Children invited to learn about pipe organ at NWC event

Northwestern College and the South Dakota Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza,” an event encouraging students in grades 5-12 to explore the pipe organ, on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The event begins with registration in Northwestern’s Christ Chapel at 8:30 a.m. The first session starts at 9, and a pizza lunch from noon to 12:30 will conclude the event. A registration fee of $15 includes materials and pizza. For more information, contact MaryLou Wielenga, Northwestern’s college organist, at 712-439-2149.

The morning’s activities will include an introduction to the organ and the opportunity for students to listen to and play the four-manual Van Daalen organ in Christ Chapel as well as the three-manual Phelps organ at Orange City’s American Reformed Church. Participants are encouraged to bring piano or organ music to play.

“Pedals, Pipes and Pizza” is among a number of local activities that will celebrate 2008–09 as the International Year of the Organ. Wielenga will play organ with Northwestern’s Symphonic Band on Niagara Falls by Michael Daugherty at its Nov. 14 concert, and she will participate in Christmas Vespers services Dec. 6–7. On Jan. 30, Northwestern will host an Organ Plus recital—including organ, various other instruments and voice—given by members of the adjunct music faculty.