Welcome to the website of the
Suffolk Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
We are a not-for-profit organization of professional musicians, educators, choir directors, organ builders, and amateur organists and enthusiasts from all walks of life. The Suffolk Chapter carries out the mission of the American Guild of Organists locally by sponsoring workshops, masterclasses, scholarship awards, recitals and other activities to promote the continuing education of organists and choir directors, as well as to create a fellowship of all people who love the organ and organ music. The chapter serves the western portion of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, and is one of 28 chapters in the New York-Northern New Jersey area (Region II).
We meet on a regular basis throughout the year and hold annual events such as the Children's Choir Directors' Workshop and Children's Choir Festival, the Organ Expo, and the Scholarship Recital and Awards for students of the organ, in addition to other workshops and lecture/recitals led by members and guests. In some cases we partner with neighboring chapters in the Long Island/New York City area to organize activities. Meetings are educational and informal.
Friday, September 20, 2013 at 6 pm: The Annual Potluck Supper: Bring some food, bring a friend, have some fun.Details about location and food assignments will be published in the September newsletter.
New members and prospective members are especially welcome!
Suffolk AGO once again sponsored the Children’s Choir Festival and the Directors’ Workshop on February 1st and 2nd . The Festival clinician this year was Lee Gwozdz, Director of Music at Corpus Christi Cathedral, Texas.
On Friday evening Lee presented a workshop on Singing FUNdamentals and demonstrated the use of toys and other props to engage younger children in activities that develop their sense of rhythm, pitch, breathing, and shaping vowels, among many other things. The following day, participating choir directors were able to observe how Lee implemented his techniques with the children during Festival rehearsals.
The Festival service was very well-received by the audience. Several parents and grandparents were moved to tears by the program and expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for the event.
Friday-Sunday, October 26th through October 28th
CHORAL FESTIVAL WEEKEND with Anton Armstrong and John Ferguson.
On Sunday afternoon, October 28th, about 90 participants sang under the direction of Anton Armstrong and John Ferguson after a weekend of high-energy rehearsals. The ensemble presented a strong and enthusiastic performance. Many thanks to Debbie
Jenks and the First Presbyterian Church of Northport's Music and Ministry Committee, who coordinated the event, co-sponsored by Suffolk AGO and other local chapters. If you're getting ready to join us for the first time, the membership application for 2013-2014 is available online. You can click here for a copy. And Welcome!
You can learn more about the benefits of membership by clicking here or by selecting "Join the AGO" in the Menu at the top of this page.
AGO Placement List
Churches, temples, and other organizations who are searching for directors of music, organists, and choir directors advertise their open positions in our newsletter, Suffolk Soundings. If you have an open position to advertise, learn more about listing your position with the Suffolk Chapter of the AGO by clicking here or by selecting Placement in the menu at the top of this page.
2014 Suffolk AGO Scholarships
Learn about Suffolk AGO Scholarships by clicking here or by selecting Scholarships from the menu at the top of this page.
Learn more about this year's activities and upcoming meetings by clicking here or by selecting Chapter Programs from the menu at the top of the page.
For Sale
Image: Bourdon pipe schematic, French Horns. From the Encyclopedia of Organ Stops by Edward L. Stauff. Permission granted under terms of copyright. For more information go to www.organstops.org.