The 2014 AGO National Convention in Boston seeks sixteen energetic and friendly Convention Fellows.
As a key component of the convention’s community outreach programming initiatives, Convention Fellows will serve as a hospitable and informative public face for the convention within the city of Boston, interacting with members of the community and sharing knowledge and enthusiasm about the pipe organ, its history and future, and its music.
Fellows will be between the ages of 18 and 30, and will be identified through competitive application. Fellows will register for the convention. Upon successful completion of a Fellow’s duties during the convention, he or she will be refunded the value of a student registration fee ($300). Housing and other expenses are not provided as part of the fellowship. Fellows need not be full-time students in order to apply.
Applications to the fellowship program are to be submitted on or before Saturday, March 15, 2014. The application will include a web form detailing information about the applicant, a letter of reference, and video submissions of the candidate. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by April 1, 2014.
The class of sixteen Fellows will represent diversity in age, gender, education, and background, unified by a demonstrated ability and common desire to share knowledge and enthusiasm for the organ and its music.
Fellows will perform four primary functions during the convention week:
1) Staff the community outreach booth in Copley Place Mall. This booth, located in a central atrium adjacent to the convention hotel and staffed during regular mall hours each day, is an interactive space in which passers-by can learn about the pipe organ, the convention’s public programming, and even try their hands at playing a demonstration instrument. Each Fellow will be responsible for shifts totaling approximately ten hours, as assigned during the week of Friday, June 20 to Friday, June 27. Many shifts occur during the convention itself, and will necessarily preclude attendance at some convention events.
2) Serve as support staff for the convention’s Family Day. The Boston Convention is breaking new ground by programming a hands-on outreach day for children and families, recognizing the urgent need to engage with the community and promote the continued relevance of organ and choral music today. Family Day will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Old South Church in Copley Square, Boston’s highest-trafficked area. Each of these hours will be divided into four, fast-paced, attention-grabbing activities, designed to be accessible and allow families to come and go throughout the day. Family Day will culminate that evening in a silent film showing, with improvised organ accompaniment, at 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Covenant on Newbury Street.
3) Contribute to the convention’s social media presence, helping to document—in text, photos, and video—the week’s programming.
4) Assist with other tasks as needed and assigned, helping to ensure the convention’s smooth operation and its consistent public face.
Those selected as Fellows are expected to arrive in Boston by mid-afternoon on Friday, June 20, to attend an orientation and training session. Duties conclude at the close of the convention, on Friday evening, June 27.
Upon successful completion of the program, Fellows are welcome to list this 2014 AGO Convention Fellowship on résumés and CVs.
To apply for consideration as a Convention Fellow, click here.
The Fellowship Program is led by Cheryl Duerr and Christian Lane.
Please contact fellows@agoboston2014.org with questions.