March 7, 2011

NEW YORK CITY—The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce six PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS (POEs) and one POE (Advanced) for students aged 13–18; one POE (Technical) for students aged 16–23; and one POE+ program for adult students in 2011. Generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA) www.apoba.com and the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO)  www.pipeorgan.org will support the summer programs, which will be held from coast to coast. Complete contact information for each Pipe Organ Encounter can be found in THE AMERICAN ORGANIST magazine and online at www.agohq.org. The summer schedule follows:

POE for ages 13–18
June 5–10, Waco, Tex.
June 12–17, Birmingham, Ala.
June 12–17, Colorado Springs, Colo.
June 19–24, Wilmington, Del.
June 26–July 1, Ann Arbor, Mich.
July 10–14, Portland, Oreg.

POE (Advanced) for ages 13–18
July 17–22, Boston, Mass.

POE (Technical) for ages 16–23
July 17–22, Boston, Mass.

POE+ for Adults
June 6–11, Rockford, Ill.

"The AGO and APOBA have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since 1975," declared AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. "Likewise, the AIO has been active in supporting the Guild's educational programs, beginning with their partnership in Pulling Out All the Stops, a video produced jointly by the AGO, AIO, APOBA, the Organ Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society in 1996. Collectively, APOBA and the AIO have contributed more than $350,000 in support of the AGO's educational programs over the past 15 years. For their ongoing, committed generosity in supporting the Guild's mission to 'promote the organ,' we are extremely grateful."

The PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer organ music institutes for teenage students provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Basic keyboard proficiency is required, although previous organ study is not necessary. The POE (Advanced) provides intermediate to advanced classes in areas such as organ literature, history, pipe organ construction and design, music theory, improvisation, conducting, and service playing for students who have achieved a high level of success in organ study. The POE (Technical) is a program designed for students who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. Scholarship assistance is available. The POE+ is a summer program filled with practical information and instruction for adult keyboard musicians interested in improving their service-playing skills. Participants will be introduced to basic organ skills through private instruction and classes. The weeklong experience will lead to greater confidence and competence at the organ.

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