Programmes for School Classes
The District of Stade is home to a wealth of organs – some world-famous – featuring pipework from six centuries. The most renowned organ builder associated with the region is Arp Schnitger, whose earliest surviving organ was built 350 years ago at St. Cosmae Church in Stade.The Elbe-Weser region and especially Stade is considered to be one of the most important organ landscapes in the world. This abundance is to be presented and brought closer to young people, too.
The Orgelakademie offers to introduce children and adolescents from kindergarten until their graduation at school to the organs in the region. They will be given the opportunity to discover the structure, functioning and technology of the organ, to gain an insight into its inside and to listen to numerous tone colours of the instruments and to North German music. In a playful manner the history of music and art as well as the local history, physics and mathematics will be included.
As part of the “Historic Organs for Young People” programme, the Orgelakademie Stade introduces children and young people to significant instruments, both large and small, across the region. Tailored to suit different age groups, the sessions explore topics such as organ building, history, music, technology, physics, and mathematics. Children of all faiths and backgrounds are warmly welcome.
Our Offers Include:
- Free personalised organ tours for school classes
(all years/grades, 45 minutes – donations welcome) - Hands-on demonstration of how an organ works using the “organ suitcase” with tactile teaching materials – either in the classroom (as a supplement to a tour) or during the organ tour itself
(all years/grades groups) - Supervised construction of the “Doe-Orgel” in the classroom
(ideal for Years 3–6, but suitable for older pupils as well; 90 minutes + prep and follow-up time, hire fee: €45) - Building organ pipes (“MeloPipes”) in the classroom, followed by group music-making
(Years 3–6; 90 minutes; materials cost per child: €10 – partial financial support available through donations) - School concerts – upon invitation only, the suitable year/grade groups will be specified in the invitation
- Stade Youth Organ Forum – a summer holiday course for young people aged 12–19
- “Mr Lesser Draws an Organ” – a digital book for browsing, listening, and learning, aimed at older children and adults (recommended from Year 4 upwards)
- “The Story of Piep the Piper” – an educational film for children in Years 1–3
- Children’s books:
“The Story of Piep the Piper” and “The Big Organ Family Reunion” – for primary school-aged children - Support for school project weeks or guided organ tours as part of school outings
- Organ Discovery Days – experience awe, play, and hands-on exploration