Officers

Chapter Dean: Marcine Sawyer

My love for the keyboard began when I was a small child and according to most of my relatives, my piano playing was incessant. I believe that phase passed when my mom told me I had to practice for my lessons. My love for the keyboard has never ceased and I am grateful for the encouragement and support of good parents.

I received a piano scholarship to Ricks College, now BYU Idaho and studied with Dr. Del Parkinson. After receiving my associate degree, most of my time and attention turned to raising 5 children. During those years I was still heavily involved in music: church, community, and teaching.

When my children were mostly grown, I was accepted into the Organ Performance program at BYU and graduated in April 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts, emphasis in Organ after studying with Drs. Don Cook and Brian Mathias. Since graduation, I have had the opportunity to study with Dr. Neil Harmon.

The most significant gift I have received through music is the love and association of people, whether they be teachers, students, fellow musicians, or grateful listeners. Now it is my privilege to help organize UVAGO activities, and in the process meet many more friends. I look forward to that.

Chapter Sub-Dean: Lori Serr

Lori Serr (pronounced “sear”) is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in both piano and organ and has taught both instruments for several years. She has also achieved the Colleague Certification through the American Guild of Organists (CAGO) and a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from Brigham Young University. She has served as the Education Coordinator and chairman of the Super Saturday Training for Church Organists in the UVAGO. She frequently teaches organ training workshops for local units of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An active member of the UMTA, Lori serves on the state board as the State Certification Chairman and as the certification chairman for the Nebo Chapter, where she teaches and mentors study groups for teachers working towards certification. Lori and her husband Casey live in Mapleton. They are the parents of four children and eight grandchildren.

Treasurer: David Chamberlin

David Chamberlin feels very fortunate to be an organist and an organ builder. Since 1985 he has been vice-president and tonal director at Bigelow & Co. Organ Builders and, since 1987, has served as organist at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City. David is also the composer and publisher of LDS Hymn Voluntaries—“an organ piece for every hymn in the book”—a work still in progress. He is a regular presenter at the chapter’s annual Super Saturdays and has also presented at the BYU Organ Workshop.

David has served as sub-dean of the Salt Lake City chapter of the AGO and dean and sub-dean of the Utah Valley chapter, currently serving as the treasurer and registrar. His duties include managing the membership records and finances and overseeing the chapter’s dues collections.

David’s involvement in the AGO puts him in association with like-minded people who care about the things that are important to him, with opportunities to serve and learn from each other. He considers every chapter member a friend and feels inspired by all—irrespective of their skill level, knowledge, or experience.

Secretary: Lynette Golze