Membership Information
It is membership renewal time for 2008-2009. To download a membership application, please click here.
When completed, please mail the form with your payment to our Membership Chair, Doris Savage, at 12 Wineberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. The Guild serves approximately 20,000 members in 348 chapters throughout the United States, and in Europe, Korea and Argentina.
Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music.
Under the leadership of the National Council, a network of volunteer committees and officials at the regional, district, and local levels directs the activities of the Guild. The AGO National Headquarters is in New York City where a full time staff supports and coordinates publication, administration, and development activities of the organization. For purposes of administration and representation, the Guild is divided into nine geographical regions, and each chapter is assigned to one of them.
The purposes of the American Guild of Organists are:
To advance the cause of organ and choral music, to increase their contributions to aesthetic and religious experiences, and to promote their understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment.
To improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors.
To evaluate, by examination, attainments in organ playing, choral techniques, conducting, and the theory and general knowledge of music, and to grant certificates to those who pass such examinations at specified levels of attainment.
To provide members with opportunities to meet for discussion of professional topics, and to pursue such other activities as contribute to the fulfillment of the purposes of the Guild.
Guild sponsored activities include a series of examinations for professional certification as well as programs and an extensive list of publications, audiocassettes and learning resources for all levels of interest. The Guild sponsors competitions in organ performance and improvisation and in organ and choral composition. National and regional conventions held in alternate years, present the finest performers. The American Organist magazine, published monthly by the AGO, is the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world.
As a Member of the American Guild of Organists we are bound by the Code of Ethics and guided by the Code of Professional Standards.
THE HARRISBURG CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS
The Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists was established in 1936. We are professional and amateur organists, choral directors, and other musicians and clergy involved in church music – plus other members who simply enjoy choral and organ music. We would be delighted to have you join us!
Membership in the Harrisburg Chapter has many benefits. Chief among them are:
Fellowship: Each month, through our “Lunch Bunch” gatherings, there is a wonderful opportunity to interact with people who have concerns and interests similar to yours.
Programs: Our chapter is known for its excellent programs and workshops – all designed to increase members’ knowledge and skills. Our Program Committee is working hard to offer a wide range of programs, recitals and workshop opportunities scheduled from September through May.
Information and Assistance: There are a variety of resources available to members: our monthly newsletter, The Bombarde; the AGO’s national publication, The American Organist (TAO) Magazine; eligibility for life, disability and health insurance plans; an AGO-sponsored credit card; certification; voting privileges; and more.
Conventions: Regional and national conventions provide educational opportunities and the chance to enjoy memorable musical performances.
Membership is open to any individual who espouses the purposes of the Guild. Membership categories and rates for 2008-2009 are as follows:
| REGULAR VOTING MEMBER | $88.00 |
| SPECIAL VOTING MEMBER (65 and over, under 21, or disabled) | $64.00 |
| FULL TIME STUDENT VOTING MEMBER (full-time with school ID) | $36.00 |
| FULL TIME STUDENT DUAL MEMBER (full-time with student ID) | $14.00 |
| PARTNER MEMBER (Second member at same address, no TAO) |
$64.00 |
| DUAL MEMBER (Dues paid to second Chapter after dues paid to Primary Chapter) | $35.00 |
| CHAPTER FRIEND* | $40.00 |
* Chapter Friend members are not eligible to
hold Chapter office and have no voting privileges.
Chapter Friends do not receive The American Organist magazine and are not
eligible to be on the substitute organist list.
Our Chapter is unique in its programming and is eager to reach out and warmly welcome anyone interested in organ, choral activities, and related music. We focus on serving our members and would like you to become one of us.
For more information on our Chapter, please contact the Chapter Dean, or Membership Chair. We hope to see you at one of our Chapter Events soon! Soli Deo Gloria!