Groom: It isn’t a church wedding, it’s in a hotel. We’ve got a minister.
Me: (thinks: wow! This is something new). Does the hotel have an organ?
Groom: No. Don’t you have your own organ?
Me: (What does he think organists are? Strolling minstrels who carry their instruments on their back?)
No, I don’t. Do you know anyone with a really good keyboard?
Groom: I’ve a friend who plays keyboard in a pop group. I’ll ask him.
Me: Sounds OK.
[Change of scene to hotel the day before the wedding. I inspect the keyboard, which its owner has set up on its stand. It’s complicated, but I can find the sounds I want. I note down settings, then pause]
Me: Where’s the music rest?
Pop group player: The what?
Me: You know, the shelf to stand the music on while you’re playing.
Pop group player: Music?!! We don’t use music!
Me: (Feeling a bit silly – whenever did you see a pop group reading music?) No, of course you don’t. I’ll bring along a music stand.
This particular wedding went on to become quite dramatic. To be continued …
This illustrates how many people think that all organs are the same. We can laugh at the situation but it explains why there is enthusiasm for electronic piano/organs being used in Church. Their versatility is regarded as making them good value for money.
Comment by Elvira — January 6, 2010 @ 9:05 pm