Message from President of AGO - Michael Bedford
March 13, 2019
The American Guild of Organists, like many other arts and presenting organizations, is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and formulating appropriate responses in regard to our programming. We recognize that many AGO members are considered to be in the high risk category, i.e. those aged 60 or older; we are deeply concerned about each member’s well-being.
While the mission of the AGO is to foster a thriving community of musicians, group gatherings are being discouraged or banned across the U.S. in an effort to slow the spread of the virus and flatten the curve related to the capacity of our healthcare system to cope with it. Social distancing is being recommended by elected officials at all levels of government.
Decisions regarding cancellation or postponement of local AGO chapter events must be considered in response to the directives and recommendations of local municipalities and in response to the policies set forth by local congregations, synods, dioceses, presbyteries, etc. where AGO chapter events may take place.
Every community is different. Therefore, we ask local chapter leaders to consider what is best for their chapter and community on a case-by-case basis. Above all, AGO members should follow the recommendations and directives of government officials and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.
At this time, the AGO has no plans to cancel or postpone national programming including the Gala, National Convention, and POEs scheduled for this summer, however, the AGO National Council continues to monitor the situation and will make appropriate decisions in the best interests and welfare of our members.
Sincerely yours,
Michael Bedford, AAGO, ChM
President
James E. Thomashower, CAE
Executive Director
The American Guild of Organists, like many other arts and presenting organizations, is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and formulating appropriate responses in regard to our programming. We recognize that many AGO members are considered to be in the high risk category, i.e. those aged 60 or older; we are deeply concerned about each member’s well-being.
While the mission of the AGO is to foster a thriving community of musicians, group gatherings are being discouraged or banned across the U.S. in an effort to slow the spread of the virus and flatten the curve related to the capacity of our healthcare system to cope with it. Social distancing is being recommended by elected officials at all levels of government.
Decisions regarding cancellation or postponement of local AGO chapter events must be considered in response to the directives and recommendations of local municipalities and in response to the policies set forth by local congregations, synods, dioceses, presbyteries, etc. where AGO chapter events may take place.
Every community is different. Therefore, we ask local chapter leaders to consider what is best for their chapter and community on a case-by-case basis. Above all, AGO members should follow the recommendations and directives of government officials and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta.
At this time, the AGO has no plans to cancel or postpone national programming including the Gala, National Convention, and POEs scheduled for this summer, however, the AGO National Council continues to monitor the situation and will make appropriate decisions in the best interests and welfare of our members.
Sincerely yours,
Michael Bedford, AAGO, ChM
President
James E. Thomashower, CAE
Executive Director
