The American Guild of Organists, or AGO, is a national organization of church and concert organists in the USA. It is divided into regions and chapters and publishes a monthly magazine, The American Organist. Membership is not limited to professional organists, but is open to anybody with an interest in organ music. Organists are those who play the organ, whether pipe or electronic. ... An organ is the following: In anatomy, an organ is a group of tissues which perform some function. ...
The AGO holds national conventions in even-numbered years and regional conventions in odd-numbered years. It sponsors a number of education programs, including the "Pipe Organ Encounters," which are targeted at introducing young keyboard players to the organ.
The AGO also issues several professional certificates and designations upon completion of the appropriate exams and membership in good standing in a Guild chapter: the Service Playing Certificate, Colleague (CAGO), Choir Master (ChM), Associateship (AAGO), and Fellowship (FAGO).
Some noted members of the AGO are: Alfred Fedak (FAGO, Dean of the Eastern NY Chapter).
Worldwide, the greatest number of organists are principally involved in church music, due to the vital role that the organ plays in traditional Christian worship.
Organists are expected to accompany congregational singing of hymns, accompany the choir, and provide solo music for preludes, postludes, and covering music during otherwise silent portions of the worship service.
In the English cathedral tradition the master of music is generally titled Organist, although their function is mainly in the training and direction of music rather than actual playing; there will generally be one or more assistant or sub-organists who play most services and some recitals.
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