CHIFF 'N CHATTER

The National AGO announces the grand opening of the newly expanded AGO Online Store, http://www.agohq.org/store. All AGO educational resources and gifts may be purchased by members and friends of the AGO over a secure server. Items available for purchase are identified with a brief description and graphic image. AGO members receive a 10% discount on all merchandise.

The Cleveland Chapter, AGO, held the local competition for young organists on Wednesday, March 28th at Forest Hill Church in Cleveland Heights. Judges were Maria Voljin, FAGO, MM, Gratian Nugent, AAGO, MM; and David J. Kienzle, DMA. The first prize was awarded to David Uschold, a student of Todd Wilson at the Cleveland Institute of Music. David won a prize of $600 and help with expenses as he goes on to compete in the summer's regional competition in Fort Wayne. Second prize of $400 was awarded to Michael Stefanek, a student of David Boe at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Congratulations to both David and Michael for fine performances. Anne Wilson, competition coordinator. (AW) Special thanks to Anne Wilson for organizing the competition. (CN)

At the April Executive Committee meeting, it was decided that we will not offer scholarships this spring. For the past several years we have been able to grant scholarships to college and private students to help them further their studies. Last year we gave a total of $4,000, which was wonderful! However, since the monies have come from our Scholarship fund and from our Magellen fund, and the stock market has dropped so drastically, we do not have sufficient funds for scholarships at this time. We also have extra expenses this year as we begin preparations to host the 2003 AGO Regional Convention. If the stock market situation improves, we may be able to offer scholarships in the fall. Please remember that gifts to our scholarship fund can be sent at any time to our treasurer. (CN)