Successful POE and POE+ events 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 recent past, the average cost per student has been $450 – $1,200. Registration fees run $450.00-$525.00 per student. Recent total budgets have been from $15,000.00 – $27, 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, make your chapter’s application online by February 1 of the year preceding your proposed POE to the Committee on the New Organist (CONO) here. This application submission will be copied to every member of CONO and your Regional Councillor. You will be notified of approval by May 1 of the year of your application.
Documents
POE/POE+ Handbook (Guidelines for POE Host Chapters)
Separate Handbook Documents for Download
POE/POE+/POEA Site Proposal Application
POE—Technical Site Proposal Application
POE Budget Spreadsheet
Ad from TAO for POE sites
AGO Pipe Organ Encounter Press Release (2016)
Fundraising Ideas for POE Students
