through a Catholic Organist Development Program at St. Anthony of Padua, Las Vegas, NV designed to introduce musicians to the instrument and prepare new players for parish service.
Instruments alone do not secure the future of our art. Developing the people who will play them is every bit as important.
We are also excited to open the 2026-2027 Paul S. Hesselink Concert Series with organist Mallory Haney Loo.
Friday, September 18, 2026
7:00 PM
Christ Church Episcopal, 2000 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada
Mallory will present a wide-ranging program featuring music by Einaudi, Liszt, Bach, and more.
We hope you will join us and help us give Mallory a warm Southern Nevada welcome.
The Hesselink Concert Series is made possible by our patrons and donors. While artist fees have remained relatively stable, costs such as airfare and lodging have increased substantially in recent years. SNCAGO receives no government funding, and our supporters' continued generosity makes it possible to bring outstanding artists to Southern Nevada.
If you value this concert series and the chapter's work, please consider becoming a patron or making a contribution this season.
You can even make a Zelle contribution right now to @sncago.
Southern Nevada has real momentum around the organ right now: engaged members, new instruments, developing musicians, houses of worship investing in music, and another season of exceptional performances ahead.
We are grateful to have you as part of it.
Looking ahead to this season,
Dr. William Freeman, Ed.D., MBA
Dean, Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Guild of Organists