July 11, 2001

AGO ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS Permanently Restricted Gifts Provide Scholarships for Pipe Organ Encounter Attendees NEW YORK CITY — The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO) is pleased to announce four newly-created scholarship funds that will provide scholarship assistance to deserving PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER (POE) participants. These scholarships have been created in memory of Clarence Dickinson and Ned Siebert, and in honor of Philip E. Baker and Morgan and Mary Simmons. The four scholarships, sheltered by the NEW ORGANIST FUND, will be available beginning in 2002. Contributions are invited. “The AGO is very grateful for the generosity and support of the many individuals whose vision for the future of our profession is manifested by the creation of scholarships for young, aspiring musicians,” notes John Obetz, AGO Councillor for Finance and Development. “These individuals have made an investment in the youth of America, whose enhanced knowledge of the organ and appreciation of its role in worship will contribute to a bright future for our profession.” PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS are regional summer organ institutes designed to introduce teenagers to the organ and the sacred music profession. They provide private and group instruction, opportunities for ecumenical worship, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. The NEW ORGANIST FUND was established in 1993 to support Guild programs dedicated to developing a new generation of organists. Today, the New Organist Fund shelters both permanently and non-permanently restricted gifts for the support and development of new organists. 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.