EDMONDS — The number of people who play the pipe organ is beginning to dwindle.
The Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists wants to halt that decline.
To encourage young people to learn more about the great keyboard instrument, the guild is sponsoring a workshop called “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza,” set for April 23 in Edmonds.
The deadline to register is April 9.
Piano students ages 9 through 16 who have reached at least an intermediate level are encouraged to learn more about pipe organs.
Chapter members have donated time and local churches have offered the use of their instruments to make the workshop possible.
“The future of the organ as a foundation for worship services depends on our efforts to reach out and encourage young musicians who may be interested in adding the organ to their keyboard skills,” said guild member Rita Stoess.
The workshop begins at 9 a.m. April 23 at Edmonds United Methodist Church, 828 Caspers St. Parents can pick up their children at 3 p.m. at the church.
In the morning, guild members will present a general introduction to the pipe organ, which will include a demonstration of how a pipe organ works and the various families of organ pipes and stops. The session also includes the performance of a piece on a large pipe organ and a short video, as well as a hands-on introduction to the harpsichord.
Following a pizza lunch, students will be divided into smaller groups and will have an opportunity to participate in a group lesson on two pipe organs. Some of the groups will visit other nearby churches during the afternoon sessions. Students should prepare and bring a favorite piece of piano music, as they will have an opportunity to play it on a pipe organ during the afternoon sessions.
The cost for the workshop is $10. More information and a registration form are available on the chapter website at agoseattle.com.
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