News Bulletins

Oct. 13, 2005

NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has received news of a comprehensive new source of information about the King of Instruments: the Organ Historical Society (OHS) Pipe Organ Database. The database is the most recent manifestation of a practice of cataloging pipe organs that began when the OHS was formed a half-century ago. It is quickly becoming the world’s greatest single repository of organ stoplists and descriptions, providing comprehensive data for organ scholars and afficionados, alike.

The OHS Pipe Organ Database, sponsored by Birmingham–Southern College, opened to the public in May 2005. It currently documents nearly 20,000 organs located in the United States or built by North American organbuilders. The database can be accessed from the OHS home page, http://www.organsociety.org. Users can search for instruments based upon a variety of parameters: geographic location, builder, and date of completion. Members and friends of the AGO are encouraged to contribute information to the database by submitting additions and updates. Full participation by the organ playing and organbuilding communities will ensure that this database will become the largest and most valuable on-line organ resource in the world.

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, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. The Guild currently serves approximately 19,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 readers each month.

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.