May 12, 2000

AGO POEs IN THE PRESS NEW YORK CITY — Yesterday, May 10, The Tampa Tribune published a front page story "Few Organists in the Pipeline." It's a feature story about AGO's POE program. The Tampa Chapter is host to both a POE and POE+ this summer. The article can be read on The Tribune's Web site at www.tampatribune.com. Edith Hooten, Dean of the Tampa Chapter, reports that she has been inundated with telephone calls and inquiries about Tampa's POE and POE+ since the story hit the news stands. Congratulations, Edith, for taking the initiative to make this story front page news! NBC affiliate Newschannel 8 in Tampa also picked up the story, which is streamed on the Internet at www.tbo.com under "Top Stories." While the AGO is not mentioned by name in this TV news story, Tampa Bay Online has added a link to the AGO National Home Page, "Organ Enthusiasts." We understand the TV news story is being transmitted via satellite today and will be available to NBC affiliates nationwide tomorrow. Any NBC affiliate may broadcast the story. Now we need your help. Please contact your local NBC affiliates and encourage them to air the story in your local area. Let's pull together as a team and take advantage of this wonderful publicity opportunity for the AGO! The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the AGO seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. The Guild currently serves more than 20,000 members in 343 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. This information is submitted by F. Anthony Thurman, Director of Development and Communications at the National Headquarters of the American Guild of Organists and the American Organist Magazine. For further information, please contact Dr. Thurman by TEL (212) 870-2310, FAX (212) 870-2163 or E-MAIL <fathurman@agohq.org.>