Introduction

The American Guild of Organists (A G O) is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1896, the A G O now serves over 22,000 members in 369 chapters throughout the United States, in Panama, and in Europe.

Founded 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.

Membership is through local chapters, which hold regular meetings featuring performances, lectures, seminars, and discussions on a wide variety of topics.

Statement of Fundamental Purposes

The fundamental purposes of the Guild, as stated in its Bylaws, are as follows:

• 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.

Under the leadership of a National Council, a network of volunteer committees and officials at the regional, state, and local levels directs the activities of the Guild. A professional staff at headquarters in New York City coordinates publication, administration, and development activities of the organization.

For more detailed information, please request a copy of the
Space Coast Chapter Yearbook.

Membership Information

Membership in the Space Coast Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is open to all, and includes working professionals--organists, choir directors, teachers, organ builders, technicians, and suppliers to the field--as well as students, clergy, amateur musicians, and dedicated supporters.

Membership Benefits

The A G O provides a wealth of benefits and opportunities under the guidance of the national officers, Councilors for Education, Professional Concerns, Organizational Concerns, and Development and Communications, and working committees--all volunteer leaders of the Guild. Among the benefits available to members are educational opportunities, organ and choral concerts, Guild certification through an examination process, an extensive organ library, job placement (permanent and/or substitute), the national organization's magazine The American Organist (T A O), assistance and guidance in regard to professional concerns, and the consultation services of an organ advisory committee.

For more detailed information, please request a copy of the
A G O Membership Brochure.