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The work of an organist is not always clearly visible. It is a great challenge to familiarize children with the profession of this musician in the ecclesiastical context. This can be done by regularly appointing a child as the “assistant organist” of the (Sun)day.

This project is suitable for children who occasionally or regularly attend church services. For many organists, organ love arose from a kind of temptation on Sunday, when they listened to the organ in the church as a child and were allowed to visit the organ bench. This spark can still be spread to children today. As an organist you can make this a serious task and function: for example, appoint a child once a month as “assistant organist” of the day. This child sits with the organist during the service and is given a special task in the preparations and the conduct of the service.

For example, if you repeat this monthly with another child and a little attention in the church magazine, it will be given a status that you can use to captivate and bind childrens interest for the profession of organist. It’s important to ensure a good follow-up and offer these children a few introductory lessons in a small group. Nowadays “allies”, other children who also enjoy playing the organ, are of great importance.

Details

  • Discuss the plan with those involved in liturgy and Church Youth-work and make a commitment to help recruit children.
  • Create a promotional article for church magazine and / or church website.
  • Preferably invite the first children personally, from the circle of acquaintances, and then encourage spontaneous registrations.
  • Select some music where the child can play an active role, such as helping pull some stops or playing a little part.
  • Prepare a nice personal certificate for the child, and a goody like a distinctive button, cap or t-shirt.
  • If possible: a voucher for some introduction organ lessons.
  • Make clear arrangements with the child and the parent(s) to make sure the child is present at the church on time on the agreed Sunday.
  • Let the child help with the preparatory work: getting the music ready, trying out the right stops.
  • If possible, let the child assist you with tuning the organ for the service (press keys).
  • After a short instruction, the child can help with pulling stops during the service with a (simple) piece.
  • If possible, after some preparation, the child can also play a small piece. Example: a prelude at the start of the service, small intro or ensemble, or the chords of the Amen.
  • Make the moment memorable: of course this includes a photo session and preferably also a nice personal certificate and a nice button for the child.
  • The child is introduced to the organists tasks before and during the worship service.
  • The child experiences what it is like to accompany the congregational singing.

At least a season is needed for a serious approach.

  • Prepare the project and get some kids excited.
  • With a well-designed script, the preparation per child is simple and not so time-consuming.