Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:34 pm
Interesting stories!
My experience of playing for services etc, is not as extensive as some of those contributing to this thread. But my potential ability to get things wrong nevertheless is very great!
Yes, I too have played too many verses - caused predominantly by the fact that the organ loft in one of the two churches in which I play is very hidden, and the wall speaker which would at least let you know what the priest is saying, for a long time was not working (it is now). So after adding one verse in error, to the offertory hymn, I was so pleased to hear the vicar say "Thanks for popping in the additional verse - we should remember to choose longer hymns that last the full time required for the collection!"
I have once or twice got myself completely lost, fortunately quite quickly recovering my place! The first time that happened I had to stop for a very short while - one of the chruchwardens said after the service "Sorry about the power cut when the organ went off - that used to happen occasionally with V**** (my predecessor). I didn't have the nerve to admit to my error!
The other possible area for error is exactly when to start the processional music - The only way I can do it is to rely on the combination of a well-set watch, and listening to the cessation of the bell. I cannot directly see the choir begin to process from either of the organs which I play. I think I need some kind of push-button operated light by the organ which someone could turn on 30 second before the choir start their procession.
Reading Douglas' account of the funerals, I wonder whether everyone else finds that the mourners at a funeral sing so quietly, if you cannot see them, you'd believe that there was no-one present? I must say I was truly grateful a little while ago, when the priest who came in to conduct a funeral was one of those "singing vicars" and his singing of each verse of the hymns was so clear in my speaker that I stoood no chance whatever of missing a verse or adding an extra one in. I've never played in a crematorium, but in all the ones I've been to, the organist has had a completely clear view of what's going on - not so in either of my churches though!
All the best
Ken
My experience of playing for services etc, is not as extensive as some of those contributing to this thread. But my potential ability to get things wrong nevertheless is very great!
Yes, I too have played too many verses - caused predominantly by the fact that the organ loft in one of the two churches in which I play is very hidden, and the wall speaker which would at least let you know what the priest is saying, for a long time was not working (it is now). So after adding one verse in error, to the offertory hymn, I was so pleased to hear the vicar say "Thanks for popping in the additional verse - we should remember to choose longer hymns that last the full time required for the collection!"
I have once or twice got myself completely lost, fortunately quite quickly recovering my place! The first time that happened I had to stop for a very short while - one of the chruchwardens said after the service "Sorry about the power cut when the organ went off - that used to happen occasionally with V**** (my predecessor). I didn't have the nerve to admit to my error!
The other possible area for error is exactly when to start the processional music - The only way I can do it is to rely on the combination of a well-set watch, and listening to the cessation of the bell. I cannot directly see the choir begin to process from either of the organs which I play. I think I need some kind of push-button operated light by the organ which someone could turn on 30 second before the choir start their procession.
Reading Douglas' account of the funerals, I wonder whether everyone else finds that the mourners at a funeral sing so quietly, if you cannot see them, you'd believe that there was no-one present? I must say I was truly grateful a little while ago, when the priest who came in to conduct a funeral was one of those "singing vicars" and his singing of each verse of the hymns was so clear in my speaker that I stoood no chance whatever of missing a verse or adding an extra one in. I've never played in a crematorium, but in all the ones I've been to, the organist has had a completely clear view of what's going on - not so in either of my churches though!
All the best
Ken
Kenneth Spencer
Music Site: http://www.my-music.mywire.org
Project Page: http://www.my-music.mywire.org/opus_ii.htm
Books on Hauptwerk and Computing; Novation Launchpad overlays: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kaspencer
YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/kaspenceruk
Music Site: http://www.my-music.mywire.org
Project Page: http://www.my-music.mywire.org/opus_ii.htm
Books on Hauptwerk and Computing; Novation Launchpad overlays: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/kaspencer
YouTube Videos: http://www.youtube.com/kaspenceruk