STEAM in Action
The Granada Theater Pipe Organ Experience for Young People
Developed by BARC, STEAM in action takes students on a captivating journey through the world of sound and technology, where the grandeur of the Granada's pipe organ takes center stage. Led by Dr. Darrell Bailey, a music professor from Indiana University, this unique program will spark curiosity and ignite imaginations in students of all ages.
STEAM encourage students to explore the boundless possibilities through hands-on activities and creative projects.
The program uses the Granada's pipe organ to instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in students through their understanding of the art and science of the instrument.
The program also makes use of an innovative educational tool – the Orgel – an organ that students will build themselves while at the Granada Theater: Orgel Kids USA
Dr. Darrell Bailey, a music professor from IUPUI in Indianapolis, delivers in-theater lessons on STEAM concepts using the organ, while also demonstrating how a theater organ entertained audiences during the early days of motion pictures.
Pictured: Dr. Bailey playing the Granada Theater's 1927 Wurlitzer pipe organ, with students.
Learning objectives include encouraging creativity in students using science, technology, math, and engineering, and giving students a perspective on the history of technology and the movies.
Science
Explore the Bernoulli Principle and its effect in organ pipes compared to air wing lift.
Technology
Understand the functioning of the wind chest as the "computer" of the organ.
Engineering
Understand design principles in the electrical system and key action of levers in the organ, and how those mechanics are found and used in other non-musical equipment and machines.
Arts
Experience musical styles of the theater organ and the history of music in the movies and show how the theater organ in the silent movie era was the equivalent of the use of AI and CGI in today's movies.
Mathematics
Explore how mathematical concepts factor into music, including how the Pythagorean Theorem explains musical tuning and acoustics.
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