Taking up a new post
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    I ask for your prayers.

    12 hours from now I will be in a meeting to negotiate terms and pay for a contract as a parish organist. I've already been blessed in that they only want Saturday vigil and Sunday evening masses which will allow me to retain my position as a choral scholar ar the local Cathedral church. They are already happy with the arrangement that I may be unavailable if my DoM wants mw for something.

    I am hoping to get a preference as the in house organist for funerals. One of my aims is ro reain a number of people with existing music skills and form them as future organists and cantors.
    Thanked by 3Andrew Motyka JulieColl CHGiffen
  • CharlesW
    Posts: 11,979
    Prayers for your success in negotiations and in getting this post.
  • Patricia Cecilia
    Posts: 400
    Prayers offered.
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    I cannot disclose details, but we've reached a temporary agreement which we're both quite happy to run with for the interim, with an agreed date to review the situation.
    Thanked by 7Kathy Andrew Motyka CHGiffen JulieColl irishtenor CharlesW Patricia Cecilia
  • Patricia Cecilia
    Posts: 400
    More prayers now that you are actually doing the work!
    Thanked by 1hartleymartin
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    I thank you for your prayers. I'm also looking into replacing the old clapped-out drawbar organ (not even a genuine hammond as far as I can tell) with a new digital instrument. The sound is terrible, and the old thing has gotten very temperamental. I'm hoping that it has a dignified death one day soon which will force matters.
  • francis
    Posts: 10,824
    harleymartin

    What kind of digital are you looking to get?
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    At the moment it's a toss up between a Roland/Rogers C330 and an Allen Historique.

    I'm very impressed with both and it's going to be hard to make a call on which one the church should purchase. I've been in contact with the local Roland/Rogers dealer and I have also worked with the local Allen dealer before. They both have most excellent service.

    The only real point where the two differ is over the pedalboard. I would prefer an AGO pedalboard if I can get one, which would put the Allen ahead, but at the same time, I believe that whilst Roland/Rogers will not supply the C330 with anything but the BDO pedalboard, that it is technically possible to fit one.
  • hartleymartin
    Posts: 1,447
    I am given to understand that the C330 and the Historique were both originally intended as less expensive home/practice instruments but have been proving popular with churches and chapels. One advantage of the church that I've taken up post is that the choir loft has a lockable door so random strangers will not be able to tamper with the organ.

    I also intend to be very strict about care for the organ as it is a major investment for the parish.
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