
The Pipe Organ Encounter+
- Is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization.
- Is a national program sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Participants are admitted to POE+s 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: Participants should be 19 or older, want to play the organ or currently play the organ in a church or synagogue, and be interested in improving their organ skills.
- Is open to organists ranging from beginners (proficient pianists who will learn the basics of organ playing) to advanced.
- Offers instruction in basic technique, pedaling, improvisation and registration for beginners, and skills such as hymn playing, sight reading and transposition (which may lead to qualifying as a candidate for the AGO Service Playing Certificate) for more experienced participants. Other topics include a general overview of organ literature, history, and pipe organ construction and design.
- 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.
2022 POE+ Events
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.
June 5-10, 2022
Rockford, Illinois (Registration is closed.)
Rockford Chapter
Director: Jean Anderson
815-399-9686
Email
Website
Brochure
June 12-17, 2022
Allentown and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (Registration is closed.)
Lehigh Valley Chapter
Co-Director: Gloria Snyder
610-439-1933 (h)
Email
Website
Brochure
Registration Payment Form (Download, print out and complete for Lehigh Valley POE+ only.)
August 7-12, 2022
Richmond, Virginia (Registration is closed.)
Richmond Chapter
Co-Director: Stephen Henley
804-272-7514, ext. 312 (work)
804-647-1152 (cell)
Email
Website
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.