Summary of AGO-logistics-related topics mentioned at various points during the 2010 DC convention…
- Last winter, national conducted an online survey of members to understand better everyone’s wishes and hotbuttons for the guild. James Thomashower presented a great futures "workshop" session and conveyed just a few of the some 1000 comment items that were sent in. It’s heartening to know that the national folks are listening and trying!
Here’s a copy of the links from national web site, interesting skim-reading:
- National will likely be taking over dues collections and provide "paper" as well as online registration/renewals and then send the chapters’ portions to each chapter, perhaps direct deposit! Altho most welcomed this, there were a few diehard chapters that still wanted control over collections.
- There are two "contest"-like initiatives that national membership folks are conducting, we (Worcester) are signed up for both!
- Those chapters who have 90% (or more) renewals posted to national by Sept 1 will be entered into a contest (three $500 prizes, each chapter is entered into one of three contest categories depending on chapter size, we’ll be competing in the largest-chapter-size category). Altho verbal answers to my questions were answered, there are still detailed quesitons that are seemingly not set about the contest, in particular,
- for the "Sept 1" deadline, it seems to be that the chapter must postmark the envelope containing the renewals and check by midnight;
- it seems that "renewals" really means the total number of full (regular, etc.) members on the books (renewals+new members as compared with last year’s total national members on the books).
- How do duals count? What if a previous member has died or moved away how does that count in the 90% calculation?
- For a $1500 lottery contest, chapters (all in one contest, regardless of chapter size) will be entered if they complete the process of contacting all members who did not renew in one of the two previous membership years. By signing up for this contest, we automatically got a $25 credit coupon for our national dues, and we already have lists (as generated by us) for the last three renewal periods that we’ve already emailed – so hopefully some of those will respond to our emails and save us a phone call.
- Those chapters who have 90% (or more) renewals posted to national by Sept 1 will be entered into a contest (three $500 prizes, each chapter is entered into one of three contest categories depending on chapter size, we’ll be competing in the largest-chapter-size category). Altho verbal answers to my questions were answered, there are still detailed quesitons that are seemingly not set about the contest, in particular,
- There’s continued "talk" about combining Regions I and II into one Region. There are many savings (financially as well as personnel) to be had, altho some feel we’ll lose our "identity". Note that throughout the years, we have often combined efforts in terms of Regional conventions, etc. There are 4000 members in Regions I (19 chapters) & II (30 chapters) (out of 20,000 total AGO members everywhere)
- There was quite a bit of excitement and marketing for both Morristown 2011, and Nashville 2012. We’re hoping this blog can give you a taste of some of what happens at a convention to get you motivated to get off the bench and sign up!
- Boston is sponsoring a dual Advanced POE – Performance Students (quota: approx 20) as well as OrganBuilding Students ("technical") (quota: approx 12) for the third week of July, 2011. They are seeking volunteers to help with various venue/concert logistics.
Christian Lane is the chair, and is already busily arranging housing and instructors (Higgs, Jacobs, Chris Young, etc.), as well as the application/audition process for students. For instance, Fisk will be a major home for the organbuilding track as well as Spencer and Nelson Barden. A major attraction will be students being able to help at some level with the installation of the new Fisk at Harvard Memorial Chapel.
Since the inception of the concept in 1999 (by our own Peggy Kelley Reinburg), there have been 228 students attending 70 POEs (thru 2009) (there are another 10 this summer!). To support these, AGO chapters have raised over 50K in scholarships and 260K in grants. Typically instructors do not get paid except for expenses, so our hats off to the many teachers who’ve donated their vacation time to help our next generations! - Salt Lake City had to pull out of the running for the 2014 convention, and two chapters (one is Boston) were contacted to determine interest. It’s short notice, but Boston especially has had recent experience (2009 regional) and hopefully energies are not drained!
- The ALBERT SCHWEITZER ORGAN FESTIVAL will be held
September 10-12, 2010 at the
First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, CT – including a kickoff celebration concert Fri 9/10 7:30pm with performers Charles Callahan, Fredereick Hohman, and Joyce Jones on their Austin IV/62; and on Saturday a National Competition for Young Organists, and Sunday a masterclass. See ASOF info.