New to Forum, New to Organ

[UCG Musician]

I am hoping this forum may be helpful as I am new to organ playing. My church is small and always rents its meeting facilities. We are moving into a new hall soon -- a church that happens to have an Allen MDS-50 organ. I am a pianist & will have much to learn, training feet to do what hands are accustomed to doing!

One very interesting aspect of the instrument is that it is fully MIDI capable. I have searched various forums looking for information on how to utilize MIDI sequencing software (Sonar) with this instrument. I have lots of experience with MIDI using digital pianos, synthesizers & sound modules (even some soft synths), but nothing like the Allen MDS-50 organ.

Is this a good forum for getting assistance with this? I would like to hear from anyone who has effectively utilized the MIDI capabilities of an Allen organ.

Thank you,
UCG Musician

[Krummhorn]

Welcome aboard, UCG Musician

Yes, this is a very good forum for what you seek ... although some may say my opinion is biased, this forum is the best on the internet - You see, I was a normal member here for awhile before I became a staff member.

As for the Allen MDS-50, a sturdy organ for sure with a good sound, albeit 1990's technology.

As to playing technique, get thyself a tutor or teacher to help you learn. The one-on-one experience and what you will gain from taking lessons will be of great help down the road, and I think you will not regret taking that avenue.

There are two primary publications that can be useful:

1. Gleason, Harold ... ... Method of Organ Playing
2. Stainer, John ...... ... Complete Organ Method

The Gleason book is rather pricey ... the older editions are less costly and will be able to help you just as good. I have the Gleason publication (4th printing - 1964 - paid $6.50 USD for it back then).

The Stainer book is equally good as far as I am concerned.

I'll leave the 'midi' part of your query to those more qualified than I.

Glad to have you on the forum, and look forward to your continued participation here. Enjoy

[teddy]

Hello UCG Musician and welcome to the forum.
You will find a wealth of experience and knowledge here.

teddy

[Corno Dolce]

Welcome aboard UCG musician,

I can only but heartily echo my colleague Krummhorn's advice. A few other members on this most august of forums know in-depth that which you seek.

Please do feel very much at home here amongst big-hearted members all.

Best always,

CD

[marval]

Hello UCG Musician

Welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place.


Margaret

[UCG Musician]

Thanks for all the welcomes! Following Krummhorn's advice, I got the only copy of Gleason's book (6th edition) available in my metropolitan area's library system and have scheduled organ lessons beginning the end of this week! My instructor is a university professor and former dean of the local AGO chapter.

The university has a small pipe organ in its school of music but the prof wants to teach me on a large instrument across the street from campus -- the same instrument on which I heard Felix Hell give an awesome concert a few years back.

Since I have my first service on December 11, I hope to be prepared enough not to mess up badly. I probably will not try to do pedals for awhile!

This situation has all developed so quickly I could not have imagined it a week or two ago. I have always been a pipe organ fan but have rarely had any actual time on an instrument. My church is a small congregation that rents rather than purchases facilities. We are moving into a new hall starting December 11 and I am scheduled to play that day. There are others who accompany hymns regularly but none of them wants to touch the organ.

[wljmrbill]

Welcome and I am sure the Good Lord will help you get it together. He always helped me opuot with some tough musical problems durning my productive years.

[Krummhorn]

All the best for you in this new endeavor
You will not regret the professional instruction and will cherish what you learn now in later years.

My Gleason book is the 4th edition - still in mint condition from 1960's and I refer to it every once in awhile to keep my technique in tune. Excellent reference book