The World of the Church Organist

Mr. Jonathan Noel, Minister of Music at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg Pennsylvania discussed the role of the organist in the life of the church. He described the organist as helping the music life of the congregation. He recalled his early interest in the instrument and connecting it in the worship life of the church. Noel noted the challenges as well as the opportunities of the organist in this age of technology. While the organ is less used in many churches today, technology and the internet has helped to expose people to the organ repertoire as well as the performance of professional organists. Noel suggested how a new generation of music students might be inspired to become music professionals in congregations.