Young musicians and curious kids ages 8 and up are invited to take part in a free, hands-on music workshop on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. that brings together history, science, engineering, creativity and sound at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Wilton Presbyterian Church in Wilton.
Designed as a STEAM-style educational experience, the Pedals, Pipes, Pizza & Orgelkids program combines music, mechanics and hands-on learning. Children will learn how pipe organs work and hear demonstrations, and students who already play piano or another instrument are encouraged to bring their music and try it on the organ keyboards.
The program is ideal for piano students, young instrumentalists, homeschoolers and families who value hands-on learning experiences. No prior organ experience is required, just curiosity and an interest in music.
The event also offers students a rare opportunity to be guided by some of Fairfield County’s most respected church musicians as they see, touch and play two pipe organs in one visit.
A highlight of the event is the OrgelKids Kit, an internationally recognized educational program that allows students to work together to build a fully functioning mini pipe organ. With guidance from professional musicians, children learn how sound is produced, how pipes work, and how this historic instrument connects to what they already know from piano and other instruments.
Once built, the organ is played by the students themselves.
The event will be held at the WEPCO complex and is hosted by both St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Wilton Presbyterian Church, so their shared located at the same address will allow participants to explore two very different instruments in a single morning.
Leading the workshop are professional organists from the Greater Bridgeport Chapter of the American Guild of Organists along with the music directors at both churches — St. Matthew’s Director of Music Ministries Irina Georgieva and Wilton Presbyterian Music Director Rodney Loren.
“The pipe organ has been referred to as the king of instruments for good reason: its complexity and tonal variety was unmatched before the advent of the synthesizer and digital sounds,” Loren said. “I was drawn to the instrument as a child for the possibilities of sound combinations and I’m fascinated as an adult by the mechanics involved to generate music.”
Georgieva is also looking forward to the program.
“The morning promises hands-on discovery, inspiring music, and plenty of fun,” Georgieva said. “Many children have never seen an organ up close. This workshop lets them explore, experiment, and experience music in a completely new way. The event will conclude with pizza and a celebration of new musical friendships.”
The event is free and open to the community, and pizza will be provided.
Registration is required and can be done online.