KEYBOARDCHAT.COM The Feature Section of KEYBOARDNEWS.COM The Internet Magazine For Organ-Keyboard Enthusiasts ****************** Organ – What Organ? One of our readers told us that she had an enjoyable week at Pakefield and that the session relating to Organ Societies was most interesting. Many present agreed the term ‘organ’ was most misleading when it related to the present day double manual instruments, more commonly known as electronic organs. Yamaha attempted to steer away from the word ‘organ’ by calling them Electone’s and going back to 1985 John Walker thought of the term ‘Digital Orchestra’. The reason for this line of thinking is because the man in the street regards an organ as a church instrument – others relate the word to body parts. Penny Weedon remembers the time when she arrived at the Severn bridge toll in a vehicle that was a converted ambulance and when querying the toll charge remarked that she was carrying an organ in the back – the result was no charge as the operator rushed her through the barrier. It’s suggested that an ‘organ society’ would create a better image (especially to the younger generation) if it was called a ‘music society’. Taking it a step further, the term ‘society’ could be changed to ‘club’, which sounds far more informal. A group of enthusiasts in Dorset gave the name of ‘Ferndown Music Makers’ to their club and occasionally include other instruments at their meetings – although multi-keyboards (avoiding the term organ) are the main instruments played. To attract bigger attendances and more members, a fresh approach must be given the names of Societies. Some have already changed their name to include the word ‘keyboard’ like, for an abstract example: The Southern Organ and Keyboard Society. But would the name: The Southern Music Club sound more attractive? Some would say that a rose would still be a rose by any other name – but it is what is conjured up in the minds of the majority that count. Music is a popular as ever and there must be tens of thousands who would like to be involved with others of the same interest. This is why it is so psychologically important to have a title that will appeal to those who love the sound of music. See the response to this item in our INBOX John Walker - Digital Orchestra Back to the Front Page Back to Keyboardchat Contents Page 20.9.07