Welcome to the world of Pipe Organ Encounters, the most successful outreach program sponsored by the AGO. POEs offer teenagers and adults a rewarding opportunity to learn more about the pipe organ and its construction, instruction with experienced faculty, visits to hear and play outstanding instruments, and the chance to meet and interact with peers who share an interest in the King of Instruments.
2024
AGO Covid Policy (Approved by AGO National Council Nov. 5, 2021):
All AGO events (chapter, regional and national) must follow the COVID policies/rules in place in the state and county where the event takes place, and any additional mandates of any facilities being used.
AGO leaders, may, at their discretion, enforce stricter policies than those of the state/county in which the AGO event takes place.
Pipe Organ Encounters
for beginning and intermediate organists, ages 13-18
Registration opens Dec. 1, 2023
July 14-19, 2024
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Piedmont NC Chapter AGO
UNC School of the Arts
Director: Dr. Timothy J. Olsen
405-535-8124
Email the Winston-Salem POE Director
Registration Deadline: June 15, 2023
[Brochure coming soon.]
Pipe Organ Encounter-Advanced
for advanced organists, ages 13-18 and grades 9-12 (audition recording required)
There are no POEA events scheduled for 2024.
Pipe Organ Encounter-Plus
for Adults, ages 19 and over
June 10-14, 2024
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga Chapter AGO
Director: John Wigal, MM
423-821-1583
Email the Chattanooga POE+ Director
Registration Deadline: May 9, 2023
[Brochure coming soon.]
The Pipe Organ Encounter-Technical (for ages 19-23) is not available in 2024
The site proposal application form for chapters interested in hosting Pipe Organ Encounter events in 2025 will open November 15, 2023, with a deadline of February 15, 2024. Please click below on “Documents and videos related to POE programs” to access the online application form.
Information about POE Scholarships
All the Cool Kids are into Pipe Organs: A blogpost by Holly Heffelbower
Documents and videos related to POE programs.
POE Handbook
Pipe Organ Encounter (POE)
A POE is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter that introduces participants aged 13-18 to the world of the pipe organ. [More…]
POE Advanced (POEA)
A POEA is a 5-6 day event organized by a local AGO chapter that provides a higher level of pipe organ instruction and intense course study for participants entering grades 9 through 12 who are ages 13 to 18 and have already achieved a high level of success in organ study. [More…]
POE Technical (POETech)
POETech is a program designed for teens and young adults aged 16-23 who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. POETech is sponsored by an AGO Chapter in collaboration with an organ builder. [More…].
POE-Plus (POE+)
POE+ is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter that provides organ instruction to adults 19 and older. It is open to beginners as well as more advanced participants. [More…].
Pipe Organ Encounters is an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists. Major funding for Pipe Organ Encounters is provided by the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America. Additional support is provided by the American Institute of Organbuilders and the Jordan Organ Endowment. POE scholarships are provided by the AGO New Organist Fund.
