Welcome!Welcome to the web site of the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
The USA's capital city and its surrounding areas boast a lively pipe organ culture, to which our Chapter members and our many churches and cathedrals contribute significantly. We invite all people who love the pipe organ and its music to explore this website for opportunities to attend AGO-sponsored events as well as concerts held in our churches and concert halls. All are welcome, no matter if you're an official AGO member or not. Our mission is to share the glories of the "King of Instruments" with all who visit this great city! Perhaps you found this site because you are interested in becoming a member of the Chapter. We would be delighted if you would join our ranks. The Membership Form link offers a simple way to proceed. We also welcome you to become a dual member with us and your home chapter. Thank you for visiting us. We hope that you will join us for one or more of our seasonal events. |
Upcoming carillon recital, tour and picnic
Sunday, May 30, 5-7 pm
Baker Park in Frederick, Md. Members of the DC, Northern Virginia and Potomac chapters will gather for a recital by John Widmann, the Frederick city carillonneur and dean of the Potomac chapter, starting at 5. Between 5 and 5:30, members are welcome to come up into the tower but must be masked. Between 5:30 and 6, members can try playing the instrument. Eating and socializing will continue until 7 pm. The event host strongly suggests that you be masked and maintain social distance. The carillon is in a 70-foot granite bell tower erected in 1941. The 49 carillon bells range from 22 to 3,500 pounds. Bring your own supplies--maybe a blanket or "camp" chairs and a picnic basket with your own utensils and food. 
Potomac Organ InstituteThe Potomac Organ Institute (POI) is an scholarship program for piano students interested in learning to play the organ. POI is sponsored jointly by the Potomac, Northern Virginia, and District of Columbia Chapters of AGO.
Scholarship winners receive one year of tuition-free organ instruction with a talented teacher associated with the AGO, participate in a master class, and perform in a student rectal. Each student is granted a one-year membership in a local AGO chapter, which includes a complimentary subscription to The American Organist magazine. Who is eligible:
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Improvisation session
In case you missed it:
Our March meeting featured an inspiring improvisation session with Ronald Stolk. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU1NmGcbsvQ. Irv Lawless interviewOur January program was a fascinating interview with Irv Lawless, retiring president and tonal director of Lawless & Associates Pipe Organ Company. He had some amazing stories to share about his 45 years in the business. Watch it at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rijWOjt8xSQ. Program on French women composersNational Competition in Service Playing
Jan. 6-8, 2022
Sponsored by the DC Chapter of AGO, Schoenstein & Co. Organ Builders, and St. Paul’s K Street $5,000 1st Prize provided by Schoenstein & Co. $2,500 2nd Prize provided by Schoenstein & Co. Judges will be professor Thomas Murray, Dr. John Walker and National Cathedral Canon Michael McCarthy. See details under the Calendar tab above. Job/substitute listingsOpen positions in the DC area appear under the Membership tab above.
Substitute listings appear under the Substitutes tab. Upcoming organ eventsCheck out the Calendar tab for scheduled performances in the coming months. Submit your events to Pat Henry, web manager.
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