AGO & Organ News

The Pipe Organ Encounter (POE), an educational program of the American Guild of Organists, is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer organ music institutes for teenage students (aged 13-18) provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests.

This summer three types of Pipe Organ Encounter events are offered:

• the traditional Pipe Organ Encounter, for the keyboard student who is relatively new to the organ
• the Pipe Organ Encounter Advanced, for organ students who have already achieved a high level of success in organ study
• the Pipe Organ Encounter Technical, for students aged 16-23 who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building.
  

Basic keyboard proficiency is required for Pipe Organ Encounter although previous organ study is not necessary.  Application deadlines vary by location: please visit the pages below for more information.  Scholarship assistance is available (Scholarship application deadline is April 15, 2015 for 2015 Pipe Organ Encounter events).

Pipe Organ Encounter (POE)
POE Advanced
POE Technical

JOHN OBETZ, a resident of Leawood, Kans., passed into life everlasting on February 12, 2015. We remember fondly his dedicated service to the AGO as a chapter dean, regional chairman, and his membership on AGO National Council that spanned two decades. His inspired leadership, profound wisdom, sage advice, charismatic charm, and keen sense of humor will long be remembered by the Guild. Our hearts are filled with love for John, his devoted wife Grace, son Peter, daughter-in-law Christy, and granddaughters Riley and Taylor.

John was one of America’s most widely heard organists. For nearly three decades, his radio program, The Auditorium Organ, reached thousands of listeners each week via satellite broadcast from the headquarters of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ) in Independence, Missouri. In addition, he concertized throughout the United States and abroad in such venues as Westminster Abbey in London, the Duomo in Florence, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and through many performances with symphony orchestras. His CD recordings are available on the RBW label.

John received both the bachelor of music and master of music degrees from Northwestern University, and earned a doctorate in sacred music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he studied with Vernon de Tar. Further study included work with Marie-Claire Alain and participation in the International Academy for Organists in Haarlem, The Netherlands. He served as adjunct associate professor of music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City until his retirement in 2005.

John was frequently sought after as an organ consultant and advisor on new instruments. Under his leadership, a new organ was commissioned and built by Casavant Frères for the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Mo. Most recently, it was through John’s vision and design for a concert organ in Kansas City that a new instrument was commissioned and built by Casavant for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

A memorial service for John Obetz was held on March 12, at 3 p.m., at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W. 13th St. in Kansas City, Misouri

John Obetz Kansas City Star obituary

Memorial Service Program (PDF)