Founded in 1909 as the Canadian Guild of Organists, the RCCO is Canada's oldest musicians' association. Today, the RCCO is a nationwide interdenominational community of professional and amateur organists, church musicians, choral conductors, and otherssharing an interest in the organ and church music.
The RCCO assists its members in the development and practice of fine organ and choral performance and sound church musicianship, and works to promote these interests in the wider Canadian public. It also provides members with advice and information in matters pertaining to church employment, both through its National and Centre professional concerns officers and a nationwide network of colleagues.
Examinations are held annually for the diplomas of Colleague, Associate, Fellow and Choir Directing, and the certificates in Service Playing and Choir Training, all of which test and provide recognition for achievement in organ performance and musical knowledge. Copies of past exam papers and cassette-recorded mock practical examinations are available from the National Office.
RCCO conventions offer opportunities to hear and meet world-class recitalists and clinicians from Canada and abroad, to participate in workshops on a wide variety of topics, and to discuss subjects of mutual interest and concern with friends and colleagues.
The National Office offers a wide range of resources including audio/video tapes and printed material covering topics such as: service planning; wedding music; choir training; recommended salary levels for church musicians; and the purchase, maintenance, and improvement of all types of organs.
The RCCO works across Canada in support of fine church music and organ playing. If you care about these arts, whatever your background, skill level or religious affiliation, the College has a place for you.
Membership of the RCCO includes the two publications from the RCCO National Office:
- The ORGAN CANADA/ORGUE CANADA
- the RCCO/CRCO Yearbook.
Membership of the RCCO includes the availability of discounted rates for magazines such as THE AMERICAN ORGANIST, CHOIR AND ORGAN, THE DIAPASON.
For information on how to join the RCCO, the membership regulations, and the benefits of membership, please contact the centre chair, Chellan Hoffman.
Centre Executive Committee
Centre Chair: Chellan Hoffman
Vice-Chair: Leighton Lee
Secretary: Colin Redekop
Treasurer: Howard Janzen
Membership Convenor: Claudia Tiefisher
Concert Series Chair: Tim Pyper
Concert Series Vice Chair: Doug Spreeman
Concert Series Publicity: John Bouz
Poster and Program: Sherry Bachman
Member Communication: Brent Tucker, Antonina Cox, and Toby Weber
Education Co-ordinator: Tom Geddes
Newsletter: Rick Vander Woude
Webmaster: Carlos Foggin