Leaving the organ as you found it

[soubasse32]

<div>Apologies for the somewhat dull topic...</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div>I get to play lots of organs in the course of my accompanying various choirs.<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I usually return the memory level to where it was when I started, and close the rolltop (if it was closed to begin with).</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I have a pet peeve about expression shoes, since I think it is always best to keep them open when the organ is off.* I know that most modern expression engines are programmed to open the shades when the power is off (to circulate air and help regulate temperature); however, there are still plenty of organs with mechanical shoes, and I think it is just a good habit to always open the box(es) when leaving.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Now for the subject of the bench...</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I like the bench to be rather high when I play.* One*of my organist friends felt VERY strongly that I must return any bench to where I found it, but I think that is asking a lot!* Why?* I have no idea if other people will practice after I do.* Even if I think I have reset the bench at the correct height, only the organist knows if it feels correct to them.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Sure enough, I recently found a Post-It on one of the consoles - it asked me to put the bench back the way I found it.* Unfortunately, it was a daisy-wheel crank which required about 300 turns (maybe not that many [;)]) and there was no way to measure the height other than to count the number of turns.* What a pain!* Quite literally, as I suffer from a touch of carpal tunnel and tendonitis.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I left a note to the effect that I tried to put it back, but there was just no way to know for sure.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Do you think benches should be returned to the height that you found them, or should each organist adjust them as they need prior to playing?</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I'm playing devil's advocate here, as I myself don't like to adjust the bench at my church every time I walk in.* But with lots of guests using the organ, I've just learned to live with it.</div>

[Don Furr]

Not a dull topic at all soubasse32. I feel your pain!!! Although I'm retired I help an independent organ company here in Atlanta tune so I get to play a TON of organs. I'm scared to death to adjust a bench (up or down) because I can never tell if I put it back where it was. I WILL slide the bench forward or back only after marking the floor. I have even seen notes asking organist to not raise or lower the bench. These would of course be organs that rarely are used for recital work. The big organs in Atlanta provide a little more flexible rules concerning leaving the organ like you found it. Just do the best you can!!![:D]

[Menschenstimme]

I could not agree more about the expression shoes, but for somewhat different reasons. Our organ has the Peterson electric swell motors which automatically openthe shades when the organ is off. However, if the shoes are left closed, then when the organ is turned on and the power comes up, the shades "slam" shut. Not violently and not noisily; but why put any more wear and tear on them than necessary? Moreover, I generally begin playing with the shades open and I believe that our music director does the same.</P>


Regarding the bench: I believe that one should always make an effort to put the bench back exactly the way they found it. We have the same "daisy wheel" thing, but we also have an indicator on the side of the bench that allows one to return the bench to where they found it as long as they remembered to look at the indicator before adjusting the height.</P>


Speaking of the bench, here I go with another one of my crazy tales: We had a large funeral for a long-time, prominent parishioner recently. The music was provided by a guest performer (I avoid the word musician intentionally) who can best be described as the liturgical version of Yani. He brings in his own synthesizer. I was disgusted and dismayed to discover that the bench for the chancel console was borrowed and moved (by the family or the morticians) to be used either as a flower stand or aneasle for a large picture of the deceased (I never found out which). It wasnot returned to the console, which is just as well, because the less they handled it, the happier I am. No damage was done to the bench or the console due to unauthorized persons meddling with things that they know not of. However, it is myhumble opinion that it waspresumptuous of anyone to feel free to misappropriate a valuable piece of furniture that is part of an even more valuable musical instrument. I imagine that whomever did not had not the slightest reservations either. With a little advanced planning their needs could have been accommodated another way that would have made everyone happy, including yours truly.</P>


Do I belong to a particularly etiquette-challenged, loosey-gooseyparish or am I expecting too much from my fellow parishioners? We are supposed to be initiating a stewardship program. Perhaps this will help.</P>


Cheers!</P>


[D]</P>

[Don Furr]

Ya know I forgot to comment about shades.........but, with the exception of a few trackers with mechanical shade linkage we program every shade to open upon turning the organ off. Most organist around these parts leave the shade shoes open anyhow. We like the a/c and heat to circulate in and around the boxes. It keeps the organ much more stable.[B]

[soubasse32]

Menschenstimme, as much as I don't like this solution you may be faced with the option of putting signs on things: DO NOT MOVE THIS BENCH.<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I think signs are rather unfriendly, but it seems that fewer and fewer people have common sense, plus etiquette seems to be a thing of the past.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Sounds like the stewardship session is a very good idea.</div>

[jbird604]

Mech,</P>


If I were a mortician in your city, next time I did a funeral at your church I'd probably use the organ console as a potted plant stand, just to show you how ignorant and thoughtless I am! (Just kidding.)</P>


No, you're not expecting too much. That was quite a boo-boo to borrow the organ bench for any reason. It was made for holding up only one thing, the organist's rump, and not intended for any other use. These folks were rude and disrespectful in the extreme. Probably the type who prop themselveson other people's cars in the parking lot. Possibly even spit on the sidewalks. In front of women.</P>


But I don't know what you'd do other than chain it to the floor, if these are the kind of funeral directors you have to deal with. You'd think, with the $$ they bamboozle out of poor widows and orphansthey could afford some basic furniture for their services. </P>


Perhaps a nicely engraved plaque, red with large white lettering, marked "Do Not Remove the Bench from the Organ." But where could you put it and not slide across it when you board the bench?</P>


But to be more charitable, perhaps a member of the deceased's family did the evil deed, and might be excused for being a little out of it due to grief.</P>


John</P>
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[ReedGuy]

"You'd think, with the $$ they bamboozle out of poor widows and orphans they could afford some basic furniture for their services." </P>


John, I don't know what it is about morticians (oh sorry, funeral directors..same thing, they just change the words hoping to change people's impressions), but the thought of making money off of someone's misery really bothers me. Out here, I saw a huge advertisement on one of the main roads. It had a picture of a coffin on it and it said, "think outside of the box. There are many different options available," and had the cemetery's name on it. I'm sorry folks but to me that was not only poor taste to say the least, it was downright offensive [:@]. That's probably why that sign didn't stay up there too long. I also have a problem with them advertising, such as sending flyers as part of my junk mail to my home. Maybe I need to lighten up a little, but it really bothers me. Maybe Michael Moore should make a movie out of this one also! </P>


Menschenstimme, I also think that you should put a sign up. I agree with Soubasse, it seems that fewer and fewer people have common sense and etiquette seems to be a think of the past, which is most unfortunate. But don't be surprisedif people ignore your sign. I don't know how it is over there, but out here people don't read signs either. I think that the fact that we have been inundated with far too much media has caused people to ignore things. One cannot even pump gas in peace. The pumps here have screens attached to them with speakers alwaysfiring offadvertisements at us. No wonder people have difficulty finding inner peace. Bombard us with media; God forbid they allow us to think. </P>
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[ReedGuy]

Oh gosh, Soubasse's comment about etiquette being a thing of the past reminded me of what happened to a piano teacher where I work. (I also work for a music conservatory, although I'll be leaving soon to go back to university). </P>


In any event, a piano teacher shared with me this true story. During a piano lesson mom decides in front of child and teacher who are only a couple of feet away or so to pull out her nail clippers and do her toe nails!!!! YUCK! </P>
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[soubasse32]

Wow!* [:o]* That's pretty bad.<div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Your comment about the morticians made me wonder - don't they have enough business?!* The thought of soliciting someone to use their services would be amusing if it weren't so shocking!</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Back to benches ... I remember one time when Joyce Jones arrived on the doorstep.* She had a group of folks with her and she wanted to do an impromptu recital the following day.* Just before the recital someone "borrowed" the organ bench, probably to help them hang some decorations in the sanctuary.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I asked Joyce afterward if she found everything OK - she asked me if I knew my bench was backwards!* She said the legs looked "pigeon-toed".* [:D]</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I hope she believed me when I said that never happened before and I knew how the bench was supposed to be!* [:s]</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I was appalled that this had to happen on THAT particular day, and was distressed to think she had to move that heavy bench herself.* [:(]</div></div>

[Menschenstimme]

Thank you guys, for your moral support and your suggestions that I post a signto leave the organ bench alone. It may come to that.</P>


I am already notorious around the church for posting signs, including one on the piano that says something about if you need to roll the piano over to the side to make room please do not jam it up against the wall (which is texturedconcrete, somewhat like stucco) thus marring the finish. I mean, why do I even have to say such a thing; isn't it obvious enough without my saying it?!</P>


Then there is my sign about authorized persons only in the choir loft. The same sign is repeated three times on the way up the stairs. Do you think that this stopsfolks from prancing right up there as though it were the lounge?</P>


We are hosting an ordination this coming Saturday morning and I will be in the loft with the choir, ostensibly as the page-turner for our music director (who conducts from the console) and the curator of the organ. My real purpose is more as the security guard to send parishioners and visitors who cannot read back downstairs.</P>


Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genetrix!</P>

[Clavier]

Would you leave the organ as you found it, if you found it like this?</p>

http://barton.theatreorgans.com/images/67391604.jpg</p>

[AllanP]

I was not going to comment on this thread but seeing the picture with the cup on the console encouraged me to give my opinion.</p>

1. First, NEVER have drinks around on on the console. If something spills, there could be big problems. I have never had anyone have drinks around the console when we have organ parties.</p>

2. Do not reset the combinations, use hand registration unless the resident organist gives specific permission to make changes.</p>

3. Of course, always put the bench back in position and get the height back.</p>

Otherwise, playing the organ does not hurt anything, in fact regular use tends to keep everything working well. The only time I have problems with my organ (80 years old) is when it is not played every week. Open the mechanical swell if the organ has it; electrically connected swells automatically go to the correct position when the power is turned off.
</p>

[Menschenstimme]

Amen, Allen! Especially that part about the beverage cup!!</P>


We allow only capped water bottles in the choir loft for choir members that need to wet their whistle. This happened after there was a spill on the parquet floor.</P>


Stewardship, anyone?</P>


[^o)]</P>

[davidecasteel]

One possible solution is to obtain a fabric cover for the entire organ console, including the bench, and hanging to the floor. Our new organ does not have a fallboard or means to close off the manuals and stop controls at all. (I believe this is common practice for that builder.) One of our church ladies is an accomplished seamstress and has produced a lovely fabric cover (in a color that works with the interior) that covers the entire console and bench. Having such a cover would at least discourage arbitrary (and unthinking) use of the organ bench for unrelated functions. One could even attach a small sign to the cover that urged anyone wishing to see or use the organ to contact the organist. (Our church has decided that only the organist can authorize anyone else to use the organ. I suppose that the staff might intervene if the organist were not available and an emergency came up, but the policy is for the organist to have full control. I suspect that she has given a list to the staff of organists who have been approved to play at any time.)</P>


Most grand pianos have fabric covers to prevent scratching their finish--why should not an organ console have one also?</P>


David</P>

[Menschenstimme]

Good idea, David! We may not run right out and do it; but good idea nonetheless.</P>


This brings up another thread, but if I may beg everyone's indulgence, I will just mention it right here. Even our best, most conscientious and dedicated organ technicians like to use the top of the console to put things upon which they should know better not do to. I am thinking of small tools, mechanical wind gauges, keys, etc. Now, thus far, the console has not been harmed in any way. But the loft is full of oak chairs upon which they are more than welcome to spead out all of their tools of the trade.</P>


I have never expressed any concern, partly due to the scarcity of competent organ technicians in this area (southern California). Perhaps the next time I have a service call scheduled, I should throw a furniture pad or even just a padded bedspread over the top of the console. This would afford some protection and send a subtle message at the same time.</P>


Hmmm................................</P>


[I]</P>

[soundboarddude]

I'm personally against the idea of covering the console, or "closing" it with a rolltop cover. I always try to think of what is most inspiring to young people. Is a closed (and locked) rolltop cover or covered organ console at all inspiring, or is a console where the manuals, stops, buttons, switches, keys, lights, and pedals inspiring?</p>

Sure, leaving an organ open is risky, but I'd rather take the risk. Who knows who might go up to see the organ when I'm not around and be inspired to play it? Pianos should be covered because every little kid takes piano lessons at some point in his life - the world of pianists isn't getting smaller as the world of organists is.
</p>

In most cases, the church remains locked anyways, so I'm not worried about people being in there that shouldn't be there. And when people are there, if they put forth the effort to go up and see it, they should get to.
</p>

Remember the saying "WWJD" for what would Jesus do? I always try to remember "WIMI?" - what is most inspiring?</p>

If you happen to have an issue with people messing with the organ, consider taping a sign to the music rack or some place visible that simply asks people to refrain from touching it. Maybe your bench will be borrowed once or twice, but come on... is it really that bad?</p>

---</p>

Re, leaving the organ as you found it: I usually try and put the bench where it was when I got there, but I don't think poorly of the organist who didn't put my bench where it was when he got to my instrument. If I see something that isn't right about the organ (a cup of water on the console, for example), I fix it, but for the most part I just leave it alone. And I never set pistons unless I've been given permission to do so. With all this new fangled technology, most new organs have countless memory levels, and there's usually always one to spare.</p>

Cheers!</p>

[:)]</p>

[jbird604]

Mech,</P>


Regarding tools and stuff on top of the console -- lay a thick towel on top of the console and leave a sticky-note for the tech that he should use this towel to place his tools on.</P>


If his service call requires raising or removing the console lid, place a folded towel on the bench, again with a friendly note. On second thought, that towel might come in handy whether he's raising the lid or not, as he's bound to do some work while seated on the bench.</P>


As an organ tech myself, I know that we are sometimes befuddled, frustrated, or in a hurry,and may almost carelessly toss a tool onto the nearest flat surface in a momentary lapse. Personally, I'm very cognizant of furniture finishes and would never lay a tool on finished wood, except in a moment of realbrain-fart. (My wife gets credit for training me well over the course of 34 years.)</P>


Any technician who wouldn't respect your wishes after seeing the towel and the note probably can't read and may not be the guy you need on the job anyway.</P>


John</P>
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[soubasse32]

SBD, I will argue another point:* an organ rolltop or cover is there for a reason.* It was never intended as an object to discourage young people, but as a way to protect the instrument.<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Prying fingers can be very destructive!* If you've ever had to repair an organ console, you will find that it can bey VERY expensive.* Not all vandalism is malicious - it could just be the result of a small child or thoughtless person.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>The thing that you didn't mention: dust and dirt.* Public buildings such as churches can be horribly dirty enviroments for a musical instrument - especially in an urban area.* As guardians of our instruments we should take every precaution to protect the key action and stop action.* If the organbuilder was kind enough to supply a rolltop or key covering, please USE IT!* There are other ways to inspire our fans - such as when we play.* [:)]</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Another way of looking at it: a great treasure sitting out in the open will cease to amaze folks after a while.* However, if it is hidden behind a curtain and only unveiled at special times, people would be very curious about it.* People*might even think "gee, that must be very valuable - otherwise they wouldn't take such special measures to protect it".*</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>(I'm speaking as an organ technician [:)])</div>

[soundboarddude]

SBD, I will argue another point: an organ rolltop or cover is there for a reason. It was never intended as an object to discourage young people, but as a way to protect the instrument.<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Prying fingers can be very destructive! If you've ever had to repair an organ console, you will find that it can bey VERY expensive. Not all vandalism is malicious - it could just be the result of a small child or thoughtless person.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>The thing that you didn't mention: dust and dirt. Public buildings such as churches can be horribly dirty enviroments for a musical instrument - especially in an urban area. As guardians of our instruments we should take every precaution to protect the key action and stop action. If the organbuilder was kind enough to supply a rolltop or key covering, please USE IT! There are other ways to inspire our fans - such as when we play. [:)]</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Another way of looking at it: a great treasure sitting out in the open will cease to amaze folks after a while. However, if it is hidden behind a curtain and only unveiled at special times, people would be very curious about it. People might even think "gee, that must be very valuable - otherwise they wouldn't take such special measures to protect it".</div>

</p>

Soubasse32, you bring up some points that I can't really argue with.</p>

The churches that I have played in have all been in clean towns, and I doubt that covering up the console is going to protect it any more from the dust and dirt. Maybe, but it's not worth it.</p>

And prying fingers *can* be destructive, but how often are there malicious kids unsupervised in your church, Soubasse32? Most adults have the common sense not to touch it (or at least touch it in a way that would hurt it), and there aren't normally going to be kids completely unsupervised in the church. Besides, if a few kids go up and play a few notes, it's not going to hurt it. (Chances are, they'll find it fascinating but give up after discovering the organ must be turned on)</p>

The large Roman Catholic cathedral in New York has a large console in the chancel, complete with rolltop cover. I would imagine not very many people even notice it, or even know that it's an organ console. But if it was open, I believe there would be many more tourists snapping pictures of it and trying to imagine how the organist uses all those buttons and keyboards.</p>

Cheers!
</p>

[soubasse32]

Then there is St-Eustache in Paris.* They too, have a console down in the nave.* Very wisely, it is protected by a "cage" of clear plexiglass!* The tourists can look all they like.* [:)]

[ReedGuy]

Looking at that picture, that coffee cup has got to go!</P>


But as for the rest, I may have to leave the organ as I found it as the visiting organist. I have no idea what is on the musicstand and there may be a certain order to it. Removing it to pull the down the rolltop might mess things up for the organist of that church. Otherwise, if there wasn't all that stuff on the music stand, I would use the rolltop or cover. I agree, the rolltop or cover is there for a reason, to protect the instrument. </P>


Personally, I don't like clutter on my console. Keep the frou frou to a minimum. I like it neat and tidy. </P>


It doesn't bother me if the bench isn't exactly the way I had it if a substitute or visiting organist is playing on my organ. What would annoy me (in order of least to the most annoying) would be the following:</P>


1. Using the top of the organ console to put things on. </P>


2. Cluttering the console with unnecessary frou frou.</P>


3. Leaving the stops engaged when turning off the console. </P>


4.Leaving the swell expression pedal closed and/or leaving the crescendo pedal up before turning off the organ. </P>


5. Leaving the organ on and/or not using the rolltop and/or not locking the rolltop. </P>


6. Garbage and related being left at the console. There is a small garbage bin next to the console, they can use that. Grrrrrr! (Never happened thank God) </P>


7. Eating or drinking at the console. </P>


8. Not washing your hands before using the instrument, particularly if you just had something to eat or went to the washroom. As an RN, I can't tell you how disgusted I am with some people who use the washroom and their sloppy hand washing technique or the lack thereof. You see them then holding their girlfriend's hand or eating. Disgusting! That's why I turn the faucets off and open the door with paper towels when I leave. If people only knew how effective handwashing really is! </P>


9. Playing the organ with dirty street shoes. (Also never happened to me, thank God). </P>


10. Changing my presets. This would get me very annoyed. </P>


Anyway, that's my two cents worth! </P>
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[soubasse32]

Your post reminded me that I've sometimes had to leave notes on the organ re: eraser debris on the keyboards.* There are a number of people who use the organ, including my students (who should know better).* [:)]*

[Jason E]

Then there is St-Eustache in Paris. They too, have a console down in the nave. Very wisely, it is protected by a "cage" of clear plexiglass! The tourists can look all they like. [:)]</p>

Same situation at Liverpool Anglican. Talk about eye candy! [:P] Then of course there's the overwhelming impact of the instrument itself... I once heard Ian Tracey thunder through the Franck E major. Oh take me away... [B]
</p>

[andyg]

And it's not just the pipe organist that gets told off about this!</P>


A colleague of mine oncehad tostand infor an ill organist and turned up to find a Hammond C3. EVERY drawbar was pulled out to 6, that's 66 6666 666 for the manuals and 66 for the pedals. Ghastly, so he set them as required as he played. When he had finished, he 'cleared the decks' and pushed all the drawbars back in to 0, as most visiting players, myself included, would do, to leave the organ in a 'tidy' state.</P>


The following day, he got an iratephone call from the regular organist, complaining that he had 'wiped out all the registrations' and thathe now'couldn't remember them'.</P>


Hmmm..... (again!)</P>


Andy</P>

[soundboarddude]

Wiped out all the registrations? That poor congregation... poor, poor congregation! [:S]
</p>

(I'm assuming it was a church)</p>

[davidecasteel]

Although I agree, I am a person who leaves doors and toilet seats the way they were when I found them, so I probably would have returned the drawbars to that ghastly setting before leaving. (Do you know whether that organist ever remembered his "registrations" or did he find something else that would work?[*-)]</P>


David</P>

[andyg]

It was indeed a church, but I've heard of other organists in north of England entertainment clubs being equally 'precious' about their settings. And, yes, the organist was instructed to pull all the drawbars back out to 6. I wouldn't mind betting that he would whinge about 'things not being the same', though!</P>


Andy</P>
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[Menschenstimme]

We are a Carmelite parish and one of the fathers (not currently stationed at our parish) is acompetent (albeit beginning) organist. We had two special liturgies this pastweekend: A solemn profession of final vows on Friday evening and an ordination on Saturday morning. Father Organist wanted to play for theFriday evening liturgy. (Our regular music director and choir handled the ordination.) I provided himwith aconsole key and asked him if he needed to set any pistons. He said that no pistons were necessary. I arrived at the church about 40 minutes before the liturgy just to see how he was doing. He confessed that he was sorry but he just had to set two pistons and thuschanged two that our musicdirector had set. I askedhimwhy he did not move the Peterson MSP-1000 to one of the 90 empty memories out of the 99 available to set his pistons. He replied that hehad no idea how to use it. I was sitting right next to him on thebench andlooked him right in the eye and with a big smile on my face said: "Father, you know better, youbroke the first rule of organ etiquette." Anyway, I moved the memory level to an empty one and "copied" his two pistons there and toldhim that hecould have a field day.</P>


Sincewe havetwo consoles, I was able to take a printout of a stoplist and record the two changed pistons from the other console and reset them on the other console. We never told the music director what had happened. Father Organist was apologetic and I justsaid: "That's okay, Father; I am sure that you will be playing the organ here now and then and I know that you will not do it again."</P>


But to add insult to injury (so to speak, asI bear no ill-willtoward Father Organist), the Carmelite brother making his solemn profession arranged to have an organist friend of his come in at the last minute to help Father Organist. Mr. GuestOrganist is more professional and thuscould make the opening and closing hymns more festive and perhaps play a concert-quality postlude. I told everyone that Mr. Guest Organist was not touching the organ without first talking with me (either via telephone or in person) and allowing to at least meethim briefly before the liturgy. His credentials were impressive, although he too had never seen or heard ofa Peterson MSP-1000; which I found rather strange. I made it clear to him that we do not just allow last minute guest organists to walk in and play our organ no matter how qualified they are. It all worked out okay, but I obviously need to communicate with the Carmelite superiors in charge of formationso that they can advise their brothers planning liturgies at our church that certain protocols must be observed if they expect to have guest musicians.</P>


While Mr. Guest Organist was uppity about all of this at first, he did admit thatat his regular church they have some exotic German piano that cost a six-figure sum which he keeps locked and is protective of regarding access.</P>


Stewardship is such a responsibility at times and requires constant vigilance!</P>


Now I need a drink . . .</P>


[D][D]</P>


</P>

[Austin766]

I know I'm getting on this a little late, but I've been out of town getting nice and toasted (i.e. sunburned), but I remember someone on the forum saying that the only two reasons to lock up an organ are because you're ashamed of it, or you're afraid that someone will successfully play it. While I admit, I almost always put the roll top down on the Allen I play, I do so because that is how I first found it, and I don't want CP's drama students m essing with the Allen (CP is the director of school plays/chair of the arts dept.) I certainly can't afford to replace it, and I don't want to be entirely banished from the Allen if it should get messed up, because then I'd really have no access to an organ. So that is one case of my not leaving things so they would inspire future organists/organist wanna-bes.

[soubasse32]

While Mr. Guest Organist was uppity about all of this at first, he did admit that*at his regular church they have some exotic German piano that cost a six-figure sum which he keeps locked and is protective of regarding access.*<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Ha, that sounds exactly like ME!* [:D]</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I've got an exotic six-figure German piano, and it is most definitely locked up.* As far as being 'uppity' ... well, I won't say anything.* [:D]* But I know that wasn't me - your church doesn't sound familiar.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I keep the rolltop down on the organ (to keep it clean, if nothing else) - but it is unlocked.* The key has long ago disappeared.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I do appreciate when folks ask permission to play the organ - it gives me some peace of mind.* However, if someone played the organ without my permission I don't worry too much - there is very little that can be broken!* I assume anyone who is there with a legitimate need to make music would not do anything purposefully harmful.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>The only thing I DO worry about is someone putting a beverage on the console.* Or leaving the blower on (although that wouldn't hurt anything unless there was a fire - very unlikely).</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>As far as memory levels the organ usually stays at memory level 1, which is the one I use for service playing.* I leave that memory level unlocked, just in case there is an "emergency" need for a substitute.* In many years I've never found pistons changed without my prior knowledge; even if they were, I just reset them.* I have 40 pistons to check; a couple times I've forgotten to check in advance, and found myself resetting them during the beginning of the service!* [:)]* But luckily it is something I can do quickly.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>If I'm doing a recital, I always put it on another memory level, and I make sure to lock it.* Menschenstimme, it sounds like you should be locking your memory!* Someone needing to set a piston would then be obliged to ask for a memory level.* Is your phone number posted on the organ console?</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>That is probably a good idea for all of us.</div>

[Menschenstimme]

Hi Soubasse!</P>


Father Organist knows me personally and has my telephone number. My name and telephone number are also posted on the nearby piano, but for a totally different reason. We have a memory lock on the loft console but not the chancel console. We never lock the memory on the loft console. The assumption is that with 99 memories and almost 90 of them empty and available to whomever needs them, there should not be an issue here. Dear Father Organist simply breached etiquette because he did not know how to change to another memory level. I will take part of the blame for this because since he has played here before, I assumed that he did. The irony is that I am often too careful when I need not be so (sometimes to the point of risking being patronizing and offensive in the interests of protecting the organ) and then I slip the one time that I should not (slip, that is). Oh well. At least Father Organist and I are on the same page now and I am sure that he will be more careful next time.</P>


This is de minimus compared to the professional organist who came in one time to help us with our Christmas concert and almost destroyed the music rack and a few stop controls along with it because he could not figure out how it folded down. And it really is not all that mysterious. Thus my paranoia is at least founded on actual events.</P>


Thanks!</P>


[D]</P>

[soubasse32]

You brought up some more interesting points...<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>My music desk was designed by someone who might have preferred to be a rocket scientist.* It is rather complicated to use, and even after explaining it to students I still find it in various states of disarray.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Another church I play at requires a contortionist to adjust the*music desk.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I don't know why things are engineered to be complicated, when simple is almost always best.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>On the topic of combination actions I have to confess: I am a die-hard SSL guy, and find the Peterson system a little confusing.</div>

[Menschenstimme]

Actually, the Peterson MSP-1000 is very easy and intuitive to use if all you are doing is moving to different memory levels. It can be a bit challenging to learn how to set different crescendi and sforzandi. Father Organist has notbeen exposed to other than Allen, Rodgers (etc.)and smallpipe organs. I will give him credit fordeciding to leave the MSP-1000 alone since he did not feel comfortable touching it. But he is okay now and will be okay next time.</P>


My Peterson Duo-Set system at home has a simple rotary knob numbered 1 through 8 for the memory levels.</P>


Cheerio (and corn flake)!</P>


[:$]</P>

[soundboarddude]

Menschenstimme, it sounds like you should be locking your memory! Someone needing to set a piston would then be obliged to ask for a memory level.</P>


Some of us aren't fortunate to have memory levels that lock... Or, in the case of my Allen at home, some of us aren't fortunate to have pistons that aresettable![:$]</P>


I actually haven't heard of the Peterson device, either. [:$] I love Peterson's products, but was unaware they did anything other than tuners.</P>

[Menschenstimme]

I am very satisfied with the Peterson Orgaplex and Peterson MSP-1000 we have at church. We have an MSP-1000 in each console. Their product support is excellent and their exchange policies for swapping new boards for ones that may have failed without charge are very liberal. Such failures are very rare, in my experience. Their products can be more costly than some alternatives. I know that some professionals consider SSL the top of the line, but I wonder if this is more name recognition that actual product superiority? I remember a frustrated Petereson fan saying to me one time: "Everybody wants theconsole (control system) to say SSL. They don't care ifit works rightor not, as long as it says SSL." I have only minimal exposure to SSL productsand have no complaints. As long as the organ plays and has a solid-state combination action, I am happy.</P>

[Austin766]

One possible solution is to obtain a fabric cover for the entire organ console, including the bench, and hanging to the floor.
</p>


Most grand pianos have fabric covers to prevent scratching their finish--why should not an organ console have one also?</p>


David</p>

</p>

Piano covers drive me nuts, trying to figure out which end is up, I do appreciate them, but they can be a royal pain in the posterior if entirely removed from the piano. Piano covers are hard enough to get on and off, but such a sack for an organ conso9le, I'd be certifiably driven insane. I have seen a small (well, small ish) cloth, which looked like the cloths from some violin cases (I.e. velvet or silk like material) used to cover the manuals of the Flentrop at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, but again, that was only covering the manuals.
</p>

[soubasse32]

For our fancy piano we got a fancy piano cover!* Those things can be amazingly*expensive - you wouldn't believe it.* But it is worth it as it protects the piano from bumps, scuffs, spills, dust, and fingerprints. As our cover is also quite thick and heavy, I like to think it also offers a bit of shelter from fluctuations in temperature and humidity.* Probably not, but it is a nice thought anyway!<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>I have a great trick for piano covers:</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>1. Fold the left and right sides of the cover up towards the center of the piano; the end result should look like a narrow strip of fabric in the middle of the piano lid; try to make that strip as flat and uniform as possible.</div><div>2. Starting at the keyboard end, roll the strip towards the back of the piano; you now have a compact roll that is easy to transport and stow.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>When re-covering the piano, place the roll at the tail of the piano (or whichever end is opposite to where you rolled up the cover).* Then unroll and unfold the cover.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Believe me... I've spent what seem like years of my life spinning piano covers around and around, looking for the right end.* This trick has solved that problem!</div>

[Tromba]

I am very satisfied with the Peterson Orgaplex and Peterson MSP-1000 we have at church. We have an MSP-1000 in each console. Their product support is excellent and their exchange policies for swapping new boards for ones that may have failed without charge are very liberal. Such failures are very rare, in my experience. Their products can be more costly than some alternatives. I know that some professionals consider SSL the top of the line, but I wonder if this is more name recognition that actual product superiority? I remember a frustrated Petereson fan saying to me one time: "Everybody wants theconsole (control system) to say SSL. They don't care ifit works rightor not, as long as it says SSL." I have only minimal exposure to SSL productsand have no complaints. As long as the organ plays and has a solid-state combination action, I am happy.</P>


</P>
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We have a Peterson ICS4000 on our organ. I love it! It does a lot more than the SSOS (formerly SSL) systems do, although I know that SSOS is now doing some of the same things Peterson does. The best part of the ICS4000 is that you can save all pistons and crescendo settings onto a flash memory stick and reload it later. I also have had Peteron do an update to our piston sequencer and it was all handled through the USB port and memory stick. They sent me a file by email, I downloaded it on to my stick, plugged the stick into the console and within a minutes had the update all loaded in. </P>


The ICS also has a built in sequencer for record/playback and anything that is sequenced can be put on to the memory stick, too, then stored in a music software program like Finale or Sibelius.</P>


If you have never played an organ with the ICS4000, find one that has it and try it. You'll be most impressed. Peterson has an ICS website www.ics4000.com (http://www.ics4000.com/)</P>
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[Austin766]

Interesting trick, Soubasse, I'll have to try it sometime, the award for most obnoxious piano cover goes to the cover for upright pianos, I mean, these things are an even bigger nuisance than covers for grands. I too like to think that the covers provide some measure of protection from humididty and temperature fluctuations. I know how well piano covers protect, but I still am not the biggest fan (I have heard this same sentiment from the choral accompanist at my school, so at least I;m not entirely alone).
</p>

I have not had an opportunity to play any organs equipped with any kind of solid state memory, I do know of several. with regards to organists posting their phone numbers on or near the console, it isn't uncommon, At St. Paul's in Cleveland Heights, for instance, Karel Paukert has his home number and, I believe his cell number, they also have a list of which organists have which memory levels on the organ. Just be glad that you don't have to bother with setter boards to do your pistons, I dont know of too many organs that have setter boards anymore, and know of none (at least locally) which still use said boards.</p>

[soubasse32]

Vertical piano covers are indeed awful to deal with!<div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>There is one at my church.* I put up with it because the cover has a number of horrible mystery stains on it.</div><div><br class="khtml-block-placeholder"></div><div>Guess where they would be, if they weren't on the cover.</div>

[Austin766]

um...on the pianist?[:D] The only place I've <u>ever</u> seen a cover for an upright is at school, on a yamaha upright, and I am happy to say that we really don't use that cover anymore, I hate upright covers.

[soubasse32]

[:D]

[telemanr]

Before I got my grand and installed a DampChaser, I had an large upright Yamaha. To help with dry Canadian winters I put a couple of apples in a little dishes in the bottom of the case. They dessicate (rather than rot) without odor or an other problem and when they're finished I'd just put another pair in. It did help keep the humidity up.</P>


Rob</P>

[Jessica]

If I were a guest organist in a place kind enough to give me the opportunity to play, I would make every effort to put the bench back as I found it, and not to mess up the piston settings. Conversely however, if I were the regular organist at a church, I wouldn't care if the bench was a little higher or a little lower than I left it, I would be happy that someone else was up there playing the instrumen, especially if it was a young newcomer like myselft. I would just hop down and re-adjust it for myself to where it felt right again. P. S. I didn't even know that organ benches could be adjusted in terms of height. I do agree however that non-musicians shouldn't borrow the organ bench for use as a stepstool etc. </P>


Regarding the console cover, I think it would be a good idea to keep the dust out of it. I keep a towel laid over my keyboard simply so I won't have to feel the dust accumulating and sticking to the keys when I play it. (I live in a house where the windows are usually open). The key here, however, in my opinion is to make the instrument accessible to people who may be awestruck by it. For instance, after a service, if someone should wander up into the loft while nothing important is going on, let them hang around and have a look, answer some questions, and maybe let them make a few honks and squeaks if they seem gentle. If someone is in the church when you're not there, and seems curious about the instrument, have the staff refer them to you for a little tour, or what have you. In general, a good idea is just to be amiable.</P>


This is not a criticism directed at anyone in particular, just some thoughts that cropped up in my mind while reading this wonderful thread.</P>

[tumult_in_the_praetorium]

Guest organists always leaving the swell boxes closed is what drives me mad - surely it is a widespread custom to leave them open? It is especially important here where temperature fluctuates constantly.

Talking of piston settings, my sister's stepchildren managed to work out how to change them within a couple of minutes of sneaking into the music room at home. It was fairly obvious - Piston 1 = Voix Celestes + Sesquialtera, 2 = Contra Fagotto + Larigot...




</P>

[nullogik]

I think mentioned the things that visiting organists do thatpeeves me off in another thread but that was off topic:</P>


- Leaving the both the organ and electricity switched on for "x" number of days</P>


- Leaving the power supply to the organ on for "x" number of days</P>


- Not closing the roll top lid</P>


- Not cancelling the stops before switching off</P>


- Not stacking the music edt hymnbooks neatly on the organ as I always leave them</P>


- Not leaving the expression pedals (bar the Crescendo) full in at 100%</P>


- Sticking chewing gum to the underneath of the bench - as I recently discovered[:@]</P>


I'm not too bothered if they don't leave the bench as they found it, as it can be quite difficult to remember exactly how near/far the bench was. Anyway I can always look at the indentations in the carpet to determine precisely where it was in the first place [:)]</P>


Its a pity that our new Viscount does not have "lockable" piston memories - which the Allens do have. Thankfully I can save my settings to a floppy disc (nice to know Viscount is in the 21st Century!) - and restore all the settings from that (just got to remember to carry a 3.5" floppy disc in my music bag without breaking it. [:P]</P>


I suppose the things I've mentioned just highlight what is wrong with today's world, where people no longer consider the impact of their actions on others and instead just think about themselves. Unfortunatly its a "me, me, me" society these days - at least in the UK it is...sigh!</P>
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[Menschenstimme]

I feel your pain, Nullogik; (double SIGH)!</P>


Our parish is attempting to implement a stewardship program that encompasses all levels of parish life.</P>


Wish us luck . . .</P>


[Y]</P>

[Austin766]

It drives me NUTS when people come play the Allen, change the position of the bench, change the setting of the swell shoes (I've taken to leaving them in the "open" position as though it were real pipes) not closing the roll-top, and taking my pencils which I leave at the console to mark my score with.

the two that really irk me are when people move the bench, the organ is on a wood floor, so, there are no indentations in the carpet, and when they take my pencils. I paid for those pencils, and I left them at the console readsonably expecting them to remain there, but, no, they have to take them.

Sorry, venting some.
</p>

[nullogik]

...and when they take my pencils. I paid for those pencils, and I left them at the console readsonably expecting them to remain there, but, no, they have to take them.</P>


I always have a shortage of pencils, mainly because the choirmaster and choir members tend to take them home without realising it. </P>


I hide my pencils in strategic places (behind certain books etc.)around the loft so that they don't get found, or I keep them in a pocket in my music bag.</P>


Otherwise you could invest in some custompencils that have written "STOLEN FROM &lt;INSERT YOUR NAME&gt;" [:P]</P>

[Austin766]

mind you, these were just standard #2 wooden pencils, nothing special, but it irritates me, because it tells me that someone other than the two people I know have approval to play was playing, and they stole my pencils. I suppose I could invest in custom pencils, but I really don't have the money.

[mak1457]

I'm very lucky. I can do whatever I want to our church organ because nobody ever plays it but me. [:D] Then again it would be nice to be able to listen to somebody else besides me.[:(]

[Bartolomeo1]

At my regular church I do share the bench with another organist. It's not adjustable but there are props that I use to get it high enough. Usually, if I am playing the next upcoming service I will leave the bench propped up. If not, I will lower it so that the other organist does not have to do so. Not an ideal situation since lifting the bench to add or remove props is hard on the back.</p>

I leave a sufficient number of sharpened #1 pencils in the vicinity of the console that I do not notice when some are missing. I have found that this is the most effective means of being sure that I will not become upset because someone has stolen one of my pencils. I buy pencils 144 at a time so there is never a shortage.</p>

I make it a point to check combinations before each service. At the church where I sometimes practice, the older console (shown in my avatar) does not have multiple memory levels; the convention there is that the combination action is fair game at all times and organists are expected to set their combinations prior to each service.</p>

Main frustration I've had has been organists who leave so much music on the console and bench that the clutter is a problem for visitors.
</p>