May 19, 2005
NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA) are pleased to announce that increased support will be provided in 2005 for the AGO’s flagship educational program for youth, Pipe Organ Encounters (POE). APOBA’s generous grant of $20,000 is the largest corporate grant received to date supporting the AGO’s POE program since its inception nearly two decades ago. The funding will help provide opportunities for hundreds of young people aged 13–19 to be introduced to the pipe organ, the King of Instruments. The AGO has organized seven unique Pipe Organ Encounter programs this summer. Full contact information for each POE can be found in The American Organist Magazine and online at www.agohq.org.
"I know that I express the heartfelt appreciation of our national officers and councillors for the very generous gift from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America for the POE program of the Guild," remarked AGO President Frederick Swann. "This continues a long standing relationship between the AGO and APOBA to further our efforts toward attracting young people to the organ. As a direct result of the POE program, we are seeing an increased enrollment in organ study at colleges and universities. Some young people are even being drawn to the building of pipe organs."
APOBA President Michael Quimby added, "I personally feel that contributions to this AGO program will have a significant impact in coming years on the building of quality new pipe organs. The Pipe Organ Encounter is the most important work the Guild is accomplishing to ensure the future of the organ world." Swann concluded, "Both players and builders are essential to the continuance of the King of Instruments. APOBA has assisted mightily in helping this to happen. Their commitment to the POE program is roundly applauded and deeply appreciated."
Pipe Organ Encounters introduce young people to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer organ music institutes for teen-aged students provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, as well as a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Basic keyboard proficiency is required, although previous organ study is not necessary. Scholarship assistance is available.
The American Guild of Organists and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America www.apoba.com share a mutually beneficial association, a collaboration that has existed since 1975. For several decades this relationship has been strengthened by financial contributions from APOBA and its members in support of the AGO and its Pipe Organ Encounters program. The AGO has responded with generous provisions for bringing news from APOBA and its members to the organ public in The American Organist Magazine.
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, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to enrich lives through organ and choral music. The Guild currently serves approximately 19,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 readers each month.
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.
