Orgelkids is an educational project started in The Netherlands in 2009 by music teacher Lydia Vroegindeweij directed towards cultural legacy and education about the pipe organ and its music. In a nutshell, kids cannot cherish what they do not know – they must be taught. Here is a good overview of the program: Orgelkids Wikipedia article
By 2013, Lydia needed a hands-on teaching aid. Wim Janssen, retired Dutch organ builder, rose to the occasion by designing and building the “Do-Organ”, the first Orgelkids organ. It is designed as kit to be presented to kids unassembled in a box. The magical characteristic is the hands-on involvement of the kids themselves. In 30 to 45 minutes, they actually build a two octave, two rank pipe organ which they can then play themselves. The experience is quite captivating to kids of all ages, regardless of musical interest or training. It is a wonderful way to introduce the King of Instruments to children.

The program continues to grow. Orgelkids World Map Orgelkids USA has been serving as a pilot program in the States since 2016. In 2108, RCCO launched the most ambitious Orgelkids initiative in the world with the introduction of OrgelkidsCAN: eight Orgelkids organs have been produced by Orgues Letourneau, one for each RCCO division. The OrgelkidsCAN kits are available to RCCO Centres and school boards to rent via an online booking program. Programs wishing to add Orgelkids to their curriculum may commission a kit from the builders in the Netherlands or in the USA. Blueprints may be licensed by organ builders to produce an Orgelkids organ, too. Opus 1 was created from these blueprints with locally obtained mill lumber by Ron Dossenbach.

Opus 1 Goes on Tour!
In late September 2018, Opus 1 toured the Southwestern Michigan area for one week, hosted by the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

“The Dossenbach Opus 1 instrument proved to be a big hit in SW Michigan – with both the young and the young-at-heart.  The sincere interest and look of joy and surprise on the faces of the many who encountered the instrument highlight the importance of our work as a Guild and that the organ indeed still can draw interest and enthusiasm.  This instrument (and others like it) have the potential to really change the perception of the organ in our culture.”
-Steven White, Dean of SW MI AGO Chapter

“Opus 1 and the Orgelkids program have had an enormous impact on our Southwest Michigan community. Over the numerous public events we held, it was noted that some attendees had traveled 50+ miles so that they and their children could build, play, and learn about the pipe organ. There were also numerous people, musicians and non-musicians alike, who came to more than one event. This speaks volumes to how meaningful (and rare) it is to encounter a hands-on educational experience about the pipe organ. Opus 1 was also brought to area elementary schools. Students were excited to help build the instrument, but elated when they heard it once it was built. There is absolutely no comparison to a hands-on, interactive presentation; this has made the pipe organ approachable to our community!”
-Graeme Shields, Sub-dean of SW MI AGO Chapter

Experience Orgelkids and Opus 1
Opus 1 is available for building workshops for your group. School classes, Sunday Schools, Scout or Guide groups all work well, as everyone loves building, then playing the little organ. For details, contact Ron at rondossenbach@gmail.com.

See and hear Opus 1:
Dossen Fantasy composed and played by Henry Boon

Suite du premier ton (Récit) by Denis Bédard

First Public Performance

How Orgelkids Goes Together: Original Dutch Orgelkids Designer