backrest on bench

[jbourne]

The CCRC where I am one of several organists has installed a back rest on the organ bench. It cramps my mobility badly. Has The American Organist or any other professional journal addressed this problem?

[KC9UDX]

What was the reason they did that?

[jbourne]

Someone gave a gift in memory of the congregation's regular organist and without checking with anybody, they had a rest built and installed. In addition to playing, I also host a concert series (we have an 1869 Jardine tracker) in the same room. So my credibility with recitalists is shot!

[myorgan]

I'm not sure what the CCRC is, but the backrest should not have been designed and installed without checking with ALL the organists first (unless you have an organist in charge). Personally, I prefer a backrest because during concerts I can sometimes sit idle for an entire movement or two of a symphony. The backrest helps elongate my time on the bench by allowing me to rest my back when not playing.

However, if the person installing/designing the backrest has designed it so it is too far forward on the bench, I can see where it could restrict mobility. On the other hand, none of my organs with backrests have it so far forward they restrict movement.

Do you feel comfortable sharing specifically how the rest unreasonably restricts your movement?

BTW, welcome to the Forum. I hope you continue to participate here.

Michael

P.S. I've never seen anything regarding the topic in TAO, but I could have missed it. You can search their website, though.

[Piperdane]

Recently played a III/33 Schantz that had the backrest installed. Severely cramped my movement at the console ... and the bench was backed up to the railing wall in the gallery. I'm 6'5" and need room to move.

Fortunately the organist was able to remove the backrest for my program.

I would rather have a bench height adjuster as opposed to a backrest.

[jbourne]

Yes, they should have checked with ALL the organists, but that ship has sailed. I've had both hips replaced so my back is not a problem. I shift myself backward every time I'm not playing to redistribute my weight on my thighs. Every time I lean back to look for a toe stud, I hit my shoulder blade. Heck, the first time I closed the console, I hit my crazy bone! All the organists here are female. All my recitalists are male and some are good sized. Have managed to have it temporarily removed (major task) before Michael Britt plays here 10/14. He's doing a 45 minute silent film.
CCRC = continuing care retirement community