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Missoula |
| Last updated: June 11, 2009 |
Message from the Dean |
| Dear All,
We encourage all organists and lovers of the organ to attend our events and join our chapter. Hope to meet you soon! All the best, Nancy Cooper Dean, Missoula Chapter, AGO nancy.cooper@umontana.edu |
Local Events |
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The American Guild of Organists has designated 2008-2009 as the International Year of the Organ, a time when we will exhibit the pride that we share in our chosen instrument. We invite music organizations throughout the world to join with us in celebrating the King of Instruments. The year of festivities was inaugurated with special events at the National Convention of the AGO in Minneapolis in June, 2008, and will conclude with the AGO Regional Conventions in the summer of 2009. We encourage every chapter of the AGO to participate in as many ways as they can. To get more information and view a copy of the Proclamation by Gov. Brian Schweitzer click on the following link: http://www.agohq.org/events/index.html |
Newsletter |
| AGO MEMBERSHIP ENJOYS NEW GROWTH
18,409 Individuals Renewed Membership or Joined the American Guild of Organists During the 2008–2009 Membership Year NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO), the largest organization in the world dedicated to organ and choral music, is pleased to announce the first increase in membership in more than a decade, as reported by AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. At the close of the 2008–2009 membership year, AGO membership totaled 18,409 voting members, an increase of 167 over the 2007–2008 membership year. "Independent Membership is our fastest growing category," declared Thomashower, "while chapter membership remains our largest and most vital membership segment." AGO Director of Membership and Administration Jennifer Madden noted that the membership increase resulted from three initiatives: a chapter-based phonathon designed to renew lapsed members; a solicitation to lapsed members prepared by AGO National Headquarters; and restricting access to portions of the AGO Web site to members only. "Because of this three-phased approach, we had a surge in renewals and new independent memberships, ending the year with over 700 Independent Members." While Independent Members have no local chapter affiliation and receive no local chapter benefits, they receive all other voting membership benefits and privileges. Founded in 1896, the American Guild of Organists has more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The Independent Membership category was created in 2003 in response to individuals living in remote geographic areas not otherwise served by a local AGO chapter. Although independent members have no chapter affiliation, they are served by their district convener, regional coordinators for education and professional development, and their regional councillor. Independent members receive full membership benefits, including eligibility for all health and insurance plans offered through the AGO, national election voting privileges, a subscription to The American Organist Magazine, and discounts on AGO convention registration fees and education resources from the AGO Bookstore. "While Independent Membership is available to all, even to those living where a local chapter exists, it is the AGO's hope that individuals joining the Guild for the first time as independent members will soon discover the many additional benefits and programs available through chapter affiliation, and will choose to join their local chapter, if one exists, at the time of membership renewal," noted Herbert Buffington, director of the AGO Committee on Membership Development and Chapter Support. AGO membership is open to all and includes working professionals—organists, choir directors, teachers, organbuilders, technicians, and suppliers to the field—as well as students, clergy, amateur musicians, and dedicated supporters. Individuals wishing to join the AGO for the 2009–2010 membership year can find a local chapter online at |
Membership |
| For membership information, contact:
Alice Williams 1614 Pittman Drive Missoula, MT 59803 e: clem@in-tch.com |
Placement |
| POSITION AVAILABLE - CHURCH MUSIC COORDINATOR
The First Presbyterian Church, 201 S. 5th West, Missoula (549-5144) is seeking a part -time music coordinator for the 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning service. Job duties include selection of music for Chancel and Bell Choirs, recruiting and rehearsing musicians for Chancel and Bell Choirs, and leading Chancel and Bell Choirs for worship services. A Bachelor’s degree in Music (B.A. or B.M.) and previous experience as a church choir director are required. Please send inquiries/application and resume to Brian Marsh (brian@fpcmissoula.org). Applications are due by May 15th, 2009. Employers and job seekers are invited to post and search listings of available positions on the Guild's National Website. |
Certification |
| Missoula is no longer a testing location for AGO exams. Contact the national office: www.agohq.org, for information about testing locations in Region VIII. |
Contact Us |
| Nancy Cooper, Dean - nancy.cooper@umontana.edu
Barbara Simon, Sub-Dean - bsimon@bigsky.net Alice Williams, Secretary/Treasurer - clem@in-tch.com Jeff Stickney, Executive Committee member-at-large - stickneyjp@gmail.com |
Links |
| http://www.bondorgans.com
(for information about Holy Spirit Episcopal Church's 1999 Richard Bond tracker organ) http://www.sfa.umt.edu/ (enter the site, then scroll down the left-hand column, and click on "arts calendar" for goings-on at UM's School of Fine Arts) |
| Visit the AGO National website |