Feb 13, 2002

AGO ANNOUNCES POE SITES FOR 2002 NEW YORK CITY — The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS (AGO) is proud to sponsor six Pipe Organ Encounter programs for teens this summer. Limited scholarship assistance is available. Dates and locations are noted below. Complete contact information for each is available online at <http://www.agohq.org/education/indexpoe.html>. June 16-20, Tulsa, Okla. June 23-28, Urbana/Champaign, Ill. June 23-28, New Ulm, Minn. July 14-20, Tempe, Ariz. July 14-19, Rochester, N.Y. August 17-21, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Beginning with pilot institutes in 1988 and continuing to the present, Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) have become the AGO’s flagship program designed to attract and introduce young people to the organ, the King of Instruments, through instruction in organ playing, design and construction, history, and repertoire. POEs are regional summer organ institutes designed to introduce teenagers to the organ and the sacred music profession. They provide private and group instruction, opportunities for ecumenical worship, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. POEs are hosted by local AGO chapters that are selected through a strict application process and supported by AGO National Headquarters. The AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the AGO seeks to set and maintain high musical standards and to promote understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. The Guild currently serves more than 20,000 members in 343 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS is an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists. Major funding for Pipe Organ Encounters is provided by the MAHADH Fund of the HRK Foundation and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Additional support is provided by the American Institute of Organbuilders, the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, Caterpillar Inc., The Virgil Fox Society, and by the family and friends of Ned Siebert. This information is submitted by F. Anthony Thurman, Director of Development and Communications at the National Headquarters of the American Guild of Organists and The American Organist Magazine. For further information, please contact Dr. Thurman by TEL (212) 870-2310, FAX (212) 870-2163 or E-MAIL fathurman@agohq.org.