How to Create Events that Attract and Encourage Teenage Organists

Annie Laver

Tuesday, June 21, 9 AM

The future of our profession depends on our ability to engage and cultivate young organists. Every AGO chapter can play a role by sponsoring at least one event per year designed for and marketed to teenagers. To that end, this workshop will offer models for successful programs both large and small that can be repeated by chapters of all sizes. In addition to offering case studies, this workshop will focus on practical tips for fundraising, marketing, event planning, and follow-up. Workshop attendees will receive an extensive list of model events with program director contact information for the purpose of consultation, and a step-by-step guide for event planning. This workshop is intended especially for chapter board members who want to develop programs for young people, as well as organists in academic positions who are looking to develop partnerships with their chapters to help support recruitment.

Annie Laver is Assistant Professor of Organ and University Organist at Syracuse University. She performs frequently in the United States and Europe, and has been a featured recitalist and clinician at regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists and the Organ Historical Society. Annie is a member of the AGO Marketing Committee and has served as Dean of the Rochester AGO Chapter and Coordinator of Organ Outreach Programs and Events at the Eastman School of Music. She has run a highly successful Pipe Organ Encounter-Advanced, a summer employment program for urban teenagers, a piano competition for young organists, and numerous concert series, festivals, and conferences. 

You may download the handout for this workshop here.