The American Guild of Organists is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 in New York City, the AGO now serves more than 20,000 members in 343 local chapters throughout the United States and Europe. Membership is open to all and includes organists, choir directors, teachers, organ builders, technicians, and suppliers to the field. Founded as both an educational and service organization, the Guild seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. Membership is through local chapters, which hold regular meetings featuring performances, lectures, seminars, and discussions on a wide variety of topics. AGO educational programs include a comprehensive series of examinations for professional certification and an extensive catalog of publications and audio cassette learning resources. The Guild sponsors competitions in organ performance and improvisation and in organ and choral composition. National and regional conventions held annually feature the finest performers and teachers.