The American Guild of Organists has announced that it will begin a year-long celebration of the International Year of the Organ beginning in June, when the organization holds its national convention in Minneapolis. Rodgers Instruments LLC has pledged to be a gold level corporate sponsor of the celebration.
Founded in 1896, the AGO is the primary professional organization serving the organ and choral music fields. With over 21,000 members around the world, it is also the largest organization in the world serving church and concert organists.
"Such an important event demands the support of all companies involved with the organ," said Duane Kuhn, Rodgers Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We believe this action on our part clearly shows our corporate commitment to the promotion of the organ around the world. We also strongly support the AGO in its efforts to grow by becoming a more inclusive group that encourages organists, regardless of the instrument played, to become active participants in the organization."
One of the key promotional events of the year will be a Sunday devoted to organ concerts, which has been scheduled for October 19, 2008. Kuhn has called on all Rodgers representatives to actively support concerts organized by their local AGO chapters or to schedule their own concert promotions to tie in with the worldwide event.
"The International Year of the Organ promotion gives us all an opportunity to build relationships and associations that will benefit all in the organ industry," Mr. Kuhn said. "Together, let us be the leaders who make a better tomorrow for the organ."
Rodgers Instruments is the world's largest builder of stereo imaged church organs and pipe/digital organs. Rodgers is a member of the Roland Group, headed by Roland Corporation, a world leader in electronic musical instrument technologies and electronic musical instrument sales and manufacturing. More information is available at www.rodgersinstruments.com.
