There are many reasons to attend your Portland Chapter’s monthly programs as well as collateral, perhaps unexpected, benefits. Sure there are coffee and doughnuts, but October’s meeting encouraged us to reconnect to something special—our inner child. For this group of church musicians, some of whom are experiencing a couple gray hairs, playtime was the theme of the day. We gathered in the sanctuary at the First Parish in Brunswick, hosted by Jane Hagness, and circled the mysterious black cube known as the “Kotzsch In a Box”.
I was quickly transported back to my youth and remember how much fun I had with Legos or Lincoln Logs and the hours spent with all sorts of creative building toys. We immediately set to work constructing this amazing little organ. Chapter member Bruce Fithian had already used the puzzle organ with his choirs to demonstrate the basic principles of pipe organ construction as he shared ideas to engage learning. Not to be underestimated is the extreme quality of the instrument. Few non-organists have an appreciation for the beautifully fragile yet robust qualities of a pipe organ; the Kotzsch drives this message home. Personally, I’m reminded of the many times I’ve tried to explain how this King of Instruments works only to be met with the comment, “Oh, it’s a piano.” The Kotzsch is the answer to our prayers! James Strand was the next in line to bring the Kotzsch to the organ committee at St. Albans in Cape Elizabeth.
I’ve got to say it was interesting to see how our group divided into two distinct groups: those who try to carefully follow the written directions while the other group is just plowing ahead, inserting Tab 3A into Slot 3B. At this point both groups collaborated and resorted the instruction packet. A special note of praise to Ray Cornils for his dramatic and moving reading of the directions.
I encourage you to support your Chapter by attending as many programs as you are able. Bring a guest and I look forward to seeing you in November 10 at Blue Point Congregational church in Scarborough!
