Ixworth Church Pipe Organ

In Autumn term 2022 Years 3 and 4 studied pneumatics. As part of their studies they visited St Mary The Virgin Church in Ixworth where Mr Grant Vicat, the organist (and former organ builder), showed the children how pneumatics are essential to the organ making sound.

Organ1

Mr Vicat opened parts at the front of the organ so the children could see more of the workings. and asked the children to try playing a note. No sound came out! So he asked what they thought made it play. After some discussion they realised the pipes needed air.

Organ2

So they explored round the back of the organ where they found the blowing apparatus (bellows). They worked out that they needed to be inflated as it was air pressure from the bellows that allowed the organ to make sound.

Organ4

They worked out that there was an electric blower that usually inflates the bellows, and they saw the lever that was used to pump the bellows before the electric blower was installed. They had a go and found out how just much effort was needed to inflate them!

Organ3b

They could see the movement as the bellows inflated.

Organ7

Mr Vicat also explained how the size of the pipes affects the air going through and, therefore, the sound they make.

Organ6

Everyone was able to have a go at making music themselves!