Sharon Strand, pianist (and now
organist too)
We purchased a Rodgers organ in 1997. When we first
started looking for something to replace the present organ we were really
concentrating on keyboards. We felt that the keyboard would be easier for
pianists to sit down to and play, and yet receive the organ sound. I did
not want to see us purchase an organ for a couple of reasons:
- I did not know of anyone else other than the
present organist who would be able to play it, and it did not look like
anyone else had an interest in it.
- The cost.
I have since changed my mind. Peggy brought over
the 700 series organ, which also has the PR300. It is such an EASY organ
to play! I had said that whatever was purchased I would learn to play,
and now I am beginning to wonder if I will have much chance as others are
so interested! I was sitting at the organ, accompanying special music the
first Sunday that we had it here to try and that is MOST unusual. I had
not sat down to play an organ for at least a year! This organ made
everything so EASY, knowing that there were 40 pre-sets that WE chose to
have! Also, because of a special stop on the organ, it will play the
bass. An inexperienced organist, like myself who doesn’t feel comfortable
using the pedals, can have the full organ sound WITH pedals! This is one
of the most important stops, as ANY pianist can sit down to the organ and
play it.
I soon found that a keyboard was not what we needed,
but it was the ORGAN. Not only was it easier to play but also there was
NO comparison in the sound. I also found that it would not be so
expensive to have the organ rather than the keyboard, as there were things
on the keyboard we would most likely not use at all and there was so much
on the organ that we WOULD use.
I do not want to forget Peggy. Peggy has been very
helpful to our congregation in showing us what is available and what she
truly felt was best for our church. She has given the organist and me a
lot of instruction and that means SO much. She hasn’t just dropped off or
sold an organ and left it there. She has contacted us to see how things
are going and to answer any questions that we have. She has been there
for me at all times. |