Practice at the Garret House Organ

So today is a day I've been looking forward to for a while now.  I've shared this organ with you before, this is the Garret House Organ that resides in an old church building which is now owned by the Houghton County Historical Museum.  I haven't been to this organ in a few years. The first time my mentor took me there it was an experience of a lifetime. We entered through the side door which is locked only by a padlock. There were cob webs and a musty/moldy smell as we climbed a set of steep steps which took us up behind the pipes of the organ. I felt like a child exploring the forbidden! There we saw that organists of the past had written there names (some carved) into the wooden pipes...my mentor included as he had practiced there regularly since he was a young boy. We continued past the pipe work and rounded the corner to find the handle which, though the organ has been electrified, the wind-chest can still be pumped by hand. Clerical robes still hang on hooks outside of what must have been the Pastor's office. I remember the feeling of being transported to a place I can't even describe as my mentor began to play - the sound so sweet, so honest, so pure.  I had a wonderful time that day - I was given the opportunity to play it as well as try my hand at pumping while my mentor played. Now that's hard work! 

At first glance the building doesn't look like much, but when you take time to look closer and notice the detail, it really is lovely and must have been quite elegant in it's day. If I could travel back in time, I would like to attend church there some summer Sunday morning. 

After that first visit, I returned one or two other times with my mentor and was thrilled to be able to hear the great organist and organ instructor from University of Michigan, Marilyn Mason play a concert there one time. 



Today's experience was much the same, though not quite as adventurous and fascinating as my very first visit. The building has seen some improvements since the last time I was in and people are sometimes using it for a wedding venue. It smells much less musty. The organ is still beautiful but needs a good tuning. I sure hope they are able to get it tuned before August 26th. 

Because on August 26th my current piano teacher who is also my organ student and I are going to play a recital together. After today's visit I am nervous about our recital. The organ is so different from what I normally play that it makes me feel like I did that first visit as a very new beginner! We have a lot of work to do both together and separately. Next week I plan to go back alone and try to get acclimated as well as get each of my pieces registered. I'm glad we still have more than a month to prepare because with my responsibilities as organist at church I will need every opportunity possible for practice. 

 Well that's about it for today. I'm sure you'll hear more from me about this organ and my adventures there this summer. We are headed out first thing in the morning to visit our son and daughter in law. I'm looking forward to the trip. 

Happy 4th to all!!