Stupid.

I was contemplating joining the AGO but now they seem as obsolete as musician's unions.

I guess it's every man for himself now.

Why does this turn of events NOT surprise me! With the vast majority of people, both lay and cleric in many denomination, ill informed and uneducated about sacred music (traditional and or otherwise), when so many people are lacking in moral and ethical integrity, (not to mention true Christian spirituality with a deep, serious and real prayer life), when the state of souls in many levels of leadership is found wanting, what can a devout and sincerely reputable church musician of quality and scholarship do.

I realize that my message might sound harsh, negative and judgmental, but it is time for many (especially in areas of scholarship), to wake up and realize these obvious facts. If you are a Bible believing Christian, then you should already know that as we grow closer to His coming, it will be more and more like it was in the days of Noah - right?

Good news is this, we have a Savior - Jesus - and we can pray and do everything we can within our sphere of influence to be light and salt in sacred music and in the leadership of music programs and the people called to minister therein unto our charge. Yes, we will experience all manner of ills within the church and without. However, BE NOT AFRAID! God is with us and all things work to good for those who love Him.

PRAY, lead by example, PRAY, guard our tongues, PRAY, make out souls and hearts in line with God, and be like saint Thomas More - be a good and faithful servant in whatever lot of life you find yourself. And if your days of earthly trails and execution comes (as they will), - be God's faithful, true and loyal servant first above all things and everyone.

With love in our hearts for God and each other, let us help one another in whatever capacity we find ourselves to be.

Shalom!

When I moved to the Boston area as a student over forty years ago the Boston chapter of the AGO was the largest and most active in the nation. For an organist just starting out, and hoping to find a niche in church employment, membership in the AGO was essential. Though music at the Catholic parish level in the Boston area rarely aligns with AGO values, there are many organs of historic and musical distinction housed in Catholic buildings and many AGO sponsored events therefore continue to take place in them. (It should also be noted that Theodore Marier was the first in a line of Catholic Boston chapter deans.)

Because there are so many wonderful local organists and prominent organ builders, the Boston chapter continues to survive, but its influence and membership are greatly diminished. The first sign of trouble might have been the decision a few years ago by the New England Conservatory to drop the organ as a performance major. Having fewer organ students in the city meant that AGO membership would not automatically self-renew. Another factor was the gradual inclusion of praise music in suburban mainline Protestant worship, a style uncongenial with traditional organ culture.

Some might also point to a loss of credibility in the AGO advocacy of pipe organs when the organization at some point became dependent on advertising from electronic organ firms. There have also been unexpected changes in parish thinking that have weakened this pipes-are-better stance; it is difficult to argue that pipe organs are cheaper as a long term investment when in an era of massive church closings parishes have legitimate doubts as to whether they will even exist in the future.

Though I am in agreement with Mr. Osborn’s assessment of the value of the AGO, it saddens me that the organization has lost its standing in the day to day operations of church music.

I completely agree with all of you, I believe the AGO was and in some parts of the US, a great force, but the reality is, it has dwindled. As CharlesW suggested, you go to churches with mediocre at best meals, see the same ole people, listen to the same ole gossip,,,, on and on. I always thought of the AGO as a great organization as I was growing up, and my organ professors encouraged me to join. The unfortunate problem with the AGO is this, we can't get all professional, high calibre musicians either aspiring or already there, to join, and stick together.

I do agree with MJO, that the CAGO, and FAGO certifications do hold a great value, and have brought about great musicians, such as Frogman Noel, and a few others on here. Really it almost seems like the last of the mohicans.... Many organ departments at major universities are sitting vacant or very low in student ratios, to the point that they are getting rid of those departments. There seems to be less and less of an interest in becoming an organist.

As Randolph suggests, as the AGO has heavily embarked on promoting electronic instruments, and adding praise and worship to churches period, has had a lasting effect on breeding better organists. As a young organist, I even realized that jumping on an old Allen 301, or Rodgers analog, wasn't very exciting, and hardly fit the bill. Yes, I know not every church can afford a pipe organ, but too many churches that are built to house beautiful pipe organs, just have an old clunker of an electronic, with less than inspiring sounds and acoustics. What would make a young person interested in playing that???

Put the prestige back into Pipe organs, take out the Praise & Worship, stick together as musicians, encourage exciting repertoire and good teachers,,,, and we might see a turn around with future organ students, AGO members, and future sacred musicians.

@David Andrew, wow, I was not aware of # 1..... hmm..... Thanks for pointing that one out.

I am sorry to hear about # 2. I have been in a similiar situation once, and never even bothered to call the AGO..... I did as Gavin suggested, I networked what happened, why, and since I left, they haven't had another qualified organist come in to that church. It is disappointing, as we all go into a job with the best intentions, and sometimes coming out feeling very burned.

Thanks for letting us know about that interesting tidbit. Surely that is contrary to Catholic teaching. I am disappointed.

I don't believe the AGO, CMAA, or any other organization for that matter, should be making political agendas a part of the organization that includes many different and strong opinions, most especially as it has members across both lines. Also, if the organization represents itself inside of the Catholic Church, yet supports ideas that are not supported by the Church, than yes, I would say it has no place to be within the greater organization that serves many. When you refer to same sex benefits, it is still representing ideas that are not in conformity to the teachings of the church. It should have no place in an organization such as the AGO, NPM, CMAA, or any other organization that represents itself openly within the Church. That's where I would take concern. I could care less about getting into a political debate about it, other than to say, an organization that accepts dues and monies from the people, should maintain it's neutral status within. Nothing else. I think we need not make this into a straight vs. homosexual discussion, as that really would have no place here either.

We are asked each year to sign a code of ethics. RULE 6. 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).

I never sign the thing because the Catholic Church does make distinctions based on sexual orientation, even considering it cause for scandal to others. AGO takes my money anyway. That's all they really care about.

Insofar as same-sex benefits condone homosexual partnerships and promote a political agenda that supports structures of sin, yes, it's really wrong to lobby for them.

You are correct, it serves organists, that serve in particular churches. It also utilizes churches in it's recitals, as well as other events. So... that being said, it still advertises itself and is very much integrated within the Catholic Church, via the organists that it "serves". It offers itself to Catholic organists, knowing that the beliefs that Catholic organists have. It may not serve directly to the church, but has an indirect involvement. As for the sins of a particular diocese, that is of no concern to me. If they are not practicing full Catholicism and following it's teaching, than that is something that the Holy See has to deal with, and should attend to, but as a faithful Roman Catholic organist, if I am buying a product of membership or having one advertised to me, I would appreciate full disclosure of it's dealings, especially if it is promoting something in contrast to the Church's teachings.

Hmm, last time I checked the AGO dues were $97.00 for a voting membership with chapter affiliation. I think at almost $100.00 a year, I would be a little more concerned where my money was going to. Not only that, but if you maintain that you wish to clean up the liturgy with all it's defects, yet would have no problem supporting something that promotes ideas in contrast to the Church's teachings.... Uhh I would find trouble with that line of thinking.

"I'm not so worried about my $45/year."

It's lax attitudes like that, that have allowed our nation to lose prayer in schools, manger scenes displayed at Christmas, and the continual degredation of our country's values, prayerful elements removed from everywhere in our nation. Than we wonder,, uhh why we don't have this and that freedom...... Just go back to sleep and let people who fight for Christian and Catholic values, keep working to maintain those freedoms.

so, if my money supports abortion, for instance, as long as it's under 100 bux, it's ok???? wow... that is truly an ostrich in the hole.

I don't particularly care what individual organists are doing in their personal lives. However, I would much prefer AGO to support organists and organ related causes, and stay out of these political and sexual issues. With all the liberal Protestants in the organization, I am not surprised by the organization's positions on such things. I still think they should stay out it.

my point is not abortion

its supporting orgs that go against the faith no matter what the issue for ANY amount of money