American Guild of Organists Collection, Charlotte Chapter, 1956-1969
Content Description
This collection contains correspondence, newsletters, newspaper clippings, programs, and other miscellaneous materials created by or for AGO. Correspondence is typically addressed to AGO members from AGO. Newsletters contain information relating to the monthly meetings, organ recitals, membership, club dinners, and events to look out for the following month. Newspaper clippings highlight AGO performances or newsworthy events related to the organization. Programs include programs created by AGO and for AGO to outline recitals at a variety of venues, with information on pieces of music, organist, location, date, and other recital-related details. Miscellaneous materials incorporate a variety of documents, including selective lists of organ music, membership lists, officer lists, organist biographies, and more.
Collection materials are organized into 11 series:
Series 1: 1956-1957 Season, 1956-1957.
Series 2: 1959-1960 Season, 1959-1960.
Series 3: 1960-1961 Season, 1960-1961.
Series 4: 1961-1962 Season, 1961-1962.
Series 5: 1962-1963 Season, 1962-1963.
Series 6: 1963-1964 Season, 1963-1964.
Series 7: 1964-1965 Season, 1964-1965.
Series 8: 1965-1966 Season, 1965-1966.
Series 9: 1966-1967 Season, 1966-1967.
Series 10: 1967-1968 Season, 1967-1968.
Series 11: 1968-1969 Season, 1968-1969.
Subseries include: Correspondence; General; Newsletters; Newspaper Clippings; Programs.
Dates
- 1956 - 1969
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to the public without restriction. The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to duplicate or publish material from this collection must be obtained from the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
Biographical / Historical
Founded in 1896, the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is a national professional association that serves the organ and choral music fields. As an educational and service organization, AGO seeks to “foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.” AGO activities are run by a network of volunteers at the regional, district, and local levels, with full time staff working at Headquarters in New York City. Full time staff are responsible for publication, administration, and development activities.
According to their website, the purposes of the American Guild of Organists include:
-To advance the cause of organ and choral music, to increase their contributions to aesthetic and religious experiences, and to promote their understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment.
-To improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors.
-To evaluate, by examination, attainments in organ playing, choral techniques, conducting, and the theory and general knowledge of music, and to grant certificates to those who pass such examinations at specified levels of attainment.
-To provide members with opportunities to meet for discussion of professional topics, and to pursue such other activities as contribute to the fulfillment of the purposes of the Guild.
It is unclear what year the Charlotte Chapter was organized, but the Charlotte Observer first mentions the Carolina Chapter in May 1915. Charlotteans participated in AGO prior to 1915, however, with Mr. Harry J. Zehm, Music Director at Elizabeth College and Organist at Second Presbyterian Church, recognized as a Fellow by AGO Headquarters in 1911.
Extent
0.41 Linear Feet
0.44 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Founded in 1896, the American Guild of Organists (AGO) is a national professional association that serves the organ and choral music fields. As an educational and service organization, AGO seeks to “foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.” This collection contains materials relating to the Charlotte Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1956-1969. Examples of documents include correspondence, newsletters, newspaper clippings, programs, and other miscellaneous materials created by or for AGO.
Arrangement
Collection materials are organized into 11 series:
Series 1: 1956-1957 Season, 1956-1957.
Series 2: 1959-1960 Season, 1959-1960.
Series 3: 1960-1961 Season, 1960-1961.
Series 4: 1961-1962 Season, 1961-1962.
Series 5: 1962-1963 Season, 1962-1963.
Series 6: 1963-1964 Season, 1963-1964.
Series 7: 1964-1965 Season, 1964-1965.
Series 8: 1965-1966 Season, 1965-1966.
Series 9: 1966-1967 Season, 1966-1967.
Series 10: 1967-1968 Season, 1967-1968.
Series 11: 1968-1969 Season, 1968-1969.
Subseries include: Correspondence; General; Newsletters; Newspaper Clippings; Photographs; Programs.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The immediate source and date of acquisition for this collection is unknown.
Bibliography
"Graduate Recital at Elizabeth College. Three Candidates for Graduation Give a Very Enjoyable and Spirited Performance." Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), May 4, 1915: 5. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. bit.ly/33dA7EF
"Mr. Zehm Honored. Music Director of Elizabeth College is Made Fellow of the American Guild of Organists. This Being That Associations Highest Degree." Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, North Carolina), July 25, 1911: 6. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. bit.ly/36gksGx
Condition Description
Materials are in good condition.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of this collection was completed by Sydney Carroll, September 2020.
- American Guild of Organists
- Clubs and Organizations Subject Source: Local sources
- Concert programs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Correspondence Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Music Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Music in education Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Newsletters Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Photographs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Programs Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Service learning Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Theaters and Music Subject Source: Local sources
- Title
- American Guild of Organists Collection, Charlotte Chapter, 1956-1969
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Sydney Carroll
- Date
- 2020-09-29
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Repository
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library-Main
310 N. Tryon Street
Charlotte NC 28202 USA
carolinaroom@cmlibrary.org
