Organist wanted

[Sylvie Pacey]

How can I find an organist or keyboard player to accompany Sunday worship in our local Spiritualist Christian church? I am deputy organist but cannot commit to every Sunday. All the links I find on Internet seem to be for bands. The church is in Somerset, U.K Any suggestions would be welcome. Sadly, organists are thin on the ground
and younger players don't want to be tied down on Sunday evenings. Sylvie Pacey

[marval]

HI Sylvie,

I don't know much about finding organists, but here is a link to "The Somerset Organ and Choirmasters Association). Maybe if you contact them they will be able to point you in the right direction. I hope this helps.


http://www.somersetoca.org.uk/


Margaret

[Krummhorn]

Hi Sylvie,

Check out the site for the Royal College of Organists as a source for finding organists.

There is also the Incorporated Association of Organists - and lastly the UK Musicians Union that could be of help in this situation, too.

The same is true here across the pond ... organists are in short supply, and there are no younger ones coming up through the ranks () to replace those of us who are within 10 or 12 years of having our organ shoes bronzed.

Meanwhile, I'll keep searching for other sources ... wanted to get these to you while you were online this morning ... well, it is morning for me anyway at 0632.

[Sylvie Pacey]

Thanks so much Margaret and Krummhorn, so helpful of you both. I shall try all the sites you mention. Of course, since it is such a small church I don't know about remuneration, I always play services for free, but then I am getting on in years (79) but don't tell a soul!!
So I live on my pension which is basic but very gratefully received for all that and I just love playing anyway.Have just been arranging all my Christmas programmes both for church and the concerts with my singers so I've been having a great time. Sylvie.

[marval]

Glad to be of help Sylvie, I hope that you are able to find someone. I am glad that you enjoy playing.


Margaret

[Sylvie Pacey]

thanks margaret, I have put out a few feelers and hope for a result in time. Thanks, Sylvie

[Krummhorn]

One never knows, Sylvie ... there may be a young student organist who would jump at the chance to play just for the sake of having the experience. When I first began playing in church, I too no pay for the first two years - I chalked it up to experience, and it eventually paid off, figuratively and literally.

[Sylvie Pacey]

Thanks to everyone for advice. The good news is that two members of the congregation have asked if I will teach them how to play a few simple hymns, which I shall be doing. They both have a very limited knowledge of music but enough I think to get started. It is good to know that they are interested and I hope that they will be able to support each other. Sylvie

[marval]

Hi Sylvie

That is good news, I am so pleased for you.

It is nice to know that they are interested.


Margaret

[Krummhorn]

That's great news to hear, Sylvie.

If only more congregations around the globe had people like that who have the drive and desire to learn anew.