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About TCAGO

The American Guild of Organists was founded in 1896, and is headquartered in New York City. It is an educational and service organization organized to advance the cause of organ and choral music, to elevate the status of church musicians, and to maintain standards of artistic excellence among organists and choral conductors. The organization offers professional certification in organ playing,  choral and instrumental training, and theory and general knowledge of music.

The Twin Cities Chapter was organized in 1910 by George H. Fairclough as the Minnesota Chapter. Their first public program was held at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in St. Paul on March 15, 1911. 

The photo of Fairclough, from the TCAGO archives, is thought to date from around 1916, just a few years after the founding of the  Twin Cities Chapter.

Sometime between 1958 and 1959 the Minnesota Chapter was reorganized as the Twin Cities Chapter. Today the Twin Cities Chapter is composed mainly of church organists, choir directors, teachers, students, and organ builders in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Additional Minnesota chapters have been organized in the Arrowhead, southeastern, and southwestern regions.

 
Forms and Guidelines

  • Executive Board  Members of the TCAGO Board of Directors and contact information.

  • 2010-2011 Membership Form.   Use this form both for renewals and new memberships.  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. Founded as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music.

  • 2010 Compensation Guidelines  Most recent update to TCAGO suggested salaries. Updated June 2010.

  • 2010 Wedding and Funeral Guidelines  Updated June 2010

  • Event Advertising Policy  Policy for advertising in Pipenotes and on the TCAGO website.
Scholarship

The Pipedreams / Barone Scholarship was established by the chapter to honor the significant contributions Michael Barone has made to the organ world.  Per Mr. Barone's wishes, the scholarship will be directed toward young students wishing to either begin or continue organ studies.  The students are not required to have any previous organ experience.

Auditions are held at Wayzata Community Church.  See the current application form for key dates.