Welcome to the Utah Valley and Salt Lake Pipe Organ Encounter 2016! Pipe Organ Encounters are the most successful outreach program sponsored by the AGO.

Click here for the brochure.

The Utah POE will offer teenagers a rewarding opportunity to learn more about the pipe organ and its construction, receive instruction from experienced faculty, participate in visits to hear and play outstanding instruments on Temple Square and prominent organs in local churches, and the chance to meet and interact with peers who share a mutual interest in the “King of Instruments.”

The Utah Pipe Organ Encounter will take place July 25-30 in Salt Lake City. The POE is for teens, ages 13-18.  All registrations will take place exclusively online at the AGO national website:https://www.agohq.org/education/poe/.

Please Note: Registration for the POE is done exclusively on the national AGO website, but full payment is due at the time of registration by check only. Checks are made payable to Utah Valley American Guild of Organists, with Utah POE written in the subject line. Please send your check with a copy of the payment form from the brochure or a copy of your registration receipt to:

Dorothy Jensen
Utah Valley AGO POE Registrar
535 E 2200 N
Provo, UT 84604

POE Registration Fee: $525
POE Early Bird Registration Fee: $450
Early Bird Registration Deadline: April 1, 2016
Final Registration Deadline: July 1, 2016

The Traditional Pipe Organ Encounter…

  • Is a 4-5 day event organized by a local AGO chapter under the sponsorship of the national organization. It introduces participants to the world of the pipe organ.
  • Is a national program sponsored by the American Guild of Organists. Students are admitted to POEs 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: Students should be aged 13-18, be interested in the pipe organ, and have piano or organ proficiency ranging from intermediate to advanced.
  • Provides an opportunity for students to have individual and group instruction in the basic rudiments of pipe organ technique and service playing.
  • Provides a general overview of organ literature, history, pipe organ construction and design, improvisation and other related topics.
  • 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.

 

 

Nick Banks is, as he puts it, “a young, single-adult college student” with a passion for playing organs, especially pipe organs.  He routinely searches for and locates pipe organs in churches, concert halls, event centers, and other venues in the vicinity of his home in Utah County and reports his findings on a blog.  Most of the organs and their locations are given to him by word of mouth from friends and family. His posts reflect his total joy and excitement in finding, playing, and photographing the instruments.

Nick created the blog in August 2014 to document his excursions, so that all who wish to find a pipe organ in close proximity may do so. The blog can be found at Pedals and Pipework. Nick has reviewed over 30 pipe organs, including a few digital organs, from Logan to Springville, with organs in Spanish Fork still on his wish list. He provides the location of each instrument with photos and a stop list.  A visit to his site is highly recommended; you may be pleasantly surprised by what is found there.  And, by the way, make his day; leave a comment, or use the contact form to tell him about other pipe organs in the area.

The Utah Valley Chapter is made up of organists and organ enthusiasts just like you! We extend a cordial invitation to join with us  in promoting the organ, encouraging excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and participating in a forum for the mutual support, inspiration, and education of our members.

The AGO is dedicated to ensuring another generation of musicians and enthusiasts of organ and choral music. The Guild has programs, both on the local and national levels, that span every age group and level of proficiency.

AGO offers various certification levels to help facilitate and encourage learning and skill development. 

 

Our chapter is committed to helping all organists—beginners to advanced—by offering workshops, lectures, recitals, and other activities to help improve their organ skills. Anyone who is interested in the organ, even if you’re not an organist, is invited to come learn with us.