MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
TBD
HISTORY & PURPOSE
The Fox Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is located in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of this local chapter of the American Guild of Organists 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.
Our chapter dates back to October 16, 1966. Click HERE to see a list of our past Deans of our chapter.
The National American Guild of Organists History and Purpose dates back to 1896. Click HERE to read more about our national history.
BOARD & OFFICERS
Mark Downey / Dean
Steven Bisaillon / Sub-Dean
Sue Flaatten / Secretary-Registrar
Dr. Mark Fleming / Treasurer
Board Members (2022)
Marsha Foxgrover
Daniel Segner
Michael Waal
Board Members (2023)
Martha Lambert
David A. Lincoln
Doug Zimmer
Board Members (2024)
Brian Dobbelaere
Dan Pollack
Steven Wente
Michael Surratt / Historian-Archivist
Karl Bruhn / Hospitality
Brian Dobbelaere / Newsletter Editor
David A. Lincoln / Webmaster
REGIONAL AGO CHAPTERS
Click on the links below to see what other Illinois AGO chapters are up to!
Northwest Indiana
Southwest Suburban
Western Illinois University
NATIONAL AGO ORGANIZATION
Click on the link below to see more information about the American Guild of Organists!
AGO CODE OF ETHICS
Preamble/Preface
The American Guild of Organists encourages its members to embrace and practice the following values as core ideals that Guild members aspire to cultivate in their ethical and professional conduct.
Value 1. Responsible Conduct toward Those Whom We Serve (including but not limited to clergy, supervisors, congregants, choir members, students, children, et al.). Members shall:
- Treat those whom they serve in a professional manner, with dignity, compassion, civility, and respect.
- Show respect to those whom they serve, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.
- Avoid any sort of abusive behavior, whether verbal, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or other.
- Refrain from disclosing confidential or sensitive information about others obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by law.
Value 2. Respect for Our Professional Colleagues. Members shall:
- Maintain a professional attitude and act with integrity in relationships with colleagues, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.
- Respect the reputation and diversity of colleagues.
Value 3. Integrity in Our Professional Work. Members shall:
- Honor and abide by the conditions and requirements of the job descriptions and work agreements to which they have knowingly agreed, so long as those provisions are in accord with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
- Follow, as applicable, the principles of professional conduct that are expressed in the AGO Code of Professional Standards.
- For the benefit of future generations of musicians and to preserve the instruments of our profession, use care to ensure that when playing an instrument, the institution’s expected practices and requirements for the care of the instrument and its venue are met
.Approved by the AGO National Council January 27, 2017.
AGO PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Members of the American Guild of Organists are bound by the Code of Ethics and guided by the Code of Professional Standards. Members of the American Guild of Organists dedicate themselves to the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and competence. The following principles are guidelines for the conduct of members in fulfilling their obligations as professional musicians.
Skills:
- Members develop and maintain skills in performance, improvisation, service playing, conducting, arranging, and composing commensurate with their duties.
- Members stay abreast of current developments in liturgy, hymnody, performance practice, and musicology through continuing education.
- Members become knowledgeable in the liturgy and worship traditions of the institutions they serve.
- Members acquire business, administrative and interpersonal skills to perform their duties.
Employment Matters:
- Members agree to employment only after reaching a clear understanding of the position, the employer’s expectations, and the lines of accountability.
- Members request written contracts that protect employee and employer.
- Members maintain courteous and respectful relationships with other staff members and members of their congregations, making an effort to resolve potential conflicts as soon as they become evident.
- Members address differences with employing institutions through appropriate channels, including, but not limited to, their contract and the institution’s personnel policies manual.
Respect for Colleagues:
- Members supervise other musicians in a professional and courteous manner.
- Members respect the intellectual property rights of composers, authors and publishers by complying with the Copyright Law and licensing requirements regarding reproduction, recording, distribution, broadcasting and performing rights.
- Members address differences with other members of the American Guild of Organists by
following the procedures outlined in the Discipline. - Members do not discriminate against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status, disability, or medical condition.
- Members do not use AGO affiliation or membership information publicly (except for biographical purposes) to endorse, for commercial advantage, the financial and business goals or the products and services of others or to further any political goals.
Approved by the AGO National Council January 27, 2017