POE+

The Pipe Organ Encounter+

• Is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization.
• Is a national program sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Participants are admitted to POE+s 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 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.
• Is open to organists ranging from beginners (proficient pianists who will learn the basics of organ playing) to advanced.
• 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. Other topics include a general overview of organ literature, history, and pipe organ construction and design.
• 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.

2024 POE+ Events

AGO Covid Policy (Approved by AGO National Council Nov. 5, 2021)

All AGO events (chapter, regional and national) must follow the COVID policies/rules in place in the state and county where the event takes place, and any additional mandates of any facilities being used.
AGO leaders, may, at their discretion, enforce stricter policies than those of the state/county in which the AGO event takes place.