Our Mission
Mission Statement
The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to enrich lives through organ and choral music.
To achieve this, we:
Encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music.
Inspire, educate, and offer certification for organists and choral conductors.
Provide networking, fellowship, and mutual support.
Nurture future generations of organists.
Promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles.
Engage wider audiences with organ and choral music.
Motto: Soli Deo Gloria
Colors: Silver and Crimson
Code of Ethics
Preamble
The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. Voting members are entitled to enjoy the privileges and are expected to accept the responsibilities of membership in the Guild. Members shall be considered equally for Guild offices and participation in Guild activities. These are the rules that shall be considered binding upon all voting members in good standing.
Rule 1
Members shall promote good working relationships within the American Guild of Organists and shall respect the employment of colleagues. Members shall address differences between themselves and other members by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.
Rule 2
Members shall not seek or appear to be seeking employment for themselves, a student, or a colleague, in a position held by someone else. Members shall apply for employment only for a position which the employer, with the knowledge of the incumbent musician, has officially and publicly declared vacant by announcement of the vacancy.
Rule 3
Members shall obtain the approval of the incumbent musician before accepting an engagement for a wedding, funeral, or other service requested by a third party. In such cases, the incumbent should receive his/her customary fee, and the third party is expected to provide it. It is the responsibility of the guest member to inform the third party of this rule. Members are advised to protect themselves as incumbents in this regard by negotiating employment contracts which secure these fees and which provide some responsibility, oversight, and control as to choice of music, etc.
Rule 4
Members shall conduct professional activities with truthfulness, honesty and integrity, and shall maintain sensitivity in matters of a personal or confidential nature.
Rule 5
Members shall not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
Declaration of Religious Principles
For the greater glory of God, and the good of His Holy Church in this land, we, being severally members of the American Guild of Organists, do declare our mind and intention in the things following:
We believe that the office of Music in Christian Worship is a sacred obligation before the Most High.
We believe that they who are set as Choir Masters and as Organists in the House of God ought to themselves be persons of devout conduct, teaching the ways of earnestness to the Choirs committed to their charge.
We believe that the unity of Purpose and fellowship of life between ministers and Choirs should be everywhere established and maintained.
We believe that at all times and in all places it is meet, right and our bounden duty to work and pray for the advancement of Christian Worship in the Holy gifts of strength and nobleness; to the end that the Church may be instructed, that the honor of God's house may be guarded in our time and in the time to come.
Wherefore, we do give ourselves with reverence and humility in these endeavors, offering up our works and our persons in the Name of Him, without whom nothing is holy. Amen.
Harrisburg Chapter
To inquire about the American Guild of Organists or the Harrisburg Chapter, please contact us:
Chapter Dean
Tyler Canonico
21 S Second Street
Harrisburg PA 17101
harrisburgago@gmail.com.
National Headquarters
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1260
New York, NY 10115
Phone: (212) 870-2310
Fax: (212) 870-2163