Evening star., 1934-10-28

door which they have SO. generously
provided.
THE WORK that is being done by
the American Guild Of Organists
in encouraging the best in organ music
and unity of endeavor among its men,
bers has been attracting wide atten-
ton. To those who have had the
privilege of hearing the famous organ
lists whose recitals have been spon-
sored by the guild, it may be Of in
terest to read of the ideas that govern
the organization, the following out
line of which was submitted by the
dean, Mary Minge Wilkins, A. A. G. O.;
What is the American Guild of
Organists?"
AN examination of the constitution
and bylaws of the American Guild of
Organists would indeed be revela-
ton to many who might so easily ask
that question.
Tn the first place it holds its
charter from the University of the
State of New York and is listed under
the New York State Educational De-
partment.
The guild is primarily an educa-
tional institution with examination
centers all over the country wherever
there is a. chapter Examinations
which are given at these centers are
so difficult and comprehensive that
only those willing to work as one must
to acquire degree from an accredited
institution are able to acquire such
academic membership within its doors.
A partial description given here gives
some idea of the scope Of the exami-
nations.
The official name Of the guild is
American Guild of Organists in the
United States and Canada The gov
erning body is the council, which is
always located in New York and is
usually referred to as headquarters.
Membership consists of founders, fel-
lows, associates, academic men,
bers colleagues, honorary officers,
honorary associates, honorary mem
bers and SubScribers).
Because it is primarily educational,
the heads of chapters are called deans
and the head of the entire organiza-
ton is called the warden. One must
be colleague before he is eligible to
take the associate examination. If
successful he may affix to his name
the letters A. A. G. o. Having
achieved this he is eligible for the next
examination and success at this gives
him the letters F. A. G. o. In general,
A. A. G. o. corresponds to bachelors
degree and the F. A G. o. CORE
spends to the masters degree. The
guild has recently had its charter
amended by which examinations for
choirmasters may be given and one
achieving this may aff1x CHM beside
the letters already earned The entire
organization resembles the Royal Col
lege of Organists in England, which
grants similar degrees
"Recitals, study classes and choral
church music are some Of the addi-
tional interests Of the guild.
"A code of ethics has recently been
adopted by the guild at headquarters,
and is an excellent attempt to improve
the relationships between organists,
ministers and music committees. Good
fellowship and friendlinesS among
professional organists are other OBJ
jectives Of the guild attained in many
different ways in the several chapters
throughout the country. Some of the
outstanding chapters in this country
for size and their activities are the
Philadelphia Chapter. Atlanta, Ca:
Cleveland. Ohio, and the District of
Columbia.
THE National Association Of Organ
lists will effect a merger with the
A. G. o. in January, 1885, making
larger and stronger organization, and
by this greater solidarity among
organists throughout the country ad-
vance the cause for which they stand"