American Guild of Organists

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AGO & Organ News

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Young Organists Chapters

As of July 1, 2015 the AGO has seven new regional chapters for young organists to benefit young organists across the United States and other locations such as the United Kingdom and Italy.  Through Facebook a community of young organists who are members of the AGO are connecting in this virtual community to establish networking opportunities and generate innovative web-based programming.

 

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Watch Marvin Mills and Marlissa Hudson Perform “Three Spirituals”

In a recent email to members AGO President John Walker called attention to a new video on the AGO’s YouTube page. Walker wrote:

“I am delighted to be able to send you a link to a performance of Three Spirtuals, arranged by Marvin Mills and performed by soprano Marlissa Hudson, accompanied by Marvin Mills. Ms. Hudson’s performances of “Somebody Talkin’ ‘bout Jesus,” “Jesus, Lay Yo’ Head in da Window,” and “Plenty Good Room” are deeply moving; her conclusion to “Plenty Good Room” is truly spectacular. I know that you will enjoy it, too.

I am very pleased to be able to send this to you now at the start of Black History Month as part of the American Guild of Organists’ recognition and celebration of the contributions and accomplishments of African-American composers and musicians.”

The performance was recorded during the 2015 AGO Mid-Atlantic Regional Convention in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Three Spirituals

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Apply to attend a 2016 Pipe Organ Encounter

Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) offer teenagers and adults a rewarding opportunity to learn more about the pipe organ and its construction, instruction with experienced faculty, visits to hear and play outstanding instruments, and the chance to meet and interact with peers who share an interest in the King of Instruments.

2016 offerings include traditional POEs, a POE Advanced, and POE+ sessions.

Click for complete information on the various POE offerings and to submit an application:

Pipe Organ Encounters

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Sales of New Book on Allen Organ History to Benefit the AGO Annual Fund

Jerome Markowitz, founder of Allen Organ Company, has written a fascinating history of the origins of digital-sound-based products. Triumphs and Trials of an Organ Builder is a uniquely American story of innovation, perseverance, and intrigue. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the roots of digital sound.

Markowitz built his first experimental organ in 1936 and, with the exception of the World War II years, was an organ builder and businessman until his passing in 1991. In addition to being chief executive officer of Allen Organ Company, he held over 25 patents.

During the month of January, 2016, all proceeds from the Amazon.com sales of the paperback or Kindle version of Triumphs and Trials of an Organ Builder will be donated to the AGO’s Annual Fund.

Update as of February 4, 2016: This promotion is now closed. Thank you for your support. 

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Applications for the 2016-2017 Pogorzelski-Yankee scholarship will be accepted until February 15, 2016

The Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarships are presently awarded for a period of up to four years for undergraduate awardees and up to two years for graduate school awardees. One freshman ($7,500) and one first year graduate ($15,000) will be awarded in March 2016.

Applicants are expected to have existing talent and achievements in the field of organ playing and an expressed commitment post-graduation to teaching, performing, or other serious endeavor with respect to the organ. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. The online application period ends February 15, 2016.