Berkshire Chapter
American Guild of Organists
The American Guild of Organists is a national organization that seeks to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ. The purposes of the guild are:
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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.
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to improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors.
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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.
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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.
A Note from Joy, Tim & Matt
Welcome
Welcome to the Berkshire Chapter of the American Guild of Organists website. The chapter serves Berkshire County, Massachusetts along with Southern Vermont and Northern Connecticut.
Explore our upcoming events, connect with our officers, and explore the organs of the Beautiful Berkshires!
Officers
Joy Mullen, Dean
Tim Pyper, Treasurer
Matt Alcombright, Secretary
Click the mail icon to email us!
Dear AGO Members, Organists, Music Directors and Pastors,
It is with excitement that we embark on another year as the Berkshire Chapter of the AGO. This year will be a time for us to reflect, review and regroup as a body of musicians and colleagues coming out of the recent pandemic. As with any organization, its’ mission and purpose are only as successful as its’ members. Our local chapters’ vision is mirrored from the national headquarters’ “The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ. The vision of the American Guild of Organists is to engage, support, and uplift every organist.” The key words here are “every organist.” Our organization and chapter is one of welcome and support to any person sitting down at an organ bench and promoting organ/music in their church, home or community.
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For our current members, please make sure your membership is current and please invite others to join in our mission.
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For our fellow organists and music directors who are not in membership, please consider joining us. We exist for all musicians seeking to promote the joy of the organ.
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For our local pastors and worship leaders, please consider sponsoring your organists and music directors in being members of this wider body of musicians in Berkshire County. This is a great way to connect and collaborate and it gives musicians a professional network to embrace and be supported by. It also allows for a greater network of substitutes when your musician may be away so that your community doesn’t go without the enhancement of music in your worship.
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Please visit www.agohq.org or www.berkshireago.org/join to join our chapter. You may also contact the executive committee at berkshireago@gmail.com.
We welcome every organist, musician and enthusiast to join us and look forward to steering the chapter into the future.
Gratefully,
Joy, Tim & Matt