PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTERS

Pipe Organ Encounters (POE) is an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists intended to introduce the organ to young people and adults. POEs generally last 5 – 6 days, and include group and individual instruction, performances by guest artists, and field trips to visit and hear notable instruments. Major funding 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.

 

ASK A MEMBER

"I like being around other people who are as interested in the organ as I am, because where I come from there are just a handful. Here, everybody is as interested as they could possibly be in all different aspects of the organ. It's a fun time."

Augustine, 17
Fox Valley Chapter POE
July 2023, Wheaton, Ill.

 

PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER (POE) – YOUTH AGES 13 - 18

Pipe Organ Encounters are a 4–5 day experience for young people, ages 13–18, organized by local AGO chapters. During the POE, participants receive group and individual instruction, take field trips to hear and play notable instruments, and enjoy recitals by accomplished performers. Most importantly, participants get a chance to meet and interact with other young people who share an interest in the organ. In 2026, three POEs are planned:

June 21-27, Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Chapter
Joseph Simms and Mike Wilson, Co-directors
Please email [email protected] for more information about applying to this POE.
Postcard (PDF)
Brochure (PDF)
Website

July 12-17, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Piedmont Chapter
Timothy Olsen, Director
Postcard (PDF)
Website

July 20-25, Provo, Utah
Utah Valley Chapter
Dorothy Jensen, Director
Please email [email protected] for more information about applying to this POE.
Postcard (PDF)
Website

 

Advanced students should also consider the 2026 POEA in the tab below, and adults can attend the 2026 POE+.

PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER - ADVANCED (POEA) – YOUTH AGES 13 - 18

POE - Advanced (POEA) is for young organists (no younger than 13 and no older than 18) entering grades 9-12, who play the organ at an advanced level. Participants must submit an audition recording and other supporting materials in order to apply to the POEA. In 2026, one POEA is planned:

June 21-26, Hartford, Conn.
Greater Hartford Chapter
Kevin Neel, Director
Hartford POEA Application
Postcard (PDF)
Website

PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER PLUS - (POE+) – ADULTS 

Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+) is a 4–5 day experience for adults, organized by local AGO chapters. 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. POE+ 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. One POE+ event is planned for 2026:

June 14-19, Rockford, Ill.
Rockford Chapter
Cheryl Lemke, Director
Rockford POE+ Registration
Postcard (PDF)
Website

 

PIPE ORGAN ENCOUNTER TECHNICAL (POETech)

Pipe Organ Encounter Technical (POETech) is a 4-5 day program designed for participants, aged 16-23, who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. Participants are not required to have studied the organ, but may possess or be seeking expertise in woodworking, electrical skills and construction. POE Tech includes discussions on the history, design, construction and maintenance of the pipe organ, as well as the work of various builders, pipe building and voicing, tonal design, and visits to builders’ shops. Opportunities to play and explore a variety of instruments and attend pipe organ concerts are also offered. No POETech events are planned for 2026.