The Pipe Organ and the Chorus

A director reflects on social distancing

Before I was a barbershop choral director, I supported my college lifestyle by playing the pipe organ at churches and directing choirs. Pipe organs, like choruses, are made up of many different types of pipes, and each pipe makes its own sound. Some are like strings, some are like trumpets, some are just a typical pipe organ sound. Some are bright, some are more “lush.” Some play loudly while others play softly. Each pipe contributes to the overall sound of the organ.

Some organs are HUGE and made to fill theaters or cathedrals with a glorious sound. In Sweet Adelines, our cathedral organs are like our large choruses whose singers almost overflow the risers. There aren’t many of the larger organs in the world, so their grand sounds are well-known. Small organs are created for beautiful music appropriate for a chapel or even a home. They are plentiful, just like our smaller choruses. Each has a unique sound that is enjoyed by many, many people, though in smaller venues.

The science of all of the organs is similar: Where you place the pipes in the chamber changes how it speaks out into the room (church, theater, home, concert hall, etc.) similar to how placement of singers on the risers affects a chorus’ sound.

When an organ stop isn't playing well, or when it’s out for repair or cleaning, the entire organ sounds different. When the organist is preparing music, they get used to working on the sound with the stops that are available. If the organ repair shop reinstalls the organ stop at the last minute, the change in sound can be jarring. It's the same for a chorus. When a member is away for an extended leave or even for a week, the director gets used to the sound that is in front of him/her. Then, the next rehearsal or performance, when that singer comes back, the sound changes completely.

Last night on Zoom, I got to enter my “cathedral” after a long hiatus when Greater Harmony Chorus met for virtual rehearsal. I saw the organ in the choir loft, but I wasn't able to get to the console and turn on the blower. I admired each and every one of the pipes of the organ, and I remember keenly what they sound like. But I could only admire the organ from the nave of the church.

I CANNOT WAIT until the day that I can climb the stairs to the loft, sit at the console, turn on the switch that says “wind” and hear the bellows fill with air.

I CANNOT WAIT to hit the button that says “tutti” (all pipe ranks at once).

I CANNOT WAIT until I hear the beautiful sounds of the Greater Harmony Chorus “organ” ringing the rafters of our cathedral in absolute splendor.

I don't care if that one string pipe is a little out of tune. I don't care if that tuba pipe is a little louder than it was before. I don't care. I just want to hear the glorious tones of my pipe organ again.

May each of our instruments ring out again very soon, no matter the size of the chapel or the size of the pipe organ. I can't wait to hear it again, and I miss it so.

Michael Hengelsberg is Master Director of Greater Harmony Chorus (Region #17).