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Topics - Bruise in the Muttastery

#1
In current society, in addition to the electronic cliques, there seems to be  social compartmentalization as well.    I remember as a youngster, about 12, going to AGO meetings and being included and nurtured by people of various ages.   There were folks with grey hair, but also some people my parent's age and younger, even a few teenagers.   Some members even brought their own children.   This group was critical to my formation as an organist and to my love for the organ as a musical instrument and as a "machine."

It is disappointing to me that Facebook and Twitter seem to be sucking membership from the chat lists.  Personally I find FB and T to be cumbersome to use so I stay away from them.

I would guess that Youtube has inadvertently played a part in recital attendance since so much is available free and without the need for travel.   Youtube has taken me to places that would otherwise be unavailbe to me and I appreciate it.

Youtube has the potential of being an uniting force in drawing viewers to the organ.  Those who have the equipment and ability should take advantage by posting creative and entertaining videos to acquaint people with the organ.   Not only the organ's music, but its amazing construction and visual beauty of facades and interiors should be shared.

Sadly, music has disappeared from many schools and the only exposure many young people get is what is on their I-Pods and CDs.    In the past I have had limited success with inviting classes to visit the organ that I played, inviting those who played piano or keyboard to give the organ a try, as well as those who were just curious.   It's difficult to set up field-trips, but with the cooperation of parents and teachers it can happen.

The language of the organ -- music -- has the advantage of being "universal" and by eliminating titles, pieces that may be specific to worship  can become "inclusive" and meaningful in a general way.

This reminds me of the choir-director in a church where I played.  She insisted that the voluntaries (prelude, offertory, postlude) be specifically related to the readings of the day.   Rather than waste my time finding pieces with the "right" titles, I simply played standard literature and put "appropriate titles" in the bulletin.   What was amazing was how many people commented on how the voluntaries supported the readings.  This proved to me that people simply need a nudge in the direction desired, and the music will speak effectively on its own.

It would also help if experiences with the organ could stray from traditional "sit-and-listen" events and include dialog and even food to draw people together.

As well I have included other art forms in my recitals.  My favourite was a three year series called "Stories in Glass" in which I linked the music with the stories portrayed in the stained glass windows of two churches.   As well, I have had artists bring paintings and photographs which were treated similarly.   Another favourite was at Christmas, inviting florists to bring flower arrangements and/or trees which were available for purchase with one to be given away in a drawing.

I, too, miss the discussions of things organ and hope that this list will again become active.

There was a message a while back about people wanting organs.  Currently I have a 2/38 Allen ADC-4000 which was given to me by a church that went "rock."   I have enjoyed having it, although the sounds critical to my years are not there.... that being the sound of Principal pipes and colourful flutes.   I could live with one Principal stop, and would be very satisfied with a Principal, a chiffy Holzgedeckt, and a sweet flute.   I would really love to find an elderly tracker to refurbish.

Bruise in the Muttastery