Halloween would not be complete without a soundtrack of scary organ music.
The Eugene chapter of the American Guild of Organists certainly agrees.
On Oct. 28 at 5 p.m., they will present the fourth annual Pipe Screams, an evening of organ music, costumes, candy and door prizes hosted by Marc Mullins of KMTR-TV.
Bob Thompson, dean of the local AGO chapter, said it will be a fun, wild evening.
“We don’t get too serious about it,” he said. “There will be four or five organists playing funny pieces and wearing funny costumes.”
“We will have bagpipes and a drum making music on the steps while people are gathering and there will be free candy handed out,” he added.
The venue will be full of Halloween decorations, including fog pots and dry ice.
The concert will be at an earlier time this year because the holiday falls on a Wednesday, Thompson said.
Dr. Barbara Baird, organ and harpsichord instructor at the University’s Music School, will be one of the performers.
Pipe Screams is the only fundraiser that helps keep the Organ Loft, a weekly program of organ music, on KWAX. The program is only broadcast in two cities: Seattle on KING-FM and Eugene.
Entrance to the event is free but donations are appreciated.
Thompson said the AGO is the largest organization in the world dedicated to a single instrument.
“It’s been around for 125 years or more.”
According to the Guild’s Web site, the AGO serves more than 20,000 members in 348 chapters throughout the United States, Europe, Korea and Argentina.
Eric McKirdy, AGO secretary said Pipe Screams is appropriate for any age.
“I have been involved with the event for the past three years,” he said. “It’s an evening of spooky organ music, comedy and more for all ages.”