Pipe Organ Encounter
Pipe Organ Encounter
July 22- 28, 2012
A week-long program for young keyboard players –
Explore the wonders of the pipe organ and meet new friends who share your musical interest.
Enjoy a week of summer fun on the beautiful University of San Diego college campus.
Take organ lessons with an experienced organ teacher.
See, hear and play some of the world’s finest pipe organs!
Our POE is currently full. However, we are accepting students with complete applications to a waiting list. If any currently enrolled students withdraw from the POE, wait listed students will be enrolled from the waiting list to the POE on a first come, first served basis.
Come join the fun!
This is a wonderful opportunity for young people in middle and high school who have some keyboard training to spend a week exploring the wonders of the pipe organ, the “King of Instruments.” A fun-filled week of private lessons, workshops, tours, recreation and a closing student recital is planned. The daily schedule will include: breakfast, private lessons, practice, lunch, recreation, dinner, individual practice, organ tours, ensemble playing and concerts. Students will be introduced to basic organ technique, hymn playing, and organ repertoire. Lessons will be available for all levels of playing ability.
Who can attend?
Anyone between the ages of 13 and 18 with some keyboard background is eligible to apply. Previous organ study is not necessary, but some piano proficiency (intermediate level) is required.
Registration 
Our POE is currently full. However, we are creating a waiting list of students submitting complete applications. Applications and early registration fees will be accepted immediately through March 15th, 2012. The comprehensive fee of $425 covers tuition, materials, chartered bus transportation for group activities, transportation in private cars to and from daily lessons, and meals from Sunday, July 22, (dinner) through Saturday, July 28, (breakfast) at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California. After March 15th, 2012 the registration fee is $450. This fee includes a one‐year student membership in the AGO. The cost of transportation to and from the University of San Diego is the student’s responsibility. Parents, family members, and friends are invited to the final recital on July 28th at 10:00 am.
Registration Deadline
The deadline for receiving applications and registration fees is April 30, 2012. A refund of fees paid, less a $100.00 processing fee, will be made upon written request received or postmarked by April 30, 2012. No refunds will be made following April 30, 2012. Enrollment is limited to 26 students. Applicants will be accepted in the order in which registrations are received. A waiting list will be maintained once registration is filled.
Sponsorship
Pipe Organ Encounters is an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists. Major funding for Pipe Organ Encounters is provided by the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America. The American Institute of Organ Builders provides additional support. Permanently endowed AGO scholarships are provided in memory of Charlene Brice Alexander, Robert S. Baker, Seth Bingham, Clarence Dickinson, Philip Hahn, Charles N. Henderson, Alfred E. Lunsford, Ruth Milliken, Ned Siebert and Martin M. Wick; and in honor of Anthony Baglivi, Philip E. Baker, Morgan and Mary Simmons and the Leopold Foundation.
Scholarships 
Scholarship assistance is available through the American Guild of Organists. You may contact Kimberly Bedell at POE@agosd.org with quetions. Additionally, students may also contact AGO chapters and/or religious institutions if financial aid is needed.
Facilities
The University of San Diego campus is in a beautiful, secluded area north of Mission Valley in San Diego, CA. Students will occupy dormitory rooms on the campus. Most meals will be served in the university-dining hall. Full-time POE committee chaperones and campus security officers will be on duty at all times. All activities and events will be fully supervised by teachers and the POE Committee. Students may arrive on Sunday, July 22nd, between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Venues
Venues will include Balboa Park with the World’s largest outdoor pipe organ; First Presbyterian and First Methodist Churches of San Diego; with visits to Crystal Cathedral and Walt Disney Music Hall.
Faculty
Our faculty of outstanding teachers will include some of the great organists of California. Students will have lessons every morning.
Transportation
Those students arriving by air will find Lindbergh Field in San Diego the most convenient airport. For those traveling by air or train, we will provide transportation to USD.
Click here for the application form
Click here for the scholarship application form
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