Meet the King of Instruments--a resource for use with primary school classes

“The King of Instruments”

Primary School Introductory Workshop Package

Procedures have been developed in association with two Kent organists, Dr Berkeley Hill and Stephen Pinnock, the aim being to introduce whole classes from primary schools to the pipe organ in their local church. The procedures were developed in association with schools in Hythe and Saltwood in a way that ensures the school staff retain responsibility for safeguarding and moving children to the church and back to school. It fits well with the music syllabus of the national curriculum, and the responses from school staff and pupils have been rewardingly positive. 

In each 45-minute (approx) session the pupils learn about:

• how the organ works and sounds;
• its mechanism (in general terms).

Each pupil has an opportunity to: 

• play notes (assuming the console is reasonably accessible to a line of children for a few seconds each);
• play simple percussion while the organ is played in a march or other music to demonstrate its versatility;
• listen to a piece played on the organ.

The package is available for download using this link:

If you would like more information please contact Janet Hughes: janetm.hughes@btinternet.com.