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1. Chris
   Moderator

   Good points from all above. My own view is that yes, the organ isn't cool any more with the likes of your Simon Cowells etc, but do we just admit defeat that easily? The organ (or multi-keyboard) is still quite cool in SE Asia, it's just that we live in a society now that in the same way that sheep just follow each other around a field, simply go for what they hear on the radio and watch on the TV. I suppose that I'm an eccentric in having passions and interests that are not classed as mainstream, but then again, I'm happy not have been sucked in by most of the hype and hysteria that abounds in today's world as we know it.

   As I said above, I'm delighted that we are continuing to promote shows with ever increasing numbers. It's all down to the way that you do it. I have a positive relationship with the press and get press releases in each month (many with photo attachments) and sell the events with as many adjectives and the like that I can. 'Keyboard Virtuoso', 'all over the world', 'heard on Radio 2', 'award winning', 'international virtuoso'...... whatever..... just anything that's going to interest a would be concert-goer or even the 18 year old kid receiving my email at the paper's office, rather than try to sell an 'organ recital or concert' in the year 2009.

   As said before, a good raffle raises a vital amount of income, we dole out free sweets, we have the odd night with free drinks and nibbles - we will have complimentary cheese and wine for Tony Fenelon's show in September. It CAN be done...

   Great point Nicola about the shopping centre promotion! John Walker used to have fantastic success flogging his merchandise and promoting the organ to NEW people....... We just have convince some of the manufacturers to have a go at this too. I suspect that there are hundreds of former organ & keyboard pupils who gave it all up a long time ago who could easily be tempted back into the fold as they approach retirement age. We just have to mindful of the repertoire that will do this - I might have been known for theatre organ styling for many years, but I'm doing my best to update things a tad and push the sounds of the 50's, 60's and 70's more and more.

   It's easy to sit back and give in - why should we? PLEASE FOLK, STAND UP AND BE COUNTED - REMEMBER, A KEYBOARD ISN'T JUST FOR CHRISTMAS, IT'S FOR LIFE!!!! ha ha!!

   Posted 2 years ago #

2. Phil Sweet
   Member

   Hi Chris,
   Although an older topic on here I thought I may just add some feedback regarding the survival of Organ/Keyboard Clubs around the country after reading the article on promoting clubs. I am the Chairman of the Herne Bay Organ & Keyboard Club. We have a membership that hovers between 55 and 65 people.
   As with most clubs the age of the members start from the late 60's into the 90's with one or two exeptions!
   I became a member at the tender age of 38 through my interest in keyboards and of course organs. This interest was originally fuelled by my parents always having and organ in the family when I was living at home. Shortly after becoming a member the Chairman of the club sadly passed away. Another member took up the role of Chairman. Although he did a fine job he was nearly 80 and wasn't comfortable holding the post.
   I was approached by the committee to stand as club Chairman as they felt the club would benefit from having a younger person at the helm with spirit and fresh ideas.

   I am currently entering my fourth year of office as Chairman. I took on the role with the understanding that to secure the club's future we must have a fresh outlook in the club. We have a dedicated committee that aren't frightened to try new ideas. Over the last few years we have changed to a more suitable venue that is more central in our town with fantastic parking facilities, replaced our ageing club organ with a lovely new Orla, secured a local grant for the purchase of a Tyros 3! We are very selective with our choice of concert artists and try to advertise well locally. We have several "themed" social evenings that raise crucial revenue for the club.

   Although I am the youngest member of the club (With the exeption of my wife) the commitee's age range is from 60 to 80. We are well motivated, and work together like a well oiled machine. Also over the last few years our social evenings have doubled in attendance. Members come and socialise together whilst listening to members playing the club instruments. When it's my turn at the keys they even enjoy my renditions of modern artists such as Coldplay, Robbie Williams and Maroon 5! Anyone can play whatever they like during their slot.

   At the age of 46 I don't feel out of place (or too young) in the club as everyone is very welcoming. However, we have still found it difficult to encourage people from my generation along. I hope this goes a little was to bolster up what was said in the Organfax article. I am confident that fresh ideas and motivation will be key to the club's survival in the future.

   Posted 2 years ago #

3. Chris
   Moderator

   Hi Phil!

   Sounds like you are on the right track here. I personally think that offering a good variety of themes etc is an excellent idea. You are quite right about the younger generations, but it can and does happen from time to time.... Our own shows at Burntwood are attracting more and more middle aged and younger folk - often to see and hear 'traditional' styled artistes.

   One lesson that we have learned (the hard way), is that the only way to survive is to offer the very biggest and best names as and where you can. For instance - we have just promoted two sell-out shows with Robert Wolfe, which promoted considerably more turnover and success than just booking 'Johnny Newface'.... Don't get me wrong - it's imperative too to have new faces and the like (how else did any of us ever get a chance I hear you all say!), but at the end of the day, it's like on TV, they have the headline acts booked to get the viewing figures, while many superb new faces do the 'warm up'..... However, one or two clubs strike me that they want to just engage the cheapest of players, thinking that this will be the best solution towards balancing the books. Give em' a good line-up and the rest will take care of itself.

   I completely agree with you about subtly bringing in newer music. Myself and close friend Brett Wales are currently about to embark on a new venture with some Festival Breaks and also 'joint' shows. We both believe that the future is craving for some modern 'input', but many around here seem to think that we should simply ditch all connections with nostalgia. While the folks still flock in for the latter, it has to be respected, I guess. Look at the atmosphere for last weekend's X-Factor 'Big Band' Night! Good music will live on forever. It is how it is presented, promoted and nourished that counts.

   Anyway, keep up the good work and look forward to catching up with you at Herne Bay soon!

   cheers, Chris

   Posted 2 years ago #

4. Phil Sweet
   Member

   Hi Chris,

   Yes I take your point about booking the biggest and best artists. However, although we are guaranteed a good turnout with their appearances they also have premium fees. Even a stable club like our makes a loss several times a year on concert evenings so we rely heavily on the revenue from the social evenings to make up the shortfall. One point I would like to make is that when I was booking artists during the fuel price hike a couple of years ago artists put up their fees to cover the cost (quite understandably). It does appear that although petrol prices have settled again many artist's fees have not come back down!
   Another point about younger members is the cost of the instruments these days. I have a wife and 3 children aged 16,12 and 6 so our disposable income would not stretch to purchasing a Tyros 3 for example. Yes I understand that there are other cheaper, very good alternatives but I bought a Tyros 1 some 5 years ago and still have it. The older generation appear to have much more disposable income and often replace their instruments. I dont want to get into the politics of it all but it does enable them to keep up to date with technology far more easier than my generation. (I still think the Tyros 1 is great!) My frustration is when I hint at possibly increasing the door price at a concert to keep the club bouyant it is received with sharp intakes of breath and shaking of heads!

   Posted 2 years ago #

5. Chris
   Moderator

   Good point about costs, Phil. I know that many of the firms have had to hike their RRP's up this year due to the awful financial situation globally and the current exchange rates. Awkward one with fuel, it's creeping up again - I'm not far from you in Sittingbourne tomorrow night and as well as expecting to put about £60's worth of diesel in the tank, will be vectoring in the horrors of the M25 etc which will turn what should be a 3 hour journey into 'who knows what'! I do believe that this latter factor is in the minds of many players now, as what used to be a 'moonlighting' profession has fast become one of minimum 12 hour days...... Tomorrow for example will be about 13 for me, so I guess that we are all paid delivery men these days who throw in a quick music show as a sideline! he he

   Anyway, as for admission prices, that's another story! I saw a classical organ recital plugged the other day for £10, which is often the norm.

   Anyway, let's keep flying the flag and promoting the great music that we all love and enjoy. It's all worth it in the long run, eh!

   Cheers, Chris

   Posted 2 years ago #

6. wooly115
   Member

   Given Chris's comment about the popularity of Big Band night on X Factor, the solution is simple - get those dreadful twins to come and sing a song or two whilst you keep transposing the organ until you manage to hit whatever key they're singing has drifted into!
   A ittle more seriously, I do think club's who have their won instruments and encourage audiences to play for each other have an advantage. Many club members know each other as they've been memebers of the same club for some years - and it's always fun to witness a friend's talent. It's also fun to play to friends, but most of us would want the familiarity of knowing the instrument to be confident enough to do that.
   So how do we get younger people interested? How about one of our brave professionals performing on Britains Got Talent? How about playing for school musicals? My own daughter appeared in several shows at her old school (Annie. My Fair Lady, The Mikado) and of course the accompaniment for the singing was a piano - but who wants to give up their time for rehearsals and the shows in the hope it will stimulate interest amongst a younger audience? Maybe we need to incorporate organs within some other sort of shows that younger people would like and try to stimulate interest that way? One things clear to me - modern instruments like the Tyros should excite youngsters and are the stepping stone to getting them interested in "full blown" organs. Organs are expensive, but you can pick up somethinglike a used HS8 for £500 which is affordable to many, has great sounds, editing capabilities, MIDI etc. Youngsters love computers, so surely it should be possible to show them what great sounds an HS and a computer can produce? Pop groups use keyboards - so maybe we need to get a slot within something like a Madness or Abba tribute evening that younger people will attend but get some organ or keyboard solos to highlight what a great solo instrument it is.

   Posted 2 years ago #

7. RMepstead
   Member

   Michael Machell wished he hadn't...
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPhYYyOAM5s&feature=related
   Rog

   Posted 2 years ago #

8. NicEL8000
   Member

   Nice one Rog! Thanks for refreshing our memories. :-)

   David, I like the comments about transposing the organ to keep in tune with the twins......Priceless! :-)

   Seriously though, I remember watching Michael Machel live, and like thousands of other people, I was....er.....gobsmacked, to put it politely. At first I thought it was a wind-up, but then it became aparent that the poor man was delusional and actually needed help.... When I watch that clip now, I just feel absolutely mortified for the man.

   You have to wonder if the whole Britain's got Talent thing is all just about ratings, because didn't Sarah Foley audition for the same show? I seem to remember hearing she was told "NO" at the local auditions, and the public never even got to see her!!! Given that Sarah is a very profficient player, why on EARTH was somebody like Michael Machel allowed to go on???............. Presumably, because the producers knew millions of people would be sniggering at Michael's lack of playing ability (which aparently makes "good TV" these days), but since Sarah is a good player (and has no sniggering value what so ever), the Powers That Be decided they wouldn't even give her a chance! How unfair was that?...... so once again, the organ/keyboard world is ridiculed.

   On a more positive note, I'm pleased to report that among our new club members is a 13 year old lad who is very keen on learning to play the organ. (Yay! :-) I was approached by his parents to teach him, and I have to say while I normally run a mile when somebody asks me that, I was so inspired by the youngster's positive attitude, that I relented. So far it's very early days, but he seems to be a model pupil, takes eveything on board, no tantrums, if's or buts, and isn't just interested in all the fancy gimmicks as he learning on an elderly Technics C300. It gives one hope for the future. (Stephen A, if you're reading this and thinking "Grr! why can't that lad live nearer me?", then I have to say Sorry, but he's all MINE, he he!, and I'm sure you already have at least some decent youngsters, while we DON'T up here.)

   Regards All
   Nicola

   Posted 2 years ago #

9. wooly115
   Member

   Thanks for the link Rog - I missed that when it was shown on TV. I guessed he might not be our best ambassador when I saw the 2 books he had on the stand - one of the Complete Organ Player books and How to play Keyboards! Anyway, as long as he enjoys his playing then good for him (although I agree with Nicola that Sarah Foley would have been a better choice).
   Oh - just in case Michael reads the forum, no offence intended.

   Posted 2 years ago #

10. Phil Sweet
    Member

    Hi wooly115

    I read with interest your comments about X Factor. I am not sure that "talent" should be used in the same sentence as the above mentioned programme. Maybe I am in the minority here but I sit and tolerate watching bits of the program that my wife and kids watch. To be honest it is more like a massive Simon Cowell ego trip than good entertainment. So far I really haven't seen any of the "contestants" perform to a standard worthy of being signed up to a recording contract. It totally defeats me how the program churns out year after year with the judges repeating the same old cliche's about individual performances. Even that song by Leona Lewis (was it bleeding love?) grates on me every time I hear it on the radio. Maybe the word love should have been replaced with the word rubbish! (just my opinion, sorry Mr.Cowell!).

    A real positive for me is that on Saturday and Sunday evening I can get a couple of undisturbed hours on my Tyros with the headphones on while the rest of the household are watching it. Why the British public revel so much in talentless people being ridiculed by the likes of Cowell & Walsh on prime time TV at the weekend really beats me! I know we are a nation of television watchers but if some of these people were to get off their backsides and have a night out at an organ club for usually less that a fiver they would see some true British talent! So very very occasionally a real star emerges like Mr Paul Potts from Britains Got Talent.

    I admire every single player on the organ & keyboard circuit. Their dedication to the art is phenomenal. All have different personalities and styles of playing. It would be lovely if people in Britain woke up and realised what real raw talent their is locally on their own doorsteps. It would also go a long way to help organ & keyboard clubs up and down the country to survive. I guess I have rambled on a bit but I get so frustrated when true talent doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Phil.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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