Pipe Organ Encounter (POE)

The traditional Pipe Organ Encounter:

• Is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization. It introduces participants to the world of the pipe organ.
  
  
• Is a national program sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Students are admitted to POEs on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of attendance at prior POEs, and regardless of state or country of residence, as long as they meet the following eligibility guidelines: Students should be aged 13-18, be interested in the pipe organ, and have piano or organ proficiency ranging from early intermediate to advanced.
  
  
• Provides an opportunity for students to have individual and group instruction in the basic rudiments of pipe organ technique and service playing.
  
  
• Provides a general overview of organ literature, history, pipe organ construction and design, improvisation and other related topics.
  
  
• Provides an opportunity for participation in ecumenical worship, so as to experience the role of the sacred musician.
  
  
• Most of all, provides a unique opportunity for participants to meet and interact with peers who have similar interests.
  
  

Videos & Downloads

• Click here to download POE Videos & POE Materials

2013 Pipe Organ Encounters

Limited scholarship aid is available to cover full or partial registration fees for POEs. The online POE scholarship application is available here from mid-January until the May 15 application deadline. Scholarship applications are reviewed monthly beginning in February.

The application asks questions of both the student and her/his parent(s) and also requires a letter of recommendation from the student’s organ or piano teacher. Please check back here during that time if you are interested in applying for a scholarship for a POE!

Information for AGO Chapters

Is our chapter large enough to host a POE?

Successful POEs and POE+s have been sponsored by both small and large chapters.

What facilities will we need?

• Instruments - one pipe organ for every two students (creative scheduling is recommended if fewer instruments are available)
• Housing - university, college, or seminary dormitories are generally recommended
• Transportation - preferably buses or vans (bonded/insured) or private cars to transport students everywhere
• Recreation - opportunities for play, social interaction and relaxation are important for both young people and adults!

How many teachers will we need?

There should be one faculty member for every two students who attend.

How will we finance our POE or POE+?

If your chapter is selected as a POE/POE+ site, you may receive up to $5,000 from the national office. You will need to solicit local funding as well. In the past, the average cost per student has been $450 - $800.  Registration fees run $375.00-$450.00 per student.  Total budgets have been from $14,000.00 - $25, 000.00.

How many chapter members need to be on our POE/POE+ committee?

You will need a Director, Secretary/Registrar, Treasurer, Services Coordinator, Funding Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, Faculty Coordinator, and a Facilities Coordinator.  (One person might be responsible for more than one of these areas.)

How far in advance should we plan?

You will need to plan approximately two years in advance: The first year to establish chapter support, complete Site Application Form, and assemble committee.  The next year will involve advertising and the detailed “leg work” leading up to your POE/POE+.

How do we apply?

Download or request a copy of the POE/POE+ Handbook, which provides detailed instructions and an application form.  Following the approval of the Chapter Executive Board, send the application to the Committee on the New Organist c/o AGO National Headquarters along with a copy to your Regional Councillor by March 15 of the year preceding your proposed POE. You will be notified of approval by May 1 of the year of your application.