Welcome!Welcome to the web site of the District of Columbia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Our city and its surrounding areas boast a lively pipe organ culture, to which our Chapter members contribute significantly. We invite all who love the pipe organ and its music to explore this website for opportunities to attend AGO-sponsored events as well as concerts 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 everyone. 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. |
Officer installationOur chapter will install new officers in an online program with music Tuesday, Sept. 21, in conjunction with the Potomac and Northern Virginia chapters. Watch your email for details.
Studio 32 launches 9/27Our chapter this month is launching Studio 32, a re-envisioned version of our pre-pandemic program called Studio Class. Each month chapter members are invited to gather at an area church to explore its organ and to go out for drinks afterward.
According to organizer and chapter board member-at-large Adam Graham, “The previous name seemed too formal for what are designed to be nonjudgmental and fun monthly gatherings to connect with members of our chapter.” The organs vary greatly in size. Some are in unique settings not commonly available to the general public. This month we are meeting at National City Christian Church at 7 pm Sept. 27. Upcoming venues include Sligo Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Grace Episcopal in Georgetown and the Scottish Rite Temple. The consoles are open to everyone regardless of ability/proficiency, years studying or AGO Certificate level to experience as they so desire—looking; playing a hymn, composition or improvisation; or just listening! Those wishing to play should bring appropriate footwear. In respect for the pedalboards, no street shoes, please. No reservations are required—just show up. As of now, masks will be required. And the best part, according to Graham? “Being able to go out afterwards for drinks with colleagues who hopefully become friends!“ |
Capitol Hill organ crawlMeet fellow chapter members Saturday, Sept. 25, for an organ crawl on Capitol Hill, along with members of the Hilbus chapter of the Organ Historical Society.
10-11 am Christ Church Washington Parish, 620 G St. SE https://washingtonparish.org/ 11:15–12:15 Capitol Hill United Methodist Church, 421 Seward Square SE https://chumc.net/ https://chumc.net/pipe-organ-story/ https://chumc.net/pipe-organ-specifications/ 12:30–1:45 pm Lunch at Hawk 'n’ Dove and/or We The Pizza 2-3 pm St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 313 2nd Street NE http://www.dcago.org/st-joseph-capitol-hill.html The crawl is free and open to vaccinated participants. We will keep distance and be masked. Photos will also be posted on DCAGO’s Facebook page in real time. Lunch is on your own at local restaurants, which have outdoor seating. Walking distances are not far, and so with good weather it should be easy to stroll between locations. Enjoy the entire event or stop by for part of it. At Christ Church there is limited parking on G Street. There is a small fenced lot directly behind the church off the alley (F Street Terrace). Once parked, walk through the white fence into the courtyard and enter the door with the red awning. Questions? Email Diane Heath at dianeheath@verizon.net prior to the event or call David Houston at 202-650-9403 the day of the event. Music at the MonasteryMusic at the Monastery has announced its 2021-22 recital lineup. Click on the tab at top.
National Competition in Service PlayingJan. 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 at top. 2021 PipeSpectacular
Guest artist Jeremy Filsell will present the 2021 PipeSpectacular program on Saturday, Oct. 23, at 4 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish, 6701 Wisconsin Ave. in Chevy Chase.
The program is being presented by the DC, Potomac and Northern Virginia chapters of the AGO. A live concert is planned (masks required), but it will also be live-streamed. Filsell is the organist and director of music at St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue in New York City. He is a past director of music at Church of the Epiphany and St. Alban's in DC and former artist-in-residence at the National Cathedral.Cathedral, a |
