ORGAN OUTREACH

I have been very fortunate to have now played across a number of different churches and denominations across the UK. I recall even being allowed to play the Rushworth & Dreaper my alma mater ‘Goldsmiths’ back in 2012. In 2021-22 I received tuition from Nick Morris with the support of RCO who had been sponsoring the training of organists at the East London School Of Music (ELSOM).

Growing up in church the sound of organ and piano playing in duet was a staple in our services. Our church was very blessed in the music apartment. We had a number of organists and pianists within the congregation, we even had an organ builder in the congregation. We had a strong choir with a number of the members who could read music and play piano to some extent. At a young age I can recall looking over at the organ console (which used to have panels surrounding it) and just about being able to glimpse the organist. The main method of telling who was playing was simply listening to the music as each individual had their distinctive sound. It was this sound of music and our location on the main road that would draw the listening ear of passers by into the church even for the duration of a hymn.

Changing Trends

In the Advenist church department leaders are selected for office every 2 years therefore unless re-elected the music director can change. Over the years there have been attempts to change the style of music and to make it more inclusive.