Orgelkids USA is a small, fully functional pipe organ designed to teach children of all ages how a pipe organ works.  Advent Lutheran's first experience with Orgelkids was mid-March 2019 when we borrowed a kit. It was built 33 times by a total of 460 people. Vincent M. Ryan, Minister of Music at Advent Lutheran Church, Harleysville presented the instrument to 29 classes in local schools and communities before delivering it to its next destination in York, PA. Orgelkids USA, a non-profit organization based in Corvallis, OR, is directed by Erin Scheesele. Originating in the Netherlands, it was brought to the USA by Erin with a lot of help from her son. For the full story, visit orgelkidsusa.org

Some highlights of the Philadelphia area Orgelkids tour included: 

• The Adult Sunday School class at church not only built this organ, but did so adjacent to our sanctuary instrument. They were able to compare and contrast the two, even using proper terminology. Are there many parishioners (not involved with an organ build or restoration) who can do so? 
• We formed a small instrument ensemble that played along with the organ to lead worship for three Sundays. 
• Prior to class, one middle-school teacher informed me that the 8th grade boys would usually rather be elsewhere. My expectations were set to encounter some resistance. Of the 56 students that day, these ten boys were the most engaged! They were attentive from the moment they entered the room, through the building process, playing and disassembly. 
• On a Saturday evening, we hosted a Pipes and Pinot party. A relaxing evening of friends gathered for hors d'oeuvres, wine, and organ building (and playing). 
• A high school senior was completely and viscerally joyful when the organ began playing. An elementary school student giggled uncontrollably. 
• Fifth grade girls were spotted writng down terminology (unprompted) such as mortise, tenon and tusk, as well as the website for OrgelKidsUSA.org so they could learn more at home. 

They typical construction began with a life-skills question: "How do you get the elephant out of the jello box?" Answer: "Read the instructions!" 133 pieces were laid out on three tables. Students were given brief instructions and divided into groups. Each group also had clear printed instructions that described every step. Despite some requisite explanation, my goal was to allow the students the room they needed to explore - with teamwork - by doing. Once a group completed a step, they were expected to explain what they did and how it works to the rest of the class. The groups then combined to learn from each other and create the final assembly. They took turns as calcant and organist. The organ was usually completed and played in about 40 minutes. 

Ages of the students ranged from 5 to 90, and their backgrounds included musicians, science students, visual artists, organ builders, etc. Depending on the audience and time available, we were able to discuss organ history, ancient woodworking and joining techniques, the physics of sound in a pipe, math, tuning and winder pressure Students were given age-appropriate handouts and worksheets or coloring pages, and invited to visit our church (or to speak to their own church organist) to see and hear a full-sized instrument. 

"My sincerest thanks goes to Mr. Ryan for providing this amazing opportunity for our students!" - Eric Stover, music teacher at West Broad Street Elementary school to his students' parents. 

The American Guild of Organsts (AGO) hosted a virtual Organfest 2020 over the summer.  One of the workshops was hosted by Erin Scheessele, director of Orgelkids USA.  Advent is specifically mentioned on the map and three of our pictures are featured in the video.

Check it out here:  

Orgelkids USA: How to Harness This Powerful Tool (Scheessele)