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. Participants 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: Participants should be aged 13-18, be interested in the pipe organ, and have piano or organ proficiency ranging from intermediate to advanced.
- Provides an opportunity for participants 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.
Please click HERE to apply to attend a 2020 Pipe Organ Encounter
2020 Pipe Organ Encounters (for ages 13-18)
Please note that many 2020 POE events have been canceled due to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some, if not all, of the events may be rescheduled for 2021, pending approval of dates and other details by the Committee on Pipe Organ Encounters. Please watch this space for updates.
June 22-27
Manhattan, Kansas (Kansas State University) Canceled for 2020
KSU-Manhattan Chapter
Director: David Pickering
1724 Little Kitten Ave
Manhattan, KS 66503
(785) 560-4520 (home)
(785) 370-6110 (cell)
Email
Website
June 28-July 3
Long Beach, California Canceled for 2020
Long Beach Chapter
Director: Hyunju Hwang
c/o The Neighborhood Church
415 Paseo del Mar
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
(213) 550-9093 (home/cell)
Email
Website
July 19-24
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Piedmont NC Chapter
Director: Timothy Olsen
UNCSA-School of Music
1533 S. Main St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27127-2738
(336) 770-3254 (work)
Email
Website
August 2-7
Hartford, CT (Trinity College)
Enrollment full – applications to waiting list only. (Contact director for more information.)
Greater Hartford Chapter
Director: Christopher Houlihan
Trinity College Chapel
300 Summit St.
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 748-3395 (cell)
(860) 297-2014 (work)
Email
Website
Please click HERE to apply to attend a 2020 Pipe Organ Encounter
Pipe Organ Encounter Scholarship Assistance
Please click HERE for information about POE Scholarships.
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, the Jordan Organ Endowment, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Permanently endowed AGO scholarships are provided in memory of Charlene Brice Alexander, Robert S. Baker, Seth Bingham, Michael Cohen, Margaret R. Curtin, Clarence Dickinson, Richard and Clara Mae Enright, Virgil Fox, Philip Hahn, Charles N. Henderson, Alfred E. Lunsford, Ruth Milliken, Bruce Prince-Joseph, Douglas Rafter, Ned Siebert, Mary K. Smith, and Martin M. Wick; and in honor of Anthony Baglivi, Philip E. Baker, Gordon and Naomi Rowley, Frederick Swann, Morgan and Mary Simmons, and the Leupold Foundation.
