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The Process – Most churches will elect a committee to recommend the purchase of the organ. The committee will usually consist of the minister of music, organist, several other musicians, and a few members representing the congregation at large. A person who has experience with electronics and computers will be an asset to the group. If you don't have such a person on the committee, it may be difficult to explain technical issues to members of the congrega- tion when such questions are asked. This is true whether you purchase an electronic or pipe organ.

The committee should approach the purchase of the organ with the good of the church's worship in mind. Many committees make the mistake of only considering finances. Although pipe organs are certainly not best for all congregations, some people, who would not give to other causes, will give money towards the purchase of an organ.

The committee should begin to gather materials on many different types of organs. They may want to enlist the help of an independent consultant — perhaps an organist from a local university. Once initial plans are made, the committee should begin visiting organ installations. This will require travel since, unlike pianos, you can't go to a showroom and try them out. An organ is designed for a particular space, and it must be heard in the space for which it was created. Part of the education process of an organ committee will be to learn about pipes, ranks, divisions, and about many other facets of organ building, and to become literate in discussing different aspects of organ construction and sound. Many sources are available for such study. A qualified consultant will guide the committee and congregation through this process.

The committee should take plenty of time to hear different instruments, consider the needs of the church and financial resources, and should develop a fund raising plan before making a recommendation to the church. The committee should make a definite recommendation rather than give the church several options. When presented with solid research, it is rare that a church will not follow the recommendation of their committee.

What Types of Organs Are Available?

Pipe Organs – These are the "parent" instruments of all organs, and they are preferred because they are built into the room. However, pipe organs are more expensive, require extra space, and must be built into the worship space. A pipe organ is constructed by an organ builder/company off site, is taken apart and moved to your location, then reconstructed and voiced to accommodate the room. Pipe organs also require more regular tunings and generally are more expensive to maintain. A pipe organ is a long-term investment and, if well maintained, should last fifty or more years.

Electronic Organs – These organs continue to improve as technology improves, and they are able to imitate the pipe organ with some accuracy. A church should only consider an electronic organ that is made for church use. Many organs are made for home use and are not suitable for the needs of worship. A large electronic organ can also require significant space. The electronic instrument is placed in the room and then voiced according to the desires of the technician, the organist, or minister of music. Due to changes in technology, electronic instruments tend to become outdated more quickly than pipe organs.

Pipe Augmented Electronic Organs – These are combinations of electronic and pipe organs. A large body of the instrument is electronic, but it includes several ranks of pipes to augment the electronic organ. Often, an organ of this type allows the church to have benefits from both worlds.

Other Organ Advice – Organs can be purchased in many types and price ranges. High-quality electronic organs can be purchased for prices that even small congregations can afford, and small pipe organs can accommodate small spaces and smaller budgets as well. Many times, committees assume that pipe organs are not an option before the instruments are even given consideration. Likewise, many small congregations settle for an inferior home organ when they could have purchased a small church organ, with full pedal board, in the same price range. There is no substitute for exploring all options.

Whatever kind of organ is chosen, it should have a full pedal board, at least two manuals, and standard draw knobs or tabs (these are minimal standards set by the American Guild of Organists). An organ that doesn't meet these standards will not adequately accommodate organ music for important celebrations in your church.

As you search for a new organ, you will be bombarded with misinformation and exaggerated claims. You must become perceptive in sifting through information. Do not believe anything that sounds too good to be true.

The purchase of an organ eventually comes down to a combination of quality, sound, and price. Only your committee can weigh these factors for your church.

Purchasing a Piano

While the purchase of a piano is significant for any church, it does not usually represent the same financial expenditure as an organ. The process will be much simpler because the options are fewer in terms of types of instruments, and you will usually be able to hear the instruments at the dealership.

A piano in a worship space will serve many functions. The piano can support congregational singing, may be used to accompany the choir and soloists, and is suitable for use in other services of the church. The piano in the worship space should also be adequate for visiting artists, piano recitals, and other events.

The Process – As with an organ, a piano for a worship space should also be purchased through the work of a committee. The committee should include the pianist, minister of music, other musicians, and members at large. A committee of five is adequate.

The committee should begin by deciding whether they will purchase a grand piano or a studio piano (see below). Next, they should investigate what piano makers are currently producing high-quality instruments. You cannot assume that a company that built quality instruments ten years ago will continue to do so today. To assist you in this process, you should consult someone who deals with pianos every day. An ideal person is a piano technician from a university or the chair of a piano department. University pianos are played recurrently and are a good determiner of what instruments hold up well under heavy use.

After you decide the types and brands of pianos you will consider for purchase, set up appointments to visit dealers; do not randomly appear on a Saturday morning. You will want to visit with an experienced salesperson who works with churches. Buying a piano is much like buying a car; you will have an advantage if you approach the dealer with what you intend to purchase, i.e., a six foot grand, flat black, and capable of both church and concert use.

What Kinds of Pianos Are Available?

Grand – Grand pianos are recommended for worship spaces, chapels, choir rooms, and perhaps fellowship halls. They are usually not suitable for spaces such as classrooms. Larger grand pianos (six feet and larger) will produce more sound than an upright, and the sound will be more evenly distributed. A larger grand also has more tonal possibilities.

Studio Upright – A studio piano is a large upright built for use in a studio, i.e., for university practice rooms and professional studios. It is a durable piano meant to sustain daily use. A studio piano has a larger soundboard than a small grand. For a smaller worship space, a studio piano is a solid choice and may be preferable to a baby grand. Many worship rooms are limited to a studio piano because of the size of the space allotted for the piano.

Spinets, Consoles, and Other Similar Sizes – These pianos are designed for occasional home use and are not suitable for churches. They have neither the quality of sound nor the durability that is needed for church use.

Additional Considerations

Rebuilding – Rebuilding an existing piano is an option for some congregations; however, the work must be done by an experienced person. Before beginning this process, you should carefully investigate the person's work and check references. Again, a good source for reference is a university piano technician. A university piano technician maintains pianos daily; therefore, he/she can be a quality resource person.

Maintenance – Choir room and worship room pianos should be tuned at least two times per year, and they will probably need to be "touched up" before major events. Generally speaking, a piano should be tuned with major season changes such as summer or winter. If the temperature of the room is not kept constant, the instrument will need more frequent tuning. Pianos in Sunday school rooms should be tuned at least once per year. Pianos in children's choir rooms must be kept in tune. Children should never be asked to sing with out-of-tune pianos. Pianos in areas that require them to be moved frequently (fellowship hall) should have large casters installed. Factory casters are not meant to sustain the frequent moving that a piano in a high usage area will receive.

Churches should have policies for taking care of pianos. Food and drink, flowers, and candles should never be placed on a piano. Pianos should be kept closed and covered when not in use.

Quality – The bottom line for a piano is quality. You will have to pay for quality. When you begin a process to purchase a piano, recognize this fact from the start.

Purchase of Synthesizers and Electronic Keyboards

Both the number of brands and models available and the wide range of possible functions of these instruments complicate the purchase of synthesizers and electronic keyboards. The basic building block for most music ministries will continue to be the sounds of the organ or the piano; however, these sounds can be greatly enhanced by the addition of electronic keyboards.

Expert advice should be sought before purchasing an electronic keyboard. The field is too broad and there are too many options for the novice to make wise choices. When considering the purchase of electronic instruments, consider the following:

1) For what purpose(s) will the instrument be used?

2) Will the instrument be used primarily for adding sounds to piano and organ?

3) Will it serve as the backbone of an instrumental ensemble?

4) Will the instrument be used to fill in missing parts in an orchestra?

5) Will this instrument be used with an acoustic piano?

6) Should it have acoustic piano qualities?

7) What sounds are already available on the organ?

8) Should the instrument be portable for use in outdoor settings and tours?

9) Will it augment other electronic instruments, or is it the first one to be purchased?

10) Who will play the instrument, and how skilled are they?

11) How willing are they to learn?

Answers to these questions will get you started in the process of securing a synthesizer or electronic keyboard.

Purchase of Handbells1

While handbells represent a major expenditure, they usually are not bought through a special committee, and frequently may be a memorial gift. There are only a few major handbell producers, so the choices are much more limited. Although you will want to consider price and service, you should have the handbell representative from each company bring a set of bells to try out in your worship space. Carefully compare them, especially in the worship space. Most churches should initially purchase a three-octave set since a two-octave set will severely limit the potential repertoire for the group. In future years, additional octaves can be added.

Equipment

Tables – Most handbell experts recommend using standard thirty-inch wide banquet tables in varying lengths, depending on the formation that your group uses. There are several lightweight tables currently available, and handbell manufacturers have tables specifically designed for handbell groups. A combination of eight foot, six foot, and four foot tables usually works well and provides maximum flexibility.

Pads – Four-inch thick pads are recommended to provide adequate cushion for varied handbell techniques; however, foam comes in various densities and harder foam will not yield a good staccato with the larger bells. Many experts recommend using super soft foam. For ease of storage, you should have pads cut into two-foot lengths so that they are interchangeable on four foot, six foot, or eight foot tables. When traveling, pads can be carried in fabric cases designed by an upholsterer.

Table Covers – Table covers should be made from narrow wale corduroy and should fit on the top, front, and ends of the table with hems just above the floor.

Music Folders – Most choirs use vinyl music folders designed for handbells.

Music Risers – Stands that raise the music folders will allow the music to be closer to the ringer and will provide for better eye contact, although they do restrict the sound.

Music Stands – Some handbell ringers (especially those who are taller) will prefer a music stand in order to have more table space and to raise the level of the music.

Cleaning Supplies – Cleaning supplies include simichrome polish and wiping cloths — soft cotton fabric is ideal. Handbells should be thoroughly cleaned several times per year.

Wiping Cloths – After each use, handbells should be wiped to avoid build up of residue. Use jewelers cloths especially designed for this purpose. These are available from music dealers and handbell supply companies.

Gloves – Work gloves are ideal for rehearsal since they are thick and provide more cushion than regular gloves. Performance gloves are usually white or black — preferably with plastic dots on the palms to help prevent slipping and to aid in turning pages (these are the same types of gloves worn by bands and other groups). Since gloves can be purchased cheaper in bulk from a handbell supply company, it is better for the director to purchase the gloves rather than having each player provide his/her own.

Mallets – You will need a variety of mallets for achieving desired effects — two mallets per ringer of varied hardness and material content.

Purchase of Other Instruments

If your church decides to have an orchestra, it will need to provide some instruments to augment this program. Many players will own their own instruments; however, the church will need to purchase or rent some instruments to accommodate players who do not have instruments of their own. The following list is helpful in determining what to purchase.

Instruments That Are Usually Owned by the Player – Flute, Bb clarinet, oboe, alto saxophone, Bb trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, guitar (sometimes French horn, euphonium/baritone, tuba, cello, and bass).

Instruments That Are Often Not Owned by the Player – Tuba, euphonium/baritone, French horn, cello, bass, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, contra bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, bassoon, percussion.

Some players will not own instruments in the first category, but they will be easy to find/rent. These instruments can often be bought at pawnshops and garage sales, or can be donated by people in the church. Instruments in the second category will often have to be rented or purchased; however, they can sometimes be borrowed from a school. When starting a new program, rent/purchase instruments only when you have an experienced player available to play the instrument, and give priority of funds to instruments that are necessary for the ensemble. Percussion instruments and tubas are difficult to borrow because they are so large and expensive. Priority should be given to these instruments. Additionally, instrumental departments in schools are frequently asked to loan percussion instruments. This eventually causes their instruments to wear out.

Additional Needs

In addition to instruments, you will need music stands, chairs, music, and rehearsal space. You are encouraged to purchase quality music stands instead of wire stands. Quality musicians do not like to play from wire stands because they are flimsy and do not support the music well!

Whether accepting donated instruments or buying used ones, always evaluate the estimated costs of repair. Also, be sure that the person who donates the instrument understands that the instrument will be owned by the church and may be repaired and used or traded in for another instrument.

Children's Instruments and Equipment

If children's choirs are to be effective, they must have quality instruments. Instruments for children include the following: autoharps, Orff instruments (xylophones, metallaphones, glockenspiels), unpitched percussion (drums, bells, triangles, maracas, claves, guiros, castanets, finger cymbals, tambourines, and others), and resonator bells.

Other equipment needs include CD players, portable audio equipment, and recordings and videos.

Miscellaneous Equipment

Choir Robes – Choir robes should be purchased from a reputable dealer, for you may need to add additional robes in the future. They should be chosen from easy care fabric in neutral colors so that they can be used effectively in different settings. Avoid trendy colors and styles. A set of new stoles can revive older robes and can provide flexibility for different seasons.

Folders – Every group will need folders. Most choirs use three ring binders, and instrumental groups use folders with side pockets. Plain black folders are often easier to add/replace and are more economical.

Music Stands – Churches need an abundance of music stands — there never seem to be enough. Even if you do not have an instrumental program, you will need stands for guest instrumentalists, rehearsal rooms, and other people or places. It is also good to purchase stand lights that can be used for special programs. Usually, when you need stand lights and attempt to borrow them (Christmas), every church in town will be trying to borrow them as well.

Risers – Risers are particularly useful for concerts and for travel. They provide added flexibility.

Chairs – You will need chairs for both the choir loft and the rehearsal room. Chairs should be lightweight and should encourage good posture.

Platforms – Varying sizes of platforms can provide flexibility in programming, especially for dramatic productions.

Music Cabinet – There should be a music cabinet for storing folders. A separate cabinet for each group is desirable.

onated Instruments

Occasionally, someone will want to donate a used or new instrument to the church. This is totally acceptable as long as the person is willing to abide by the church policies. The following suggestions will help avoid problems often associated with donated instruments.1

Used Instruments

Churches should only accept instruments when they are actually needed. If a choir, Sunday school department, or some other group cannot effectively use them, they should not be accepted. Instruments that are not needed have to be stored and take up space, and are often difficult to sell or give away later because they were donated. A church I once served had three home entertainment organs. The church has never used any of them; however, the pastor accepted the organs even though they were not needed. Once they are donated, everyone is afraid to dispose of them!

Donated instruments should only be accepted when the donor fully understands that the church will own the instrument with no strings attached. If the church decides to sell or donate the instrument to another cause, it may do so. When/if the church decides to upgrade, it may.

Donated instruments should be in good condition. They should be usable as is or repairable with little expense. The church should acknowledge the donation in writing for income tax purposes.