The Modern Organ

What do you think of when you hear the word organ? Some remember the days when they went to the skating rink, some think of church while others visualize a funeral home.

No one can argue that musical sounds have changed. I know when I was growing up through the sixties much of the music was accompanied by electric guitars, percussion and eventually in the 70's synthesizers. Wow, what an era!

The first electronic, singl keyboard was introduced by Lowrey Organ Company. It was a "Teenie Genie." Though it still was primarily an organ it was quite lightweight and in fact I sold one to a high school that was used on the sidelines for the marching band.

Soon thereafter came the digital keyboard by several manufacturers, Yamaha, Roland. The introduction of these instruments literally transformed the music industry. The capabilities and sounds from these new instruments gave music a new definition.

Roland Corporation coordinated the effort to create a universal data language that would enable any digital device, such as a computer or other digital instruments such as organs and keyboards to be connected together to create a symphony if you will of keyboards. This capability was perfected and called Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI).

For those of you who remember the Michael Jackson tour in the early 1980's...all that incredible music was generated by multiple keyboards connected together and controlled by the musician from a single keyboard via MIDI!

The public has become accustomed to the sounds created by digital keyboards. The realism of the orchestral instrumentation is stunning. Today many of the movie scores, television and radio commercials are backed with music created on digital keyboards. Even the vast array of sound effects are generated from these instruments. Because we are exposed to this form of music daily and everywhere we turn we automatically expect these beautiful sounds and affects to be included in worship music. To have less becomes monotonous to the musical experience.

Today's modern organ offers so much more than was possible even 10 years ago. While there are many of all ages who enjoy fine pipe organ sound in worship they certainly enjoy the addition of orchestral sounds as well. For instance All Hail the Power of Jesus Name can accompany the congregation with the majestic pipe registration, the second verse of the hymn can be played featuring a brass fanfare, beautiful symphonic string orchestra and a tympani drum...the last verse can combine both. The appeciation is there because subconsciously it's expected and appreciated by all.

Speking of sound effects, I had a church who purchased a Rodgers 958 digital organ around Thanksgiving. The organist asked if I would work with him to create an Oriental effect for We Three Kings. He played his arrangement using a snare drum, triangle, finger cymbal and an oboe. The church congregation literally sat on the edge of their pew! They had no idea an "organ" could do that!

For classical music, one can play music by any composer and include orchestral instruments. The Hallelujah Chorus can feature the full registraion of a pipe organ, yet include symphony strings and harpsichord for a new twist. Or simply play the literature symphonically, with no organ stops. The Modern Organ lets you decide the flavor you desire. Rodgers organs have orchestral sounds onboard, however the addition of 1,100 other sounds and affects are possible.

By visiting www.tadlockorgan.com you'll see churches throughout the south that this company has served through the installation of a modern organ.

Why not expand your musical horizons by exploring "The Modern Organ?"