The Central North Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is the oldest AGO chapter in North Carolina. Our mission is in keeping with that of the national organization:
“The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.”
Our membership is comprised of organists, musicians and others with an interest in the instrument and its music. Much of the chapter membership is concentrated in the Raleigh area but several members live well outside the capital city. Our chapter hosts performances and meetings throughout the year. Members and guests alike are welcome. We also sponsor the Cooper-Miller Scholarship which is awarded annually to aspiring young organists.
From Noel Hamm, Chapter Historian:
The American Guild of Organists was founded in 1896, in New York. The Guild decided to allow the formation of chapters in 1901 beginning with Philadelphia. Boston came next in 1905 and soon chapters were springing up all over the country. The first meeting of the North Carolina Chapter was held on November 23, 1922, at Salem College, with 22 members present. We are the oldest chapter in the Carolinas and among the first twenty to be formed in the AGO. They installed officers, held a business meeting, heard an organ recital and went on an organ crawl. Next came lunch followed by two more organ recitals, then tea at Reynolda House with another organ recital. The evening concluded with a banquet and vocal musical entertainment. It was a busy day!