Greetings!

This is a special double-length issue.

** OrganFocus News **

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* New Article by Colin Mawby, "Straightforward Organ Music". Colin
opines on contemporary organ composition.
http://www.organfocus.com/members/mawby/straightforward_organ_music.php3

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* Faythe Freese invites everyone to the Church Music Conference 2005
given by the University of Alabama School of Music. Featuring
Christopher Herrick.
http://www.organfocus.com/features/events/ChurchMusicConference2005.doc

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* Michael Grüber of http://www.mg-music.com and
http://www.ORGANpromotion.org sent two reports on masterclasses by Ben
Van Oosten and Olivier Latry held earlier this year. Enjoy the reports
in German, English and French.
-- http://www.organfocus.com/features/events/OrgelmeisterkursOosten.doc
-- http://www.organfocus.com/features/events/OrgelmeisterkursLatry.doc

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* New MP3: Roman Krasnovsky's Chorale on 'Meine Seele erhebt den
Herrn', performed by the composer and dedicated to yours truly.
http://www.organfocus.com/members/krasnovsky/krasnovsky_chorale.mp3

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* Google GMAIL invites!

Gmail is a great new free web-based email system from Google. Perks
include one Gigabyte of space, ability to do full-text search in
emails and much more.
Read about it here:
https://gmail.google.com
Currently you can only get it if someone invites you. I will send an
invite to the first five (5) readers who respond they are interested.
Just hit "reply" and I will get your message. Happy holidays!

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** Web News **

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* Church has faith in pipe organ's appeal

"KENNEBUNKPORT -- After more than 40 years, traditional pipe organ
music is returning to the South Congregational Church."
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/religion/stories/041204religion.shtml

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* A rare pedals and pipes treat

Singapore: "CHEAH UI-HOON finds out what's unusual about the upcoming concert"
http://business-times.asia1.com.sg/story/0,4567,138504,00.html

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* Church organist pleads accused of sexual abuse

"WATERBURY, Conn. -- A former church organist from Naugatuck has
pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and child pornography charges
involving girls he met at a Derby church."
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/state/ny-bc-ct-brf--organistcharg1202dec02,0,3\
096504.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut

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* Joyful songs in memory of a friend

"The classic dilemma for a church choir director is the tone-deaf
singer who is just the sweetest guy on Earth. What's a conductor to
do?

Organist and music director David Messineo, described by acquaintances
as the most amiable and upbeat person they knew, did nothing."
http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-2/110240399\
9309490.xml

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* As Good As It Gets

--an article about the custom sound reinforcement system installed in
Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles
http://www.zioshow.com/viewnews.php?id=4993

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* Grace Episcopal featured on Hy-Vee holiday grocery bags

How's that for an organ publicity idea?
http://www.chillicothenews.com/articles/2004/12/08/news/news4.txt

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* Today's Organ Stop:

Cubus
http://www.organstops.org/c/Cubus.html

Have a great week,

Lana