Instrument Consultations

The Parish of All Saints, Ashmont, Dorchester (Boston)
Skinner Organ Co., Opus 708, 1929

The chapter’s organ advisory committee consults with municipalities, churches and synagogues, musicians, clergy, staff, and volunteers about the acquisition of, disposition of, and/or modifications to an organ in a worship or musical performance space. Many who serve on organ committees are likely not conversant with this complex instrument, and the committee can offer external advice and answer questions that will likely be helpful.

The committee members are versed in the technical knowledge required for making recommendations appropriate to various situations. Even in the case of removal of an organ, the committee can make recommendations regarding appropriate organizations to assist in removal and relocation of the instrument.

A consulting fee of $100 will be assessed. When you’re ready to formally engage the committee, use the form below to submit information to Andrew Sheranian, committee chair.

APPLYING FOR AN INSTRUMENT CONSULTATION

The chapter’s organ advisory committee assists institutions in making decisions about acquiring, rebuilding, restoring, or decommissioning pipe organs by providing advice and recommendations. The fee is $100, and no contract is required.

Once you’ve submitted the form below, a member of the committee will respond to your request and enter into discussions with you and your committee. After fact-finding that will include a site-visit, the committee will deliberate and submit recommendations in a report.

The timeline for this process will depend on the complexity of the situation at hand. A period of several months is typical, but in some cases, the process could take up to six months.

Before completing the form, have on hand contact information and as much detail about the organ as possible, including a brief statement of your goals and timeline, the builder and year installed, your opinion of the instrument’s current condition, whether currently in use and if not the date last played, the date it was last serviced and by whom, and the name of and contact information for the last or current organist. In a document to be attached provide the following information, if available: specifications (list of stops), date of any rebuilding or restorations undertaken since acquiring the instrument and by whom, and location in the room.

If you have any questions prior to completing the form, email the committee chair, Andrew Sheranian.

ANDREW SHERANIAN
Chair, Organ Advisory Committee

Email

Instrument Consultation Enrollment Form

Following submission of this form you will see a confirmation note on the screen with a link to the chapter store for making a secure online payment. We look forward to working with you!

Zakim Bridge