Organ Positioning

[Guest]

I am in search of the best possible way to position a Church Organ (in the choir loft-capacity of 40-100 chorusters) of a moderate to huge Church building (capacity from 200-1000), one with built in Speaker usually under the board, with the capability of installing external speakers as surround sound or as rear speaker. I read a section of the book entitled "L'Orgue, Instrument et musiciens" by Bernard Sonnaillon, & based on my understanding, he considered 2 factors; acoustical & architectural aspects in finding the best place to position an Organ. Most of the Organs that we have are Rodgers Trillium & Insignia Series. I appreciate your inputs. Thanks.

[back52887]

Re: Organ Positioning

Here are a few thoughts based on previous experiences.

1.Above all, try several placements before sealing the speakers up in an organ chamber. Every church is so different that only the most general rules are applicable is a given location.

1a. Do not hesitate to consider dismounting the built-in speakers and placing them on a proper baffle elsewhere in the loft so that the organist can hear the balance. Try to determine what chanels run in what speakers.

2. As most have echo/main options, having extra speakers (with separate amplification) in the chancel area will greatly help hymn accompaniment. Use loft speakers for choir and chancel for congregation. It is almost inconcievable that built-in speaker system could be inspiring to a congregation of 500+.

3. While experimenting, remember that an empty church is so very different from a full church that it is almost impossible to make a determination of best registrations, speaker placement etc without hearing in both circumstances.

Lee

[Jerry]

Re: Organ Positioning

As an Organist and Choir Director, I prefer the console dead center of the loft with the back of the bench at the rail. With risers for the choir to stand on in a "U" shape formation around the console leaving enough room for a chamber orchestra to comfortably play .This allows for easy direction of the choir while playing. If speakers replace the pipes, put them where the pipes would have been. If your building is that big, self contained speakers are not going to cut it.