Wearing a watch while playing...

[chchaisson]

just curious - does anybody? *I've noticed some people wear wristwatches while playing services and even concerts. *I think that it would just drive me crazy to have something on one wrist and not the other. *I always take off my watch before playing (piano or organ). *And I don't have OCD, or anything.</p>


</p>

[Hook & Hasting]

I always wear a wristwach. It wouldn't feel right without it. My robe covers it so no one can see it, including me.</P>


Do you wear any rings while playing the organ? I have no choice, my wedding won't come off. I also wear my Masonic ring on my right hand. I have seen some rings that look like they would be very uncormfortable to wear while playing any keyboard. </P>

[myorgan]

just curious - does anybody? I've noticed some people wear wristwatches while playing services and even concerts. I think that it would just drive me crazy to have something on one wrist and not the other. I always take off my watch before playing (piano or organ). And I don't have OCD, or anything.</P>


I am a little OCD, and sometimes feel like I strip before a performance. Off come the:</P>
<UL>
<LI>Shoes</LI>
<LI>Watch</LI>
<LI>Wallet</LI>
<LI>Left pocket contents go in the left shoe, right pocket contents in the right shoe</LI>
<LI>Shirt pocket contents go somewhere else</LI>
<LI>Glasses cleaned so there are no streaks</LI>[/list]


Am I just odd, or does everyone do this to play? If the tux/suit pulls at the front of the armpits while I play, I scrap it and get another. Seems like no one builds those things for performing musicians--just to stand up straight in!</P>


Oh, well.</P>

[soubasse32]

I never wear a watch or any jewelry. My piano teacher insisted that rings were bad for the technique, and I've always followed that advice.</P>


When I need to know the time, I consult my cell phone.</P>


Whenever I perform, I use a very special pocket watch, which I received when I was twelve. Since then, it has accompanied me to every single performance! [O][:)]</P>

[SimonS]

I always wear a watch, but the comment about rings interest me. I'm getting married in September and I was fitted for a wedding ring this week. It felt pretty weird to have something on my fingers, and I found myself wondering if it will be odd while playing. I suppose I'll get used to it.</p>

How do we feel about cuff-link shirts while playing. I must admit I occasionally find them distracting.
</p>

[soubasse32]

Congratulations Simon! [b]</P>


My piano teacher made the comment about rings to me when I was very young. I suppose young developing fingers might be more susceptible to problems, I don't know.</P>


Anyway, I see plenty of wedding rings on keyboard players. You can always remove it when playing - just don't lose it! [;)]</P>


What is distracting aboutcuff-link shirts - the shirt or the cuff-links?</P>


I have to perform in a tux very frequently, so I guess I'm used to it. I've made it a bit of a hobby to collect cuff-links. [:)]</P>

[SimonS]

Thanks Soubasse!</p>

I think the cuff-link thing is purely psychological. I imagine them getting catastrophically caught in each other during a frantic moment or something. There was a piece I was playing sometime that had hands basically on top of each other playing fast chords (Messiaen I think). The worry started there! The thing is, I regularly played at service in cuff-link shirts without any problems, but I still resist them for more serious things like recitals or exams or whatever.
</p>

[soubasse32]

Aha -it is a psychological barrier. You just have to convince yourself it is OK. [:)]</P>


Just continue playing services with them, and eventually it will seem strange to nothave them! [:D]</P>


I can understand foregoing cuff-links for an exam, but I'd think they are a bit of a necessity for a recital.</P>


Never hurts to give the audience a little bit of 'bling'. [H]</P>

[quantum]

I'm used to wearing a watch while playing, although I never wear a watch while at home. I refer to it rather than the one at the back of the church. I don't use heavy or bulky watches. I'm not a jewelry person, so the watch is my limit. Rings - that word is not in my vocabulary [;)]

[Havoc]

Don't wear anything anytime because I cannot stand it. No watch, no rings, no nosering,*no earrings, no*wallet*in*backpocket, nothing The pockets of my coat are loaded and the first thing to give but the rest has to be empty. These days I even don't feel comfortable in a long sleeved shirt.*So*don't*ask*me*about*ties*or*cuff links.*I*do*have*a*collection*of*them*from*my*dad* but*I*don't*think*I'll*ever*wear*them.*Well*maybe, *who*knows?

[Orgrinder010]

The only time my watch leaves my wrist is when I go to sleep. It never really bothers me while playing.

[soubasse32]

IdohaveacollectionofthemfrommydadbutIdon'tthinkI'l leverwearthem.</P>



I've made it a bit of a hobby to collect cuff-links.</P>


Hmmm.... [:)]</P>

[Menschenstimme]

Wow! Over the past day or two since a member complained that the Forum was getting boring it has suddenly taken off; I can barely keep up. Hope this is a good thing and we get both quantity and quality.</P>


I normally wear a watch and a ring along with a coat and tie while playing for Mass. I rarely wear a long-sleeve shirt and only have one or two shirts that accommodate cufflinks. I have one nice pair of cufflinks that were my Grandfather's; he had the same initials as me.</P>


Funny story: One summer I visited a nice tracker organ in a church near the beach and was allowed to play for about an hour. The church was almost 80-degrees (no air conditioning as this area rarely gets above 75 degrees) and somewhat humid. I was locked in the loft alone and the Ruckpositiv completely blocked any view of me from below. So, off came the shirt (what a relief)! Thank God there was no security camera that had escaped my attention! I never play in shorts, even at home, because I stick to the bench that way.</P>


Whatever works . . .</P>

[soubasse32]

So, off came the shirt (what a relief)! Thank God there was no security camera that had escaped my attention!</P>


There is a story about Virgil Fox putting up a console camera and ascreen in a (Belgian?) church, in advance of his concert. Apparently the organ was in a rear gallery, and people had been clamoring to watch him play.</P>


The elderly organist [edit - not Virgil Fox] came in to play the service on a hot summer day, not knowing that everything he did... was now visible to the congregation.</P>


He removed his toupée, [:O] dentures, [:O] and most of his clothing [:O] beforestartinghis nicePrelude. [:D]</P>


I wonder if it is really true...?</P>

[chchaisson]

Poor Virgil Fox if that did happen...</p>

I forgot to mention in my first post that in addition to taking off my watch, I also remove any extraneous items before playing (wallet, keys, cell phone). *The organ has a built-in clock if I need the time.</p>

I wear a suit jacket and tie at mass, but I'm up in the choir loft, so I'll usually end up taking off the jacket and rolling up my sleeves. *It's much easier to play without sleeves getting in the way.</p>

I pity anybody who has to wear a cassock and surplus. *The sleeves on those really get in the way, to the point where you can't switch manuals without getting caught on something.</p>

[telemanr]

I always wear a watch since it has all my phone numbers and addresses on it as well as being a stop-watch and countdown timers all of which I use frequently. Obviously if you always wear something you don't notice it and it has no effect on my playing. If I took it off I'd probably feel something was missing and that would be distracting.</P>


Rob</P>

[Havoc]

There is a story about Virgil Fox putting up a console camera and a screen in a (Belgian?) church, in advance of his concert. Apparently the organ was in a rear gallery, and people had been clamoring to watch him play.

The elderly organist came in to play the service on a hot summer day, not knowing that everything he did... was now visible to the congregation.

He removed his toupée, dentures, and most of his clothing before starting his nice Prelude.


Never heard the story, but I'll ask around...

[Choirmaster]

I used to hate wearing cassock and surplice at the organ. When you are the larger size as I am, it feels like wearing a tent and bits of it always gets in the way of the pistons or the stops. On one occasion my surplice got caught on a stop and got ripped.

[andyg]

Interestingthread!</P>


It's never really worried me. I wear a watch all the time, except in bed or in the pool! Wedding rings have been present for 30 years, but have always been simple and narrow. I was once in a relationship with a German girl and we wore rings on the 4th finger of the right hand - that did feel odd and I had to take it off for playing.</P>


As for removing wallets etc, I suppose I did if I was wearing a tux, but a slimmed down wallet (there was never that much money in it anyway) usually fitted in a suit without ruining the line or being uncomfortable. Better than having it stolen from a dressing room, as happened to a souple of colleagues.</P>


Andy</P>

[soubasse32]

Poor Virgil Fox if that did happen...</P>


Oh no - it wasn't Fox - it was the local organist that got caught unawares! (I edited my post to reflect that).</P>



I used to hate wearing cassock and surplice at the organ. When you are the larger size as I am, it feels like wearing a tent and bits of it always gets in the way of the pistons or the stops. On one occasion my surplice got caught on a stop and got ripped.
</P>


How dramatic! [:D] I imagine you rising from the bench at the end ofa Toccata, clothing entirely in shreds - wow! [:D]</P>


I'm actually trying to envisage how that might have happened, exactly. [*-)] Oh -don't tell me you are an "arm flapper" when you play? [:O] </P>


Actually, I know you are not - I've seen videos of your playing, and you appear quitecalm and collected. [:)]</P>

[Dana Rabenberg]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to empty pockets before playing!</p>

The wedding ring has never been a problem for me (and, for that matter, no teacher has advised me against wearing a ring while playing); neither has the watch (which I wear on my right wrist). The only problem with the watch is when the sleeve covers it and I can't expose it while playing.</p>

All the best!</p>

DR</p>

[soubasse32]

That reminds me...</P>


I have a habit of looking at the church clock when I'm finishing up my Prelude. It is located at the far end of the aisle, and is rather tiny.</P>


Since my eyesight is not great to begin with [8-|] I probably squint and scowl a bit whenever I try to make out the time...</P>


Probably not a very attractive presentation to the congregation! [:D] Hmm... maybe it is time for me to consider wearing a watch!</P>


I can just hear a kid askinghis parents: who is that mean-looking guy that always scowls at everyone? [:O] [:$]</P>

[myorgan]

Don't wear anything anytime because I cannot stand it. No watch, no rings, no nosering,no earrings, nowalletinbackpocket, nothing </P>


Wearing nothing?!!!![:O] Now, that's a novel concept. You at least need a nose ring so you can tie it to the 32' stop that speaks on CCCC only![;)] I do empathize, though.</P>


Michael</P>

[myorgan]

I'm actually trying to envisage how that might have happened, exactly. [*-)] Oh -don't tell me you are an "arm flapper" when you play? [:O]</P>


You remind me of a friend in college. He was about 6'6", and thin as a bean pole. Somehow in his development years, he had developed the idea that if he bowed to the piano (or organ) once per phrase, it made it more musical. Looked like a great blue heron about to take flight! I had to sit with my eyes closed in order to enjoy any of his music.</P>


In his defense, though, he was the only one (besides my theory professor I wrote the assignment for) who recognized Three Blind Mice when I played it for church one Sunday AM in the summer.[6] Attendance was down, there were only about 1,500 there. My theory professor was LIVID! She promised that if I EVER DID THAT AGAIN, I'd be expelled. Must've been because the service was broadcast live, but I didn't think the prelude counted.[:^)]</P>


Michael</P>

[soubasse32]

Wearing nothing?!!!![:O] Now, that's a novel concept.</P>


Not quite - Monty Python may have started the trend: [:D]</P>


http://www.intriguing.com/mp/_pictures/compdiff/nudeorga.jpg</P>

[soubasse32]

Oops - duplicate post.</P>


I'm sure you all didn't really need to see that twice. [:$]</P>

[jbird604]

Actually that organist is NOT naked. Appears to be wearing a collar and necktie. [:O] Quite appropriate for those formal musicalevents, I'd say.</P>


At church, though, I feel just about that "exposed" with the console up front, no rail around me, my profile clearly visible. Used to make me nervous, but I'maccustomed to it now.</P>


Like you, Souby, I squint at the clock on the back wall from time to time. Maybe a nearer timepiece would help.</P>


And I do wear a wristwatch, but for some reason take my time from the clock on the wall. Perhaps because the other worship leaders are looking at it too and we all need to be in sync.</P>


John</P>
<P mce_keep="true"></P>

[Tutti]

I always wear a watch, but the comment about rings interest me. I'm getting married in September and I was fitted for a wedding ring this week. It felt pretty weird to have something on my fingers, and I found myself wondering if it will be odd while playing. I suppose I'll get used to it.</p>

How do we feel about cuff-link shirts while playing. I must admit I occasionally find them distracting.
</p>

</p>

</p>

I got married on April 12th. Played my first service since getting back yesterday. Yes it feels weird. I didn't make any mistakes I would blame on the ring (although I made normal mistakes ;)). I'm sure I'll get used to it and feel weird playing without it at some point.</p>

</p>

I wear a watch to church only. Not any other time. I prop it up on the console so I can see the time but I'm not wearing it.</p>

[SimonS]

Hey, congrats Tutti!! [Y][B]

[Jason E]

I'm sure you all didn't really need to see that twice. [:$]</p>

</p>

I'm not sure we didn't want to see it once!</p>

Otherwise, interesting thread. I've always worn a watch while playing, never thought to take it off. For some reason when playing a service I consult it more often than the clock on the console, which I don't always trust.</p>

As for other jewelry, I have a ring on my right hand and an earing in my left ear. I've never heard that rings affect one's technique, but as for the earing, the church ladies will just have to deal with it! </p>

[Jason E]

Hey, congrats Tutti!! [Y][B]
</p>

Yes, I'll second that! [^][G]</p>

[Austin766]

Well, I don't wear a watch while playing or at any other time. I don't own a watch, and when I did used to have a watch, it was never entirely comfortable. I usually rely upon the clock on my cell phone, and I feel it would be redundant to have a cell ohone with a clock on it and wear a watch.

[Choirmaster]

I have to admit when I am at home, I often play the organ in boxer shorts and slippers.</p>

There used to be a YouTube video of a rather elderly organist playing his organ at home nude. It was quite tasteful, you didn't get to see his stops or pistons because it was one of those digital Hauptwerk contraptions. A lovely sight it was too....his organ I mean,....um...oh never mind!
</p>

[Jason E]

...I feel it would be redundant to have a cell phone with a clock on it and wear a watch.</p>

Not necessarily, especially if -like me- you consider a watch "jewelry". Much more attractive than a mobile phone, IMHO, and so much classier... [D]
</p>

[Hammondlover]

...I feel it would be redundant to have a cell phone with a clock on it and wear a watch.</P>


Not necessarily, especially if -like me- you consider a watch "jewelry". Much more attractive than a mobile phone, IMHO, and so much classier... [D]
</P>


</P>


I concur!</P>

[SDeDanaan]

Well, I don't wear a watch while playing or at any other time. I don't own a watch, and when I did used to have a watch, it was never entirely comfortable. I usually rely upon the clock on my cell phone, and I feel it would be redundant to have a cell ohone with a clock on it and wear a watch.</P>


Sometimes both are necessary. It is often difficult to surreptitiously unholster your cell phone when seated at a table in a meeting to see how much longer you need to spend in purgatory. A sly glance at a wristwatch usually goes unnoticed.</P>

[Jason E]

A sly glance at a wristwatch usually goes unnoticed.</p>

</p>

But not always. Didn't George Bush Sr. reportedly look at his watch during a debate with Clinton and Perot? Everybody saw that!
</p>

[soubasse32]

A sly glance at a wristwatch usually goes unnoticed.But not always. Didn't George Bush Sr. reportedly look at his watch during a debate with Clinton and Perot? Everybody saw that! </P>


Well I suppose that would be better than answering a cell phone during a debate. [:D]</P>

[nullogik]

I always wear a watch, a part from when I'm sleeping and bathing.</p>

So when I play the organ I continue to wear my watch, only because it would feel strange if I didn't.</p>

[myorgan]

A sly glance at a wristwatch usually goes unnoticed.But not always. Didn't George Bush Sr. reportedly look at his watch during a debate with Clinton and Perot? Everybody saw that!


Well I suppose that would be better than answering a cell phone during a debate. [:D]</P>


So, when an organist looks at his watch, it means he's keeping track of the time. When a President looks at his watch during a debate, I suppose that means someone's talking too much. What does it mean when a preacher looks at his watch?[8-|]</P>

[davidecasteel]

So, when an organist looks at his watch, it means he's keeping track of the time. When a President looks at his watch during a debate, I suppose that means someone's talking too much. What does it mean when a preacher looks at his watch?[8-|]Hopefully, that he is about to end the sermon!</P>


I don't count, since I'm not an employed organist, but I don't wear a watch OR carry a cell phone. There are clocks in my house, in my car,and on my computers, and when I'm traveling I use the clock on my camera. I'm fully retired and don't have the demands on my time that some of you may.</P>


David</P>

[mak1457]

Um, don't most digital organs these days come with clocks on them. Assuming of course that your church has a digital organ.

[soubasse32]

Assuming of course that your church has a digital organ.</P>


Never! [:D]</P>

[tumult_in_the_praetorium]

In my church,I have a clock behind me on the wall (which is actually about 5 minutes fast) so I can usually sneak a glance at it.

Other than the clock, I always wear a watch and my mobile phone is usually sitting beside me, as well as havingone of the tower bellschiming every fifteen minutes. So I'm fairly prepared where time management is concerned.

As for lengthy sermons, at least you guys can understand what is being said, at the very least. Ours are, naturally, in Maltese and being British I am unable to understand all that is being said. It is particularly infuriating when the archpriest passes a humorous comment and everyone breaks into tittering, and I am left dumbfounded. Usually my partner is at hand to translate if I am that desperate for a translation!

[ReedGuy]

I like watches, especially the more classic kind. I have several as well as a pocket watch my wife gave me. So I always wear a watch or have my pocket watch when I play. </P>


But, I don't like having bulky pockets when I play. I usually take my wallet, cell phone, and my many keys out before I play. It just sort of bugs me while I'm playing with my feet to have this bulk in my pockets. </P>


I don't always wear cuff links on Sundays. For rectials and such I really dress up cuff links and all, or if it's an organ dedication concert or something like that, I wear my tux. </P>


I've seen clocks in pipe organ consoles, but it's usually been the big ones, 100 ranks or more. </P>


Hey tumult, I once had to play for Masses in Italian. I didn't have a clue what the priest said during the sermon. When I played for the Armenian orthodox church, I was completely in the dark as to what they were saying/singing. I just looked at the Choir Director to know when to start playing something. Very nice services, though. The Italians and the Armenians in those services really sang their hearts out, which was lovely. </P>

[Bombarde32]

Now, now Soubase. There are worse things to have in your church than a digital organ. Although I think that is - perhaps - another thread entirely.</P>


I ALWAYS empty my pockets, kick off the shoes and take off my ring. Glissandos and rings don't always go so well together. I NEVER take a cell phone into church b/c I'm afraid I'll forget to turn it off and my phone gets e-mail so it buzzes constantly :(</P>


Last thing - I have to wear a long sleeve shirt. The choir robe is too itchy to go short sleeve no matter what temperature it is outside.</P>

[NoahBenzing]

<BLOCKQUOTE>


I'm still trying to figure out how alcoholics can play these things with a beer in one hand.... but I'd have to concur that a watch would throw my right brain/left brain functionality off...... :|</P></BLOCKQUOTE>

[jt1stcav]

I never really imagined wearing a watch or rings could be a distraction to some organists...they're not to me, but then again I'm not aworking organist either(just play [horribly]at home for fun).[:(]</P>


The organist at my church always takes off her shoes...I've never noticed if she wears any rings or a watch, though.</P>

[NoahBenzing]

<BLOCKQUOTE>


In my last organ video I wore a chain with a padlock on my left wrist and a bracelet with .22 bullets on the other.... it was interesting feeling the gravity change switching from upper to lower :p</P></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Hook & Hasting]

The organist at my church always takes off her shoes...</P>


</P>
<P mce_keep="true"></P>


A friend of mine plays the organ at a small country Christian Church and she always takes her shoes off and puts them under the pew. One Sunday someone got the idea to pass her shoes back to the back row. She like never got them back.</P>

[NovaBass]

I think even if I didn't play keyboards I would still not wear a watch or rings, because having things on my hands is a pet peeve of mine for sure. If I ever get married I hope my wife would be cool with me wearing my ring around my neck or something....

[Philip the organist]

No watch! Never! It cramps my wrist, or if I loosen it, it slides around and becomes bothersome. If I am wearing tighter jeans, I empty my pockets, but usually I keep my stuff with me. I play in shorts, but only at home. The console at church is on the ground in front of the platform. Wouldn't that look strange, me in cutoffs and a Hawaiian shirt, and the rest of the orchestra (the good Baptists) in white shirts, ties and navy slacks. [:D]

[telemanr]

I think it's more a case of what you normally wear. I have an organ at home as well, soI play every day and since I always wear a watch (no rings), I have never even thought for a moment about taking it off while playing. It doesn't slide around or impede my playing in any way that I can detect.</P>


Rob</P>

[Menschenstimme]

I usually wear a watch and a ring while playing for Mass and find them to be no problem. Sometimes I leave the watch at home if I fear that I will perspire into it and thus damage it; but in a climate controlled church, this is rarely a problem.</P>


Outside of church, I practically live in shorts. However, I cannot play the organ in shorts because I must wear long trousers to pedal properly.</P>

[Jason E]

However, I cannot play the organ in shorts because I must wear long trousers to pedal properly.</p>

</p>

Yes, the bare skin tends to stick to the bench. And didn't our old mate buzzyreed once tell us that he didn't like wearing boxers when playing because things got unnecessarily clumped up?
</p>

I've quit wearing my Rolex (hehe, just kidding, my watch is cheap) when playing an Anglican service because over a period of time it damages my cuff.
</p>

[jbird604]

That buzzyreed was a character. What ever happened to him?</P>


John</P>

[nullogik]

And didn't our old mate buzzyreed once tell us that he didn't like wearing boxers when playing because things got unnecessarily clumped up?
</p>

</p>

Quite true! I've found that wearing boxers when playing can give you a self induced "wedgie".[:$] </p>

Perhaps a poll might be suitable! [:|]</p>

..."What do you prefer to wear?"...a) Boxers b) Briefs (Y-fronts) c) Commando style...</p>

On second thoughts, maybe not.[:S]
</p>

[Austin766]

I have no real issue playing in shorts, but I wear khaki shorts which come down about to my knees, and I live in Cleveland...not to mention that every pipe organ I've played or visited was indoors....</p>

As for wearing a watch, well, I don't mostly because I don;t have one....kind funny how that works.
</p>

[Larigot]

No watch, no rings (but an earring). I prefer only to wear shirtsleeves, perhaps with a light sweater in winter, but definitely no jacket. On occasion a tie. And, yes, I'm in full profile view of the congregation, but we're a pretty laid-back UCC church.

[PipeOrganKid]

I always wear my watch because I've worn it for over a year (not quite straight), and I have a great watch tan. I think that seeing a strap of white skin on a tan arm would be more irritating than seeing just a watch, so I keep it on. And I keep everything in my pockets because I don't like purses and always forget them somewhere. Unless it was something rather big and bulky, like a pocket New Testament, I keep it in. As for rings, I have this thing about rings, so I never wear them.

[quantum]

I wear a watch in church, or whenever I go out. I'm pretty selective on the kind of watch I will wear, it has to be light and unobtrusive. None of these heavy metal shiny ones. I usually prefer referring to my watch during service than the small clock at the back of the church. At home I never wear a watch.
</p>

A watch is the limit of my tollerance for jewelry. Other that it, I wear no rings, neclaces or other such adornments.
</p>

[Philip the organist]

None of these <u>heavy meta</u>l shiny ones. </p>

That would be kind of strange for an organist. [:D] Unless you are one of the <u>heavy distortion</u> [:@] folks, in which case you would not have a drawknob console as your avatar. [;)]
</p>


I usually prefer referring to my watch during service than the small clock at the back of the church.
</p>


I just set my watch on the console or the bench when at home or a lesson so that I can still discern the time.
</p>

[Bagnew]

I always wear my watch when I play, but I tend to empty my pockets.

[loganlogan]

are we serious? I played a flawless chapel service in boots (dry) and a winter coat as a student, regularly. you should be able to do your job with a watch on!</p>

</p>

L
</p>


</p>

[Philip the organist]

are we serious? I played a flawless chapel service in boots (dry) and a winter coat as a student, regularly.....
</p>

L
</p>

Would you happen to be the reincarnation of Glenn Gould?!? For those who don't know, he always played in a heavy big coat and wore fingerless gloves.......[:P]
</p>

[Johan64']

I don't have a watch, so I don't wear one. I carry a bunch of stuff around in my suit-coat pockets, but never in any other pockets.

[Last Corpse Standing]

My watch never comes off during the day. I'm so used to having it on during my regular day job, it never bothers me. However, I can't stand rings, and my pockets always get emptied. I hate getting stabbed by a key.