Finding an Organ to play

[jskumro]

I need some advice on something.</p>

 As most of you have read from my last post, I am not only new to the forum, but new to Organ playing as well. At this point, I don't have a job yet, other than a fill-in at my Church over the summer... Hopefully. So I don't have much to play for, other than enjoyment.</p>

 At my RC Church, is (what I presume to be) a mid-70s Allen "Digital Computer Organ." It has two manuals, and a fairly full size, radiating pedalboard. I really enjoy playing it, the few times that I have. It's a nice instrument for a digital Organ, I presume. </p>

 I REALLY want to play a Pipe Organ, just for fun. I have played on the Hook &amp; Hastings Organ at St. Joseph Cathedral in Buffalo (AMAZING!) But that was only for about 2 minutes, so I didn't really get to do much with it. I got an Organ demonstration, and thorough explanaition of how it works and it's history.</p>

 Anyway, I live about 30 minutes south of Buffalo. Some of you probably know that Buffalo has a pretty decent amount of nice Pipe Organs. </p>

 So my question is. When it comes to playing one, is it appropriate to just ask if I can play it? I don't know what the etiquette is. But I would really love to be able to just sit down at a Pipe Organ for a few hours, and just play and explore it. </p>

 Any recommendations on how to approach this issue is appreciated! If possible, I would love to find somewhere that wouldn't mind me playing their Organ on a somewhat regular basis.</p>

 Thanks,</p>

 </p>

Joel </p>

[soubasse32]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



I have acouple of thoughts, and some questions...</P>


Do you play well? If you have something a bit beyondbasic keyboard skills you may find it easier to be given permission to play.</P>


I see you are thinking about joining the AGO; what an excellent idea! Once you join you will start receiving newsletters from your local chapter; thesetypically havelistings of local events. At these events you will be able to meet other organists in your area, and I'm sure they will be able to help you find instruments to play.</P>


Do you have any inclination to study the organ? If you can find a good teacher that would be very helpful. They can assist you in finding places to practice (perhaps at the church where you take your lessons). They can also help you learn about the organ and can help with other important topics, such as registration.</P>


After you find an instrument to play ... mybest advice for any'newbie' organists is toavoid the temptation toplay as loudly as possible. [:)] Non-organists (such as folks working in the church office) sometimes have the idea that this can somehowdamage the instrument. That is not likely, but you want to remain in the good graces of anyone who gives you permission to play. It takes discipline to practice on only a few stops, but this is the very best way to focus on technique (and preserve your hearing). Once in a while it is good to blast away, but only if you are sure nobody can hear you. [:)]</P>


Good luck!</P>

[jskumro]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



Thanks! </p>

 Do I play well? Well, I don't know. I think I play pretty well considering I have had no formal training or instruction. Basically I sat down at the Organ at Church one day and began to play.. In a little while, I made the instrument sound pretty darn good. I'm not perfect.. Or anything close, but I would like to explore a little more and learn more about the nature of the instrument. </p>

As for studying. I would really enjoy taking lessons, but right now, time is extremely lacking in my life. I'm a college student, I work a decent amount of hours at my primary job, I sing with the local Philhamonic Chorus and Orchestra, etc. Eventually I plan on taking lessons, but at this time it's just not possible.</p>

 I definitely understand what you mean about playing loudly. An Organist and fellow chorister that showed me around the St. Joseph Cathedral Organ told me how important that is, and demonstrated the intensit that can come out of playing on softer stops. It's all very interesting. </p>

So, for someone like me who won't be taking lessons in the very near future, how do you recommend approaching this? Should I simply ask if I can play, or demonstrate? I really would like to get myself out there. There is a very small Lutheran Church nearby.. They have a Pipe Organ within, and I would love to play that instrument. A friend of mine is a member of the parish, and said they need an Organist as well. </p>

There is also a Moller Organ on campus at the college I attend, but I don't know their standing on letting non majors play it.. That I will find out. </p>

 I just need some pointers.. I woulld REALLY like an organ in my home, but it's not feasible... We already have two Pianos, and I think my parents would have a stroke if I decided to add an Organ to the collection. </p>

[crapmaster]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



I've been studying for several years and I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it has been to get practice time at local churches. I mostly practice at the church where I am a member (and the organist there is my teacher), but I moved recently to a neighborhood that has a really marvelous instrument and they let me practice 8 hours a week there, no questions asked. The organ at my church was recently inoperative for a month, and I had no trouble at all getting practice time on other instruments. Nobody asked what my skill level was or anything like that. It may have helped that I am a member of a church in the same denomination, but I don't think it made that big a difference. </P>


I'm always reluctant to play too loudly or loudly at all - I rarely pull a reed or mixture unless given a direct order by my esteemed teacher!</P>

[Guest]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



I have found that many places are very willing to allow a person to practice unless it is a very prominent and/or expensive instrument. But even still, there are so few organists in the world, most are happy to allow someone to practice becasue inside they are hoping they have found another organist.</P>


As for lessons, you may be interested in this link.</P>


http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/courses/de...Self%252DStudy</P>


This is a link to a free on line course for the pipe organ. Of course you will still need to someday find an instructor to play for, but the information in this course is very useful and may help you feel a bit more experienced when approaching someone to ask for practice time.</P>


Dave</P>

[Austin766]

Re: Finding an Organ to play

In my experience, it doesn't hurt to ask. In fact, many of the folks I have asked are/were happy to allow me to play at their churches (when they aren't playing/practicing[:)]). Of course, I also garnered a fair amount of goodwill from my local AGO chapter through my high school senior project. I have been given permission to play/practice on two Holtkamps (1952 and 1982), an Austin (1928), a Moeller Artiste (3r. 1955) and a Hradetzky (1986). And soon, I'll most likely get permission to play another Holtkamp (1934), which has been moved from its original church to my teacher's current church.

[jskumro]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



Thanks guys!</p>

 I guess I'll just start getting to know people. That sounds like the best idea.. I'd really like to find a place to play. My church is pretty okay with me playing the Organ. However I'd really like to play a Pipe Organ. So, we'll see how that goes! </p>

[nullogik]

Re: Finding an Organ to play



I find most local Churches very welcoming unless the instrument is particularly prized (like those in the larger Churches/Cathedrals etc.) in which case they guard their organs with knives and daggers.
</p>

I would say that to improve your chances (of having multiple goes) you should maybe prepare a piece (needn't be anything complicated or even the use of pedals) or a hymn which you can play pretty much without fault when given the opportunity. There is nothing more discouraging than having someone come up and ask for a go for them to sit down and attempt a poor rendition of "chopsticks" with two fingers! Not that you appear to be doing this...but it leaves a bad impression and causes me great embarassment in front of whoever might be in the building at the time. At least if you prepare a piece it shows you have shown some initiative and promise...and hence you are more likely to be welcomed back in the future.</p>

Good Luck!
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