Pipe Organ Encounters 2010

I'm excited to post that the AGO will sponsor TEN Pipe Organ Encounters across the country this summer -- TWO in Region VI.

A POE is a 4-5 day regional event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization. I was part of the Greater Kansas City chapter's POE for teens last summer, and I must say that I came away from the event with a newfound hope for the future of our profession. The young musicians I encountered at the POE, and their willingness to engage in every aspect of organ playing and organ building, were an inspiration!

POEs are part of the outreach efforts of the Guild. They introduce people to pipe organ playing, repertoire, history, design and construction -- and perhaps most importantly, they are a chance to learn and network with others with similar interests. POEs are for teenage students. Basic keyboard proficiency is required, but previous organ study is not necessary. POE-A (POE Advanced) programs are for teenagers who have already attended a POE or are already receiving advanced private instruction. POE+ (POE Plus) is a program for adult keyboard musicians interested in improving their service-playing skills.

Pipe Organ Encounters:

• Provide individual and group instruction in the basic rudiments of pipe organ technique and service playing.
• Give a general overview of organ literature, history, and related topics.
• Expose the participants to various concepts and examples of pipe organ construction and design.
• Offer opportunities to participate in ecumenical worship, so as to experience the role of the sacred musician.
• Provide an invaluable opportunity for young musicians to meet others with similar interests.

POEs are made possible by generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA) and the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO).

See the list below for 2010 POE locations and dates. Scholarship assistance is available; click here. If you're a teen, consider "encountering the pipe organ" this summer! If you're an adult AGO member, help spread the word -- and perhaps sponsor a teen you know!

Region VI chapters will sponsor two POEs for teenagers. Click on the links for more information: June 13-18 in St. Louis, MO, and July 18-23 in Waukesha, WI. Other POEs are listed below.

Other POEs for Teenagers
June 13–18 Columbia, S.C.
June 21–26 Bloomington, Ind.
June 27–July 2 Fairfield, Conn.
July 25–30 Fort Worth, Tex.
July 25–31 Irvine, Calif.

POE (Advanced) for Teenagers
July 18–23 New York City

POE+ for Adults
July 26–30 Eugene, Oreg.
August 8–13 Winchester, Va.