Aeolian-Skinners I have known

I believe in Aeolian-Skinner. I love its history. I love reading about it. I love sitting at those vintage consoles. And I love the sound. Even the ones that don’t sound all that great. They are still history.

I have been bestowed the honor of being invited to perform for the third annual East Texas Pipe Organ Festival in November. ETPOF is a celebration of the work of Roy Perry as manifested in the Aeolian-Skinner organs of East Texas and northern Louisiana. I’ll be performing on the “masterpiece in miniature” (Scott Davis’s term) at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Kilgore, Tex. To perform for colleagues is one thing, but to perform for colleagues who share my love of these instruments is something else! I can’t wait, and I’m already practicing feverishly.

I thought I would share a little who’s who of the Aeolian-Skinners I have known, in no particular order. This is as much for my own amazement as for yours. Until now, I had not thought of how long and life-changing this list is. This list is only those organs I have played, not just heard in person:

Op. 883, the National Cathedral. The organ continues to inspire controversy, but that space inspires nothing but the best in mankind. It was on this organ that I played a recital that I got just for the asking. That, too, is a career-enhancing move – ask, and ye shall receive.

Op. 1308, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Shreveport. A treasure, thanks to Roy Perry and Bill Teague.

Op. 150, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York, N.Y. A magnificent rebuild after the fire of 2001.

Op. 1196, Covenant Presbyterian, Charlotte. My very first. And my first 5-manual console. And my first full-length 32-foot Bombarde. Whoa!

Op. 1159, Duke Chapel. Strictly speaking, an Aeolian. And what a sound! And it is in excellent condition, thanks to Foley-Baker. Go thou and treat thine ears.

Op. 1463, First Presbyterian, Kinston, NC. Buried treasure way out in eastern NC. It’s got some kick, and the space puts one in mind of National Presbyterian.

Op. 1101, First Presbyterian, Lenoir, NC. I ‘presided’ there for two years after moving back to NC. Same vintage as the lovely things I left behind at First Presbyterian, Houston. Basking in history everywhere you go ain’t a bad thing.

Op. 1339, First Presbyterian, Morganton, NC. This one was fun for me and a friend during college years, until the secretary caught us and kicked us out. I guess she didn’t like hymns.

Op. 713, First Presbyterian, Wilmington, NC. Strictly speaking, an E.M. Skinner. And what a sound. Go thou and treat thine ears.

Op. 712, St. Paul’s Episcopal, Winston-Salem. Another E.M. Skinner not to be missed. Go and enjoy the hospitality of John Cummins as he leads you through every breathtaking stop.

Op. 1257, Winthrop University. A stunning G. Donald Harrison signature in an enormous space. And in splendid condition, thanks to Orgues Létourneau. This organ is in danger of not being used much, if at all, these days.

Op. 1029, First Methodist, Beaumont, Tex. A respectable instrument in a perfectly sublime space. Go and at least treat your eyes, if not your ears.

Op. 1149, First Methodist, Houston. A huge, thrilling instrument in the most dreadful space ever rendered by the hand of man.

Opp. 912 and 912A, First Presbyterian, Houston. My favorite organs in Houston in many ways. I ‘presided’ at these organs every Sunday for seven years. Loved them with all my heart. They are in splendid condition, thanks to Schoenstein and the curatorial efforts of my successor, Rhonda Furr.

Opp. 976 and 3013, Christ Church Cathedral, Houston. The big organ has been refurbished to an unknown degree (to me). It is a bit of a sister organ to Op. 912A at First Presbyterian and is equally lovely in different ways.

Op. 1173, First Presbyterian, Kilgore, Tex. Roy Perry’s masterpiece. GO. GO. GO.

Op. 1174, First Baptist, Longview, Tex. A huge G. Donald Harrison signature. A classic, and one of only three organs in the world to bring tears to my eyes on first hearing. My students are believers, too.

Op. 1500, St. George’s Episcopal, Port Arthur, Tex. A respectable late effort of the company. It may no longer be there.

If I omitted one here, it’s a tragedy. None deserves omission. Long live those who keep these organs alive.