copyright 2000
Cleveland Chapter
American Guild of Organists

The AGO Code of Ethics and Professional Standards

Members of the American Guild of Organists are guided by two documents - the Code of Ethics and the Code of Professional Standards.

Code of Ethics

Approved by National Council 11/15/99

Preamble: The purpose 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. Voting members are entitled to enjoy the privileges and are expected to accept the responsibilities of membership in the Guild. Members shall be considered equally for Guild offices and participation in Guild activities. These are the rules that shall be considered binding upon all voting members in good standing.

RULE 1. Members shall promote good working relationships within the American Guild of Organists and shall respect the employment of colleagues. Members shall address differences between themselves and other members by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.

RULE 2. Members shall not seek or appear to be seeking employment for themselves, a student or a colleague, in a position held by someone else. Members shall apply for employment only for a position which has been officially and publicly declared vacant by announcement of the vacancy, with the knowledge of the incumbent musician.

RULE 3. In cases pending under the Procedures or in cases where the National Council has determined that a position has been made vacant by wrongful termination of a member of the American Guild of Organists, members shall not seek or accept regular or permanent employment for themselves, a student or colleague at that Institution until the National Council is satisfied that differences between the Guild and the Institution have been resolved.

RULE 4. Before accepting an engagement for a wedding, funeral, or other service, members shall obtain the approval of the incumbent musician. In cases where this engagement has been requested by a third party, it is appropriate for the third party to offer the incumbent his/her customary fee. It is the responsibility of members to inform the third party of this rule.

RULE 5. Members shall conduct professional activities with truthfulness, honesty and integrity, and shall maintain sensitivity in matters of a personal or confidential nature.

RULE 6. Members shall not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

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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.

Approved by National Council 11/15/99

Skills:

  1. Members develop and maintain skills in performance, improvisation, service playing, conducting, arranging, and composing commensurate with their duties.
  2. Members stay abreast of current developments in liturgy, hymnody, performance practice, and musicology through continuing education.
  3. Members become knowledgeable in the liturgy and worship traditions of the institutions they serve.
  4. Members acquire business, administrative and interpersonal skills to perform their duties.

Employment Matters:

  1. Members agree to employment only after reaching a clear understanding of the position, the employerÍs expectations, and the lines of accountability.
  2. Members request written contracts that protect employee and employer.
  3. 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.
  4. Members address differences with employing institutions through appropriate channels, including, but not limited to, their contract, the institutionÍs personnel policies manual, and the GuildÍs Procedures for Dealing with Complaints about Termination

Respect for Colleagues:

  1. Members supervise other musicians in a professional and courteous manner.
  2. 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.
  3. Members address differences with other members of the American Guild of Organists by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.
  4. Members do not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

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