Some Killer Pipes...

[Soubasse]

All this reminds me of a story I once heard about an unexpected use of the West-End chamades in St. Pauls, London (UK organists on the forum may wish to verify this as I'm only going from memory).

The season was Advent and it was during the day when there quite a few parishoners in there setting up various Christmas, err ... "decorations" for want of a better word, including the ubiquitous crib diorama which was being set up in the West End of the cathedral. One of the organists was practicing quietly but in a momentary lapse of concentration (perhaps ...) didn't notice that the chamade rank was active on the solo. Thinking that he was going to a soft stop, he executed a quick flourish on the solo manual before rapidly stopping and knocking off the chamade stop. This was followed almost instantly by the sound of a clay figurine smashing on the floor.

That year, only two wise men attended the Nativity.

[Corno Dolce]

Hi Soubasse,

Gosh, a clay figurine tumbling down from the level of the west-end Royal Trumpets I surmise - man, thank God nobody was underneath the falling figurine - instant death

Cheers,

CD < : - |

[Contratrombone64]

LOL - that was the best result for the clay figurine, in my humble opinion.

I think the clay figurine was dropped by someone when they chamade's noisy chuff scarred the wits out of them, yes?

[mamills]

KH; I know exactly how you feel. The louder I play, the louder they visit. At one time, I used to think "they don't have the slightest idea what I'm even trying to play up here". So, as bad (and secular) as it sounds, one Sunday I pulled out a stirring rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for a prelude, complete with tremulants and reeds. Regrettably, only two people noticed (besides the Pastor and myself). Very disheartening...but at least it was baseball season...

Mike

Mike

[Corno Dolce]

Hi Mike,

You played "Take Me Out to The Ball Game"? My oh my, that was really gutsy of you

Seriously, maybe a rank of Gamewell Diaphones on 100" windpressure will put a stop to the chatter.

Here's that Diaphone:

http://www.shiphorns.com/media/typec_harriman.mov

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

[Krummhorn]

Seriously, maybe a rank of Gamewell Diaphones on 100" windpressure will put a stop to the chatter.

Yes, and create extra work for the custodian after services ... -

[mamills]

GOOD NIGHT, THAT THING'S LOUD!!! That would certainly bring an instant halt to the talking (not to mention a few heartbeats as well...mine included).

Actually, regarding my unorthodox choice of prelude, My Pastor did mention it, and when I explained its underlying meaning, the matter of visiting in church once the prelude starts was brought up for discussion by the church council. End result...the noise has been greatly reduced!

Mike

[Soubasse]

I think the clay figurine was dropped by someone when they chamade's noisy chuff scarred the wits out of them, yes?

That is indeed correct.

In related incidents, during my tenure at the Anglican cathedral at which I used to play, there was a much hyped installation of an extension down to 32' of the 16' Trombone. Because there was no more room in the original organ chamber, the bottom 12 pipes were placed opposite the organ in the chancel. This also happened to be the Sacristy. I always recall the informal inauguration of the rank after a Sunday Evensong. The Verger, a lady named Audrey, (the first female Verger for an Anglican Cathedral in Australia I believe) had just carried in the tray of wine and water, etc, when the then Organ Scholar (yours truly) playing the voluntary, let fly with the then new 32' reed rank. There was a new note in this voluntary that evening, which took the form of a rather uncharacteristic and startled shrieking from Audrey, at a volume which not only equalled the ContraTrombone but was also heard well down the nave.

[greatcyber]

Hi Mike,

You played "Take Me Out to The Ball Game"? My oh my, that was really gutsy of you

Seriously, maybe a rank of Gamewell Diaphones on 100" windpressure will put a stop to the chatter.

Here's that Diaphone:

http://www.shiphorns.com/media/typec_harriman.mov

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

Sounds like a goose that got goosed!

[smilingvox]

http://www.arcanemethods.com/KillerHorn.jpg

Oh sure, let's just put that in St. John the Divine (NYC)!
LOL

[smilingvox]

Hi Mike,

You played "Take Me Out to The Ball Game"? My oh my, that was really gutsy of you

Seriously, maybe a rank of Gamewell Diaphones on 100" windpressure will put a stop to the chatter.

Here's that Diaphone:

http://www.shiphorns.com/media/typec_harriman.mov

Cheers,

Corno Dolce

The town hall in Hollis, NH (few miles from Nashua) has, or had, a horn just like that in the bellfry. Everyday at noon would be a short blast just like that first one.

[dll927]

Earplugs are in order here.

I once attended a concert in a church in Pasadena, CA, and there was a little girl about four in the next seat. As time went on, she dozed off. Pretty soon the organist visited the Tuba stop. The l. g. woke up with a start. Imagine what would happen with the load on that truck.