Chapter Leadership

Chapter Officers (2024-2026)

Dean: Johannes (John) A. Vanderlee is a Senior Electronics Technician retired from IBM and Vassar College. He has had a lifelong interest in all things organ from a musical as well as a technical perspective-be it pipes or digital. He initiated and completed the renovation of the Bardavon theatre pipe organ under the New York Theatre Organ Society’s banner, of which he currently serves as Director. "I believe that the organ is a misunderstood instrument, a concept which needs to be countered by greater exposure to the general public, both young and old, by any means possible."

Sub-Dean: Susan Guse is currently serving on the CHVAGO board Sub-Dean. She has previously served as the treasurer where she oversaw the task of updating CHVAGO's Standard Operating Procedures and re-established the chapter's tax exempt status, which expired in 2012. Susan was Director of Music at St. John's Lutheran, Poughkeepsie, from 1998-2020. She is retired and playing at St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Kent, CT. She has a Master's Degree in Sacred Music from Wittenberg University and a BA degree with a major in music from Smith College.

Secretary: Nancy Vanderlee has served as CHVAGO secretary since 2017. An alumna of the Crane School of Music, and a recent retiree from the Hyde Park Central School District and as Director of Music/Organist at St Peter's Episcopal Church, Lithgow. Additionally, she teaches flute and piano privately, and performs as part of the Cappella Festiva Chamber Choir, Hudson Valley Bach Fest, Breezy Hill Wind Quintet, Vergennes City Band, and Capital Area Flute Club.

Treasurer: John Corrie moved to the Hudson River Valley two years ago, from Lewiston, Maine, where for 38 years he taught at Bates College. He holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Northwestern University School of Music, and Yale School of Music. He was awarded a Fulbright-Hays Grant to study organ with Anton Heiller in Vienna in the academic year 1972-1973. For many years John has been an Episcopal Church organist and choir director in Maine and Massachusetts, and currently is organist and choir director at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Newsletter Editor: Susan LaGrande is a long-time member of CHVAGO, having first served as assistant newsletter editor. Over the years her role has increased until now she publishes the monthly newsletter, maintains the web site and Facebook page, and handles all membership issues. In addition she is the de facto information broker for the chapter, handling inquiries about Subs and Position Openings. After serving as organist in several local churches since the 1970s, she is currently retired from the bench. She has long been a practitioner of the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do, and was recently promoted to 5th degree Black Belt.

At-Large Member: Laura Ramsey Russell, DMA recently retired as Minister of Music at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, where she played organ and directed the choir for over twenty years. She was founder of the Concerts Con Brio music series at the church. In 2000 she co-founded the Hudson Valley BachFest in 2000 and has conducted many of Bach’s choral works. She has taught in the music programs at Marist College and Dutchess Community College. Having received a DMA in conducting from the Hartt School, Laura is now starting a second career as a "free-lance conductor" in the Hudson Valley.

At-Large Member: Karlyn Maschhoff is currently the Garrison Chaplain at the United States Military Academy at West Point and has served in the United States Army for almost 20 years. Kari was first introduced to playing the organ as a child and has pursued organ studies whenever her military obligations allowed. Since moving to the Hudson Valley last Spring, Kari has been studying with Dr. Gail Archer at Vassar College. As Kari is nearing military retirement, she hopes to study organ as a full-time student in an undergraduate organ performance program as she transitions from military back to civilian life.