FROM THE ORGANIST’S BENCH

It’s hard to believe that just over a year has gone by since I became your Organist and Choir Director.  Ever since I walked through the Church doors on my first day, I was warmly greeted and welcomed by everyone in the Congregation.  I have never felt more welcomed at any Church I’ve played at than the Pine Plains Presbyterian Church.  I spread the word of love and acceptance to everyone I speak to about this Church, and I know others who come through the doors for the first time feel the same warmth and caring that I have felt for the last year.

I’ve heard positive feedback on the musical arrangements played in the past year.  I try to select preludes and postludes that fit the particular time of year or special occasion.  Every now and then, a special song is played – for example, “Phantom of the Opera” at Halloween.  The Christmas Concert was a tremendous success, and my Grange band, The Patrons of Harmony, was honored to perform.  The special music from them, individual members of the band (Stephen Fazio, Shannon Ruso, and Evelyn Lawton), and those from the Congregation throughout the year including Jim Petrie, Dorothy Whitaker, and Laura Dennis add so much to each Sunday service when they perform.  They and others are always welcome to share their talents with the Church at any time!  Wouldn’t it be great if we had some sort of special music along with the anthem every Sunday?!

The Choir is a truly dedicated group!  We’ve grown by one this year to eight singers, and we have more regular attendance now than when I first started.  Each Sunday, they practice an anthem for the offertory as well as any special music that we perform at a special service.  They are talented, inspirational, and patient (especially when I pick a challenging or somewhat strange piece!).  They are willing to try anything and everything.  I am nothing without our great Choir, and I am eternally grateful to this amazing group who join me in the choir loft each week:  Linda Bartolomeo, Jan Brooks, Debbie Jackson, Margo Jackson, Jim Petrie, Roseanne Waldron, Dyan Wapnick, and Dorothy Whitaker.

Jan Brooks is my right-hand gal!  She not only sings in the choir and adds her beautiful alto voice to double the sound in that section, but she also substitutes for me when I am away at a Grange event.  Jan and I work together at many Grange events, especially with our Youth Grangers and at the Fair, so it’s a double blessing for me to work with her here at Church as well.  I would be lost without Jan at our Grange events, and the same now goes for Church.  I am truly blessed to have Jan as a great friend and fellow musician.

I’m sure word has spread that I’ve dubbed our beautiful organ “Margaret” in honor of Mrs. Margaret Moser, who served as Organist for 42 years.  “Margaret” remains in fine condition and, though she became “sick” during the fall when a pedal stop (low F#) was stuck open, she was “treated” and was 100% “cured” by the next week!  She is tuned once or twice a year depending on the need and her sound.  An Organist is only as good as the Organ he or she plays, and I believe we have the best Organ in Pine Plains and the surrounding area!  I’m happy to show people “Margaret” and how she works, especially our Young Saints to have them become more interested in music and the benefits music brings to each one of us.

My goals for 2017 include:

• Increase the number of times special music is performed for Sunday Services with an ultimate goal of having some sort of special music every Sunday.  We can start small with just once a month and gradually build until every Sunday has special music.
• Perform special music on Easter Sunday along with the Choir’s anthem.
• Continue Piano/Organ Duets throughout the year.
• Help organize another Christmas Concert for December 2017 and invite additional local performers involved.
• Upload a picture of the Organist and Choir on the Church’s website along with videos of special music performed.
• Utilize the Organ, Choir, and musical talents of the entire Church to increase membership and attendance fill the pews.  I firmly believe that music will help bring people through the doors of the Church into the welcoming arms of our loving Congregation!

So here’s to another great year of music and shared talent!  I am eternally grateful to Pastor Carol for asking me to serve as your new Organist and to the Session for appointing me to one of the best “gigs” I’ve ever had!  I also thank the Congregation for their continuous support – keep telling me your requests for special songs!

In the words of “Harry Potter” author J. K. Rowling:  “Ah, music…a magic beyond all we do here!” - Ryan J. Orton, Organist & Choir Director