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S O L I D E O G L O R IA
S OL I
D E O G L O R IA
S OL I
D E O G L O R IA
PARSONSPIPEORGANB U I L D E R S
THEW NDL NE
Does anyone remember the quaint little town of New Rochelle, NY, where Rob and Laura Petrie (of the Dick Van Dyke show) made their home? It would surprise many people to know that New Rochelle
is, in fact, a real suburb of New York City and was the chosen home of Earl Corder Sams, president of J.C. Penney Stores Co. from 1914 to 1946. In 1927 Penney’s moved its headquarters to New York City and Mr. Sams elected to build a 12,000 sq. ft., 14 room Georgian colonial mansion in nearby New Rochelle. As was the custom of the day for the ultra-wealthy, plans for the home included a large “player” pipe organ situated primarily in the basement with an Echo division positioned high in the dome of the grand elliptical foyer. The console and player mechanism are conveniently located in the entrance hallway just to the left of the foyer and adjacent to the music room. The console’s interior mechanism is enclosed in the custom cabinetry that is a part of the home giving it a built-in feel. Music from the organ is conveyed to various rooms of the home through a system of tone chutes originating in the basement and ending in decorative grilles in upstairs walls; a vital collaboration between the architect and organbuilder.
The pipe organ, built in 1927 as Opus #1654 by the famed Aeolian Organ Company, was installed in 1928 following completion of the Sams mansion. The organ contains 27 ranks (set of pipes) playable over five divisions (Swell, Great, Choir, Echo and Pedal). The organ can be played “by hand”, as with any other pipe organ, or it can play itself through the player mechanism. It should be noted that during the rebuild process, Parsons replaced the original roll player with a computer driven system that currently offers over 800 selections. Such residence organs were rarely played by hand as the organs were used primarily as a means of entertainment for the organ’s owners and guests.
PARSONSORGANS.COM Member Firm: Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America [APOBA]
S P R I N G 2 0 1 8
VanLare residence
new rocheLLe, nYaeoLian companY opus 1654, 1928parsons project 44, 201723 stops, 27 ranks
The Parsons team brought the utmost respect for the instrument and its surroundings and unmatched skill to our project. They paid attention to every detail, making their restoration its own work of art and creating a magnificent, nuanced tonal result. We are blessed to have Parsons as custodians of the instrument’s history and acolytes of the music it will make for the next century.
“”– Jordan VanLare
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“SHOW ME THE MONEY!”
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Unfortunately, flooding immersed the mechanism of the organ under several feet of water, ruining the electro-pneumatic windchest mechanism, the wind pressure regulators, the remote combination system and the remote paper-roll player mechanism. The wind pressure regulators were duplicated, the windchests were replaced with new, direct pallet style mechanism (the actions are viewable through new plexiglass service access covers) and the console was converted to electric action. A new solid-state control system allows for multiple levels of memory as well as the installation of a custom designed computer that accurately reproduces over 800 of the original paper rolls. The Organ Computer Interface (OrCI) system was developed by noted restoration firm of Nelson Barden & Associates in the 1990’s to ensure the digital preservation of Aeolian and E.M. Skinner paper rolls. Sean O’Donnell, also a noted restorer, provided the hardware and technical expertise required for integrating this system into Opus 1654. The console is connected to the organ via fiber optic cable. The organ’s blower and motor, having been submerged, were completely restored.
After extensive repairs, the instrument has been returned to its former state of grandeur and will once again serve as entertainment for the numerous private events and public functions being planned by the new owners of the home, Jordan and Jane VanLare. Parsons has also completed the repair of the Chimes and restoration of the Harp. The organ’s percussion is an important part of the instrument, used in many of the recordings. The organ’s pipes have been completely cleaned, repaired and returned to proper speech.
Here are the four most important web sites to access information about grants to re-pair historic houses of worship, as well as strategies to help market/promote the work of your congregation in your community:
SACRED SITES GRANT PROGRAM (http://www.nylandmarks.org/programs_services/grants/sacred_sites_program/). A grant program that provides funds for the repair of historic houses of worship that are located in New York State. You can apply every three years for money from this program – which is targeted for the repair of historic churches/synagogues/temples/etc. Over the past 30 years, this program has provided over $3 million dollars for building repairs. Ann Friedman, grant coordinator.
PRESERVATION FUND OF THE ROCHESTER AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (https://www.racf.org/Grants/Search-for-Grants?ids=|1077) – A grant program that provides funds for the repair of historic buildings (including churches/synagogues) located in Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, Wayne, Genesee and Orleans counties.
PRESERVATION GRANT FUND OF LANDMARK SOCIETY OF WESTERN NEW YORK – A grant program that provides funding of up to $3,000 for pre-construction projects, such as the architect’s fee for evaluating the condition of a historic house of worship and preparing a report listing the repairs that are needed. Go to http://landmarksociety.org/programs/preservation-grant-fund/ for details.
PARTNERS FOR SACRED PLACES (http://www.sacredplaces.org/) – this organization is the national clearing house for information critical to historic congregations across the U.S.. Partners for Sacred Places works with congregations and others with a stake in older religious properties to fully maximize these buildings/campuses as vital community assets. Assistance with marketing, fund-raising/capital campaigns, rehabilitation of older buildings, re-purposing of excess space in your church for new uses & new revenue, etc. This is the “911” organization for any and all congregations hoping to stay open and maintain their programs in the 21st century!
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1. Pipework installed2. Calvin Parsons and Chad Snyder installing pipes into the Great division3. A look along the front of the organ, 16’ Trumpet, winding & shades. The
organ chamber was built with glass panels for maximum viewing ability from the adjacent room.
4. Jordan VanLare helping dial in the pneumatic action for the newly restored Harp
PARSONSORGANS.COM
WHAT’S ON OUR BENCH?
RECENTLY COMPLETED
FOR SALEFull stop lists and photos available on our website, parsonsorgans.com
2018 St. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchHistoric Restoration, 1867 J. G. MarkloveCandor, New York2 Manual & Pedal, 25 Ranks
J.W. Steer (sp. Steere after 1880), Opus 1, 1867Mechanical Action2 Manual & Pedal, 24 Ranks
Hope Lutheran ChurchNew ConstructionSt. Louis, Missouri2 Manual & Pedal, 27 Ranks
Hilborne L. Roosevelt, Opus 32, 1879Full historic restoration completed in 2018Mechanical Action1 Manual & Pedal, 5 Ranks
Parsons, Opus 2, 1981Mechanical Action2 Manual & Pedal, 9 Ranks
Schantz Unit Organ, 1977Electro-pneumatic Action2 Manual & Pedal, 12 Ranks, 26 Stops
VISIT OUR FACEBOOK TO VIEW PHOTOS OF OUR PROJECTS!
ARE YOU DOING ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN YOUR CHURCH?
DO YOU HAVE A 20-30 YEAR PLAN FOR YOUR PIPE ORGAN? WE CAN HELP.
2017 VanLare ResidenceRemanufacture of Aeolian Opus 1654New Rochelle, New York3 Manual & Pedal, 27 Ranks
Waverly Valley United PresbyterianRelocation of Parsons Opus 1Waverly, New York2 Manual & Pedal, 25 Ranks
St. Mary’s ChurchHistoric Restoration, 1890 Carl BarckhoffAuburn, New York2 Manual & Pedal, 30 Ranks
Too often, protecting the pipe organ is overlooked when contractors are employed to make renovations, repairs or additions to the church. Seemingly unrelated construction projects can raise dust that can circulate through the delicate portions of the pipe organ causing mechanical and tonal problems. Unlike simple vacuuming and dusting required to clean a typical work site, cleaning dirt and dust from the thousands of delicate components and mechanisms in a pipe organ can be very laborious and therefore expensive. Cleaning the organ, typically, requires removal of the delicate pipes, which must be individually cleaned, giving access to the myriad of organ components. Even small pipe organs will have 1000 to 1500 pipes along with exposed switching functions having hundreds of contacts. Whether it is the church roof, fire or water damage, floor refinishing or even repainting (which often involves some level of sanding), it is important to contact your pipe organ service provider to ask whether the organ can be properly protected. Typically, this involves covering the organ with protective plastic sheeting and sealing the organ from dust. This is far less expensive and less intrusive on the organ than cleaning the mess after the fact. The pipe organ is a complicated and delicate musical instrument. Next to the building itself, it is likely the most expensive item in the church. When in doubt, give us a call, we’re glad to advise.
Pipe organs will last for hundreds of years when properly cared for. They are primarily objects formed from various metals and woods. There are, however, portions of the organ which allow it to move and breath to produce sound. Various types of felt, bushing cloth, leather and even electrical components (contacts, cables, etc.) will deteriorate over time. These materials will, typically, last between 40 and 100 years, depending on the
material and the application. Having a long term understanding and plan for the organ is good stewardship and will allow you to keep the organ in reliable working order for future generations to enjoy. As your service provider, addressing necessary safety concerns is also a priority for us. Recognizing potential problems and hazards is something we will report whenever they arise. Upgrading an old electrical system will not only provide organist registration and playing aids, but more importantly will make the organ compliant with modern electrical codes in terms of fire rated cabling and proper fusing. If you ever have any questions about your specific instrument, we’re ready to help.
UPCOMING EVENTSAPRIL 2018 - JUNE 2018
RECENT CONCERTS
MAY
JUNE
APRIL
Spring Organ Concert, featuring Gail Archer, an international concert organist, recording artist, choral conductor and lecturer. She serves as director of the artist and young organ artist recitals at historic Central Synagogue, New York City.
Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI) presents an organ recital by Eastman School of Music Students.
John Vreeland, Trystan Bennett and Achim Loch will be performing on Parsons Opus 29, 2010. There will be a free will offering.
4/15 AT 3 P.M.- THE UNITED CHURCH, CANANDAIGUA, NY
Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI) presents an organ recital by Eastman School of Music Students.
5/4 AT 7:30 P.M.- FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ROCHESTER, ROCHESTER, NY
Organ Recital by Raymond Nagem, associate music director at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC, will showcase the organ at Canandaigua United Church. (Go to genevamusicfestival.com for ticket info.)
6/14 AT 7:30 P.M.- THE UNITED CHURCH, CANANDAIGUA, NY
Eastman Rochester Organ Initiative (EROI) presents an organ recital by Eastman School of Music Students. Performing on Parsons Opus 37, 2014
5/6 AT 4 P.M.- ST. JOHN OF ROCHESTER CHURCH, FAIRPORT, NY
4/15 AT 4 P.M. - CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, WEBSTER, NY
4/29 AT 3 P.M. - ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FREDERICKSBURG, VA
CALENDAR EVENTS NOTE: If you would like to be on our email mailing list for open houses please contact Ellen at [email protected]. You can also read current and past newsletters on our website, parsonsorgans.com.
SOLIDEOGLORIA
SOLIDEOGLORIA
SOLIDEOGLORIA
4820 BRISTOL VALLEY ROAD CANANDAIGUA, NY 14424888.229.4820 PARSONSORGANS.COM
SPRING 2018 NEWSLETTER
Attn: Musicians & Colleagues
We had the pleasure of having David Higgs perform in Buffalo, NY, on Parsons Opus 43. He is one of America’s leading concert organists, and is also Chair of the Organ Department at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He performs extensively throughout the United States and abroad.
Amanda Mole is the Director of Music at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Rochester, NY, and at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Webster, NY. In September 2017, she won First Prize at the 8th International Organ Competition Musashino-Tokyo in Japan. It was exciting to have Amanda perform on Parsons Opus 41, in Canandaigua, NY in October.
OCTOBER 12, 2017
OCTOBER 24, 2017
From left to right: Matt Parsons, Duane Prill, Aaron Grabowski, David Higgs, Peter Geise, Ric Parsons and Jonathan Ambrosino
