Pipe and electronic church organ acquisitions since 1975 in selected Roman Catholic parishes in the United States
A survey was conducted to determine current conditions pertaining to church organ acquisitions and renovations in selected Roman Catholic parishes in the United States. A need exists to ascertain what problems are occurring with the process of organ acquisition, what solutions are possible, and how...
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| Format: | Others |
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2011
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| Online Access: | http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/182177 http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/722778 |
| Summary: | A survey was conducted to determine current conditions pertaining to church organ acquisitions and renovations in selected Roman Catholic parishes in the United States. A need exists to ascertain what problems are occurring with the process of organ acquisition, what solutions are possible, and how trends in organ acquisition are measuring up with the principles outlined by Vatican II.Addresses of organ companies were obtained from the current National Association of Pastoral Musician's Organ Builders Directory_ (1988). The 105 organ companies queried sent the researcher the addresses of 711 past and current Roman Catholic customers; each customer was sent a questionnaire. Fifty-eight percent of the contacts responded, supplying significant information from 362 parishes in the forty-eight contiguous United States. Information was obtained regarding: organ installation/renovation, selection, organ companies considered, console placement, parish size, age of church building, fund-raising, greatest difficulties experienced, points of advice based on experience, diocesan organ acquisition policies, acoustical concerns, and reasons for choosing a pipe or an electronic instrument.Reviews of related research and discussions of current publications, Roman Catholic church music legislation, new technologies used for accompanying church music, and differing opinions of church leaders supplement the survey research.Parishes reported their most difficult problems encountered during organ acquistion and offered their best points of advice for avoiding problems. The data include opinions regarding pipe and electronic instruments; organ companies frequently utilized; examples of sucessful organ console placement; the status and examples of diocesan written policies concerning keyboard accompaniment instruments; the benefits of combining fund-raising with parish education and communication; and the need for greater concern and education regarding acoustics.Case studies describe Roman parishes that achieved quality worship services after thorough preparations for their organ acquisition. Beginning parishes need the greatest amount of help for organ planning. Conclusions call for national-level attention and education about the organ acquisition process, and encourage dioceses to facilitate this goal with well-written policies. === School of Music |
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