Pogorzelski-Yankee Memorial Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Guild of Organists

Overview
The AGO Committee on Scholarships will award two Pogorzelski‑Yankee Scholarships of $15,000 each to students who will be enrolled full time at an accredited college, university, or conservatory in the 2026–27 undergraduate academic year. Previous awardees may submit new applications, but awards are not automatically renewed.

Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must:
- Demonstrate verifiable financial need.
- Intend to devote a substantial portion of the two years immediately following graduation to organ-related activities such as teaching, performing, or another serious professional pursuit involving the organ.
- Be members of the American Guild of Organists (AGO).
- Not be children or grandchildren of current AGO staff, board members, or members of the scholarship committee.
- Not be related to Ronald G. Pogorzelski or Lester D. Yankee.

Performance submission requirements
Applicants must provide three unedited, continuous video recordings made within six months of the application deadline showing the applicant at the organ console. The three performances are:
1. A work by J.S. Bach (if choosing a trio sonata, include two movements: either I & II or II & III).
2. A contrasting piece composed after 1800.
3. One hymn from the list below, performed using the version specified:
- ADORO DEVOTE (The Hymnal 1982)
- DUST SPLENDOR — “Dust, Remember You Are Splendor” (Resounding Voices; see Resounding Voices resource)
- INNISFREE FARM (The Hymnal 1982)
- LAUDA ANIMA (The Hymnal 1982)

Time limits and hymn performance
- The combined duration of the two repertoire pieces (Bach and the post‑1800 work) must not exceed 30 minutes. The hymn performance is excluded from that 30‑minute total.
- For the hymn, perform an introduction and a complete setting that would support congregational singing (all verses).

Technical and judging notes
- Recordings must clearly show the applicant at the organ console and be of sufficient audio/video quality to permit a fair evaluation. Different instruments may be used across submissions, but each instrument must be identified (specify make/model and location).
- No editing of individual pieces is permitted; each piece should be recorded and presented in a single, continuous take.
- Submissions will be evaluated on musical quality and appropriateness for the performer’s current level rather than on repertoire difficulty. Applicants are encouraged to seek help from a teacher, technical advisor, or school representative to produce acceptable recordings.

Application materials (additional required documents)
1. Two letters of recommendation: one from the applicant’s most recent organ teacher and one from another music or education professional.
2. Two essays (each up to 500 words):
- Essay A: Explain why you need this scholarship, describing the extent of your financial need and any extenuating circumstances.
- Essay B: Describe your commitment to the organ, including career goals and how you plan to pursue organ-related work beyond your undergraduate degree.
Essays should be written at the level expected of an incoming or current college student and will be assessed for both content and clarity of composition.
3. Family income documentation: either the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the 2026–27 FAFSA or a financial aid evaluation form completed by your university’s financial aid office.
4. An official transcript from high school or college.
5. Copies of admission and financial aid award letters from the institution you will attend.

If you have questions about any requirement or need clarification on documentation, contact the AGO scholarship office before submitting your application.