Saint Louis Chapter AGO American Guild of Organists

08/13/2026

The Church Music Institute has announced its fall schedule. CMI is a partner organization of AGO; membership discounts at CMI are available to AGO members. https://www.churchmusicinstitute.org/

08/03/2026

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07/31/2026

That Darn Cat!

EADING, Pa. (May 11, 1915)—Giggling, smiles and evidences of unusual good humor in the congregation in Second Reformed Church were explained after the service Sunday night. A full grown cat was in the pipe organ. The organist and janitor couldn't get it out. Everybody in church knew it. The music was softer than usual and quite subdued. There was a reason. The cat had walked all over the apparatus governing one of the three manuals and put it out of commission. For a full week the cat was in the mechanism. After being found in a bed made in the altar cloths, it fled to the organ. It could not be smoked out, shot at or otherwise forced out, because of suspicion that a litter of Kittens might be inside the organ and ‘might die and decay in the instrument. Finally Janitor John Otto and Organist William S. Hollenbach contrived a trap with meat, string and stick. When the animal seized the meat the fall of the stick aroused the janitor. He caught the animal only after stunning it with a hymn book.
(from the July 2026 TAO)
Trenton (N.J) Evening Times,
May 11, 1915, 12.
“Thanks to Stephen L. Pinel for this news item and to Len Levasseur for retouching the vintage photo of the church.

07/31/2026

Did you know that the American Guild of Organists has a site of webinars for online learning? Go to

The AGO offers a wide range of instructional programming and resources to members, chapter leaders and volunteers, and musicians interested in learning more about the organ and church music.

07/17/2026

Words of wisdom for a young organist...

As I write this, I'm still recuperating from the AGO national convention last week in St. Louis.

Every AGO convention offers a packed schedule of stunning recitals and concerts, insightful workshops and breakout sessions, and warm reunions with friends and colleagues. But, I’ll never forget this one, thanks to a 12-year-old young organist who attended my forum for part-time and substitute musicians.

As we went around the room and got to know each other, we learned that Colton had just begun playing for student masses in his nearby Illinois parish. I asked the 30 other organists what advice they would offer a young organist just beginning his musical journey.

The tips were practical and, as American Express would say, priceless. It was clear he recognized these seasoned professionals were enthusiastically rooting for his success.

Colton got the last word, however, when the conversation turned to the challenges we were facing with our jobs. We heard about declining congregations, aging choirs, and tight budgets—all the usual stuff. Then Colton threw his hand into the air and shared his frustration: “The third and fourth grade choirs are HORRIBLE!”

Of course, the room spontaneously erupted into laughter. We could all relate! This young man was indeed a kindred spirit and has a very promising future. We need more organists like Colton.

What advice would you have shared with Colton? Or better yet, what sage advice did you receive as a young organist that helped shape your career? Email me ([email protected]), and I may share your responses in an upcoming column or newsletter. Have a great summer!
,
– J.W. Arnold, columnist, The Weekend Organist

07/15/2026

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"Where ALL of St. Louis Experiences Great Music in a Great Space!"

We invite you to join us for an afternoon or evening of spectacular music featuring the world's best musicians in one of the world's grandest Cathedrals.

07/13/2026

Please complete the survey on the Cvent App on the AGO National Convention - St. Louis 2026.

07/11/2026

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