Worcestershire Organists’ Association

Established in 1964

Membership Benefits

 

IAO

The Association is affiliated to the Incorporated Association

of Organists. Members of WOA are thereby automatically

non-voting members of the IAO and entitled to attend IAO events,

Organ Days etc. at members’ rates, and to a reduced subscription

to the Organists’ Review – an excellent, informative magazine with many educational articles, published quarterly.

 

The IAO supports approved organ-related educational events nationally and locally, e.g. Regional Organ Days. The IAO also administers the Organists’ Benevolent Fund and other charitable trusts which offer financial support to organ students to attend courses, Organ Days, etc., which they could not otherwise attend.

 

Regular Meetings

WOA usually holds meetings once a month at venues in Worcestershire and beyond.

These often provide an opportunity for members to hear and play interesting instruments and to learn something of their history. Other meetings may offer advice on playing, particularly for services, or a talk on aspects of repertoire, organ builders, or on organs and their associated music in particular localities.

 

There is no additional charge for these meetings, except for the two social events each year. A small donation is invited at other events where light refreshments are provided.

 

Newsletter

Members receive a newsletter 5 or 6 times a year which is the most up to date and detailed source of information about past and future meetings of the Association, and of local recitals, concerts and other events; also details of vacancies for organists/choir directors.

 

Annual Course

An annual course, based at St Martin’s, London Road, Worcester, which is primarily intended for members who perhaps have not been playing long, or who have returned to the instrument, maybe in retirement, or pianists who have been asked to become organists, but experienced players are also welcome, and there is usually a wide range of abilities.

 

Sessions are held once a month on Wednesday evenings, usually from May to October/November with a break in the summer. The atmosphere is one of learning from each other and of mutual encouragement, and all sessions are free of charge.

 

Subscription

We aim to keep the subscription rate as low as sensibly possible. The AGM in 2007 set the rate for 2008 at £10.00; it will remain at £10.00 for 2010 and 2011, including the £3.00 capitation fee to the IAO. Full-time students under 18 years are offered free membership, rising to £6.50 between 18 but under 23.

 

Members who are already fully paid-up members of another Association may opt for a reduced rate of £7.50.

 

Teachers

The Association endeavours to maintain a list of qualified local organ teachers.