Organs. They’re big, loud, beautiful instruments full of tin tubes and... well, what exactly is inside of them? Why do they sound so different from so many other instruments?
An Organ Discovery Event for All the Family is a cute little show about a sleepy but inquisitive puppet named Pete and an organist (Brigitte Harris) with the answers to all his questions about the mysterious instrument. At this show, the audience will learn alongside Pete as he asks about everything from how organs make noise, to how many pipes are inside the organ at St Andrew’s and St George’s West (it’s a lot!), all while listening to Ms Harris play some lovely music.
The show is rather casual, as both organist and puppeteer clearly read from a script throughout, except for the occasions when Pete starts talking about his Aunt’s recorder. These ad libbed bits are quite funny and help to break up all the show into smaller parts of questions so no one gets too bored. Both performers also lost their place in the script numerous times throughout the show, although no one seemed to mind.
The highlight of the show was the chance for everyone to blow into organ pipes (not tubes!) to see how they sounded and how different materials and shapes make different noises. At the end of the show, each attendee gets a certificate of achievement showing all that they’ve learned and can get theirs signed by Pete and Ms Harris.
An Organ Discovery Event for All the Family is a nice show for families with small children and an inventive way for them to learn some basic information about this beautiful instrument. It’s not a professional show, but it’s not trying to present itself as one. It’s fun and it does a good job of involving kids in unique ways to keep them interested throughout.
