Shop talk

This week, it’s travel time again. This time, it’s ten of us on a 6-day trip to visit organ builders’ shops. We thank the anonymous angel who is footing the bill for the hotel rooms, and we thank Appalachian State University for renting a van big enough to hold us and our luggage. Here is a list of the shops we’ll be visiting, plus a bit about my own history with these builders.

Schantz Organ Company / Orrville, Ohio: Schantz is ubiquitous, and that’s not a bad thing. They have been a part of my life everywhere I have lived. And I do appreciate the miracles they worked in several places I encountered. Perhaps their most endearing organ to me is their 17-rank instrument from 1983, built for the Boone (N.C.) United Methodist Church, where I served as organist my senior year in college. That instrument and the room it was in made me feel important. I could leave my lowly classes in one building and enter the church where I wasn’t so lowly. At that time, it was the largest church pipe organ in the county. I was da man. I wasn’t able to pick up girls with it, though.

Kegg Pipe Organ Builders / Hartville, Ohio: I have never played a Kegg, but judging from their tonal philosophies on their website, I’d say it’s about time: “The primary duty of a pipe organ used in worship is to support congregational singing … A Kegg Pipe Organ is designed to play American worship services. It is not copied from a notable builder of the past … [T]he past must be drawn upon for inspiration, and balanced with the requirements of contemporary worship needs and American acoustical environments … [O]ne must strive to duplicate the effect of such instruments, rather than the instruments themselves … Above all, a Kegg Pipe Organ blends. All stops come together to weave the musical fabric …”

The Holtkamp Organ Company / Cleveland, Ohio: These guys (and their ancestors) have been around the block, and they have paid attention along the way. It has been most instructive for me to read of Holtkamp’s positive effect on both the Orgelbewegung AND American Classic Organ building in the U.S. And the visual effect of a Holtkamp is one of the more stunning experiences for a whippersnapper such as I was. I particularly remember the large-ish instrument at Salem College and its characteristically spare console. Form followed function, for sure.

Goulding & Wood Pipe Organ Builders / Indianapolis, Ind.: I have enjoyed getting to know this company a bit better recently, having played on their instruments at Holy Comforter Lutheran in Belmont, N.C., St. Martin’s Episcopal in Charlotte, and First Presbyterian in Goldsboro, N.C.

John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders / Champaign, Ill.: John-Paul Buzard is a friend of mine. He is one of those folks whose support and many kindnesses I will never forget. The first instrument of his I played on was during the Semifinal Round of the AGO competition in 2000. He spoke very highly of my performance, and when someone does that, I try to remain loyal.

B. Rule & Company / New Market, Tenn.: Brad is one of those folks who is keeping American organ building alive in somewhat earlier styles. He knows the historic organs and their builders and their idiosyncrasies, and it will be a pleasure for me and the group to visit and hear about a style of organ building we don’t get around to very often “in these parts.”

So, as soon as I click "post," it will be bon voyage.