Conventions in 2008 and 2009

We are privileged to have the next National convention right here in Region VI! It will occur in the beautiful cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, June 22-26, 2008. In October the National Council met there, and I'm even more exited about this event. We previewed the convention hotel, visited some of the convention venues and instruments, and met many of the dedicated volunteers on the convention steering committee. You are in for a treat! You will definitely return from this convention with enthusiasm, ideas, and inspiration that will benefit you and your musical role. Plan now to attend, and don’t be afraid to ask for financial assistance from your church, school, and associates. (See information elsewhere in this blog for a chance to come for free!)

Visit www.ago2008.org for information, and return often for updates as convention planning progresses. Let's make it a goal that Region VI will have the most members in attendance of any Region of the AGO! Early-bird registration deadline expires on January 31, 2008.

Please join me in heartfelt thanks to the Twin Cities chapter (TCAGO), Convention Coordinator Bill Stump, and the entire convention steering committee, for hosting this exciting event. Region VI is proud of you all!

Our next Regional convention, in summer 2009, will be hosted by the Wichita, Kansas, chapter. The theme is “Pipes on the Plains,” and the steering committee, headed by Convention Coordinator Marlene Hallstrom, has done wonderful work so far, brainstorming, planning, and budgeting. You’ll hear more about this in 2008.

In the meantime, please set aside June 15-18, 2009, and plan to attend "Pipes on the Plains." You won't want to miss this party! The convention website is http://pipesontheplains09.org and it will be updated often.

Has your chapter considered hosting a future Regional or National Convention? It is a great opportunity to showcase the unique aspects of your area, to advertise your city’s organs and performers to a wider audience, and to build camaraderie within your chapter. Regional conventions for 2011 and beyond, and National conventions after 2014, are available.

If your chapter is interested in pursuing these exciting opportunities, visit the national AGO website at www.agohq.org and access "Downloadable Docs," then
"Competitions and Conventions." Contact me and we'll take the next steps together! Application deadline is January 31, 2008, for the 2011 Convention.

Regional Honoree

The Wichita convention steering committee has proposed an excellent idea to choose a person from Region VI to honor at each Regional Convention. In 2008 I will ask for nominations for the first person to receive this honor, for excellent contributions to the goals of the AGO in Region VI: “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.” (Quoted from the AGO mission statement).

Start thinking now of persons you would like to nominate. More information on the nomination procedure will come to you soon.