Hello and welcome to the Windsor-Essex RCCO Centre webpage. We are so very pleased you stopped by.
We are an organization promoting the organ as a wonderful musical instrument here in Essex County and Windsor.
Please take the time and look around at the events we have coming up and some of the organs here in our area. If you would like to receive regular updates from us, be sure to register for email newsletters on this page. Enjoy your visit!
The pipes have spoken, and the title has returned home. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Windsor-Essex Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) successfully reclaimed its status as the Organ Capital of Canada.
In a stunning display of community spirit and musical curiosity, our “Organ Play-in” event didn’t just meet its ambitious goals—it blew them away. We are thrilled to announce that a total of 265 people took to the organ benches across the region. This achievement effectively shattered our previous record by 126 people, far surpassing our initial target of 200 participants.
The event, held from 10:00 a.m. to noon, transformed eight local venues into hubs of musical exploration. From Windsor to Leamington, the “King of Instruments” was accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Participants were invited to sit at the consoles, explore the “superpowers” of the instrument, and make a joyful noise.
The historic day took place at these eight host locations:
The beauty of the day was found in its inclusivity. The organ truly proved to be an instrument for every generation. Highlighting the event’s “all ages” appeal, our youngest player of the day was just 2 years old, proving that you are never too young to experience the thrill of the pipes.
Whether it was a toddler pressing their first key, a curious neighbor playing “Chopsticks,” or a seasoned musician revisiting the manuals, the atmosphere was one of pure fun and awe-inspiring sound.
Beyond the record-breaking numbers, the event served as a vital bridge between the RCCO and the community. Attendees had the chance to learn about our training programs, scholarships, and the benefits of joining a national community that supports the performance and appreciation of organ music.
The Windsor-Essex Centre first set the record in 2022, and after briefly losing the title to the Victoria RCCO Centre in 2024, the energy of this year’s “Play-in” has put us firmly back on the map. We thank every volunteer, host venue, and most importantly, every one of the 265 players who helped us make history.
The “King of Instruments” has never sounded better in Windsor-Essex.
We did it, again! Thanks to your incredible enthusiasm, our region has officially reclaimed its title as the Organ Capital of Canada!
In a whirlwind 2-hour span, an astonishing 265 participants across 8 different locations sat down at a console, learned the basics, and played a pipe organ. This massive community effort successfully brought the national record straight back home.
Thank you Windsor Essex! We could not have done this without you.
Windsor Essex took a massive step toward reclaiming its title as the Organ Capital of Canada on Saturday, April 25th, proving that pipe organs are definitely not just your grandparents’ playlist!
Our region’s International Organ Day was an absolute blast. We opened up the consoles and invited curious minds of all ages to pull out the stops, step on the pedals, and made some noise.
From seasoned masters sharing their lifelong passion to teenagers realizing that playing a pipe organ feels a lot like operating a massive, musical spaceship – it was a day of incredible community connection.
Organists in Action! 📸
An event of this scale does not just happen by pushing a button. It takes an incredible community to bring an operation like this to life.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the local venues that opened their doors and shared their beautiful instruments with the community: Church of the Epiphany, St. Johns Anglican Church, Tecumseh United Church, Académie Ste-Cécile International School, All Saints’ Anglican Church, Corpus Christi Church, Corpus Christi Church and Paulin Memorial Church.
Are you interested in learning how to play the organ or want to attend our next event? Keep an eye on the Windsor Essex RCCO Facebook Page to see how you can get involved!
We are calling on the community to join an unforgettable celebration on Saturday, April 25th, International Organ Day, as we set out to reclaim our title as the Organ Capital of Canada!
Our exciting “Organ Play-in” event will be happening at 8 locations across the region from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
All are invited to drop in, sit at the keyboards of the “King of Instruments,” and play anything you like. Come listen, explore, and experience the organ’s rich, powerful, awe-inspiring sound up close!
This joyful, hands-on event is all about celebrating the organ and its music – and about setting a new record for the most people playing an organ on International Organ Day. Windsor Essex proudly set the very first record in 2023, only to see it claimed by the Victoria RCCO Centre in 2025…It’s time to take it back!
Our ambitious goal is to welcome 200 people from across Windsor and Essex County to experience the thrill of making an organ sing. No formal keyboard experience? No problem! Everyone who participates will also have the opportunity to learn more about the RCCO, including our training programs and scholarships.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25, bring your friends, neighbours, children, and grandchildren – help us put Windsor Essex back on the map as the Organ Capital of Canada!
Here is your link to the Sping, 2026 edition of our newsletter
https://rcco-windsor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-03-01-Quater-Notes.pdf Quarter Notes, Spring, 2026