American Guild of Organists

American Guild of Organists
FormationJanuary 1, 1896; 128 years ago (1896-01-01)[1]
TypeProfessional association
Legal status501(c)(3)
PurposeTo foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
HeadquartersNew York, New York
Location
  • United States
Membership
Approximately 14,000
Official language
English
Eileen Hunt
Vice President/Councillor for Competitions and New Music
Jonathan Ryan[2]
Secretary/Councillor for Communications
Leslie W. Robb
Treasurer/Councillor for Finance and Development
John S. Dixon
Key people
James E. Thomashower, executive director
Websitewww.agohq.org

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is an international organization of academic, church, and concert organists in the US, headquartered in New York City with its administrative offices in the Interchurch Center. Founded as a professional educational association, it was chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York in 1896, with the authority to grant certificates of associate or fellow to members who passed examinations.[1]

Membership is not limited to professional organists, but is open to anybody with an interest in organs and organ music. As of 2020, there are approximately 14,000 voting members in all categories of membership. The AGO's current president is Eileen Hunt, elected in 2022.

The guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music.[3]

  1. ^ a b "American Guild of Organists, Eastern New York Chapter Records, 1920-1999 (finding aid)". New York State Library web site. New York State Library. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
  2. ^ "National Officers". The American Organist. Vol. 54, no. 8. New York: American Guild of Organists. August 2020. p. 2.
  3. ^ "About the American Guild of Organists". American Guild of Organists (AGO) website. 3 December 2007. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 15 April 2008.