Are we currently providing programming that inspires interest in the organs as a part of the church's message, mission, and identity?
How could we improve in this area?

YES- offer more oppoirtunities for child/youth interactment. The AGO has several program that would benefit youths and adults and make them familiar with the organ an it's music without having to be a "member". That will come if they are welcomed, inspired and willing to return

Not a member of CoC

Organists might do some historical research about the music they play. Some general organ history and stories about the organs at CofC. Little facts like "all organ pipes are made by hand, one at a time" is something folks are amazed by and can remember. Organists need to be energized to spread that feeling to the listeners, no matter how many or few are in the building.

Have them move to where the console is so they can watch the playing; sing a well known hymn.

Make the people part of the music.

I am of a different denomination and are not sure about this

This is a challenging question throughout the entire fine arts (and theatrical) organ genre's.

What can be done to really engender the interest of young people in these 2 magnificent instruments - such that they tell their friends about it - and then bring their friends also to share in the enjoyment of them all?

The most important thing and organ/organist does should be to play the hymns and litergy well. Anything else is just musical fluff.

Make sure organists understand that they are encouraged to play music for diverse tastes and vary the kinds of music performed

Yes

I personally enjoy the recitals very much.

Not enough! Have a radio outlet announing this in a weeklly format - much like the Morman Tablenacle weekly program.

YES. I believe that each organist that I've heard play there in the many years I've attended the afternoon concerts has definitely inspired and made me feel in the presence of the Creator!

You are doing good from an outsiders point of view just make the area known more to Travelers and Guest. Most people have forgotten the origins of your Church history are in Independence. I think your grounds should be crawling with visitors---members and nonmembers.

Guests have favorite hymns but will never get to experience them without something drastic. Problem: To allow people to listen to their favorite hymns their way. Solution: Virtual Organ to be played at home?

Maybe set broad criteria for the program? For example, the program must include a hymn or a work based on a hymn tune; a work that uses the trompette en chamade; a work that demonstrates different tonal divisions; etc...

I think we're hard pressed to clearly articulate the identity of the Community of Christ, and that trying to artificially align every aspect of the church's activities with a new document that was created from the top down won't actually solve any of the underlying problems we're facing. The fact is that visitors come to IHQ and see two huge pipe organs and want to hear them, even if they aren't organ buffs. And further, the organs are part of our heritage and, in spite of attempts by proponents of contemporary music to eradicate traditional music from the church, I don't see that their style of worship has caused any significant growth in our congregations, either. Tradition will outlast innovation — it always does. So these million-dollar treasures should be protected and promoted. To do otherwise would be awfully shortsighted.

Yes

Yes the scriptures tell us "Let EVERYTHING that hath breath praise the lord" The organ helps with the meditation music and also it is more joyful sounding than even the worlds best grand piano when I play the organ at various congregations I strongly feel Gods prescence and you can not beat the sound of any organ whether it be pipe, hybrid, or digital. Another thing that might spark interest is to give tours inside the organ let them see behind the beautiful facades show them the swell, choir, and solo pipes not just what you see on the inside.

Yes

I think the church itself should decide how useful the organ are to its outreach and ministry, of course I feel they are very important, especially considering the churchs financial condition. They already have the most wonderful outreach tool they could have right at their finger tips but I feel they are not interested in promoting the organs as say the Mormon's do with their organs and choir.

so so, I think the music is often beyond the listening puplic.

I think we would be wasting precious resources trying to revive interest in our historical instruments. We could show the world we are attempting to meet their needs, rather than our own by offering modern ministry as part of our mission and identity. 20 years ago, surveys showed that less than 1 percent of all music sales were classical, and 60 percent were Country music sales. Shouldn't we invest our energies in more than 1 percent of the population?? Should the organ be our distinguishing identity, and if so, what does it say about our missional potential?

I will never forget the time we were able to participate. My daughter was in her first year of piano and was encouraged by one of the other guests to play a song. The organist allowed it and she proudly climbed up on the stool and played her piece....all 45 seconds of it...from memory. The organist flipped switches and helped her song sound great! She will NEVER forget that experience. She is now 14 and plays the keyboard during the offering and communion. She was both inspired and affirmed.

I think it's seen as more of an instrument used by a hoity toity clique. Making the song selections familiar to the audience would make it a more real experience for them. I do realize that not everyone is musically inclined, nor would they want to play the organ(s), but I know I'd love to play a CD for prelude at church of one of our organs being played. But I wouldn't buy it with a schwack of Aaron Copeland or work of some other composer on it. I'd buy it if it were a CD of favourite CofC hymns (from any or all of our hymn books).

I think we need to emphasize music that has a message or a story that is aligned with our spiritual mission... even if one or two songs on a program are merely for entertainment value, some works should be intended to lift the soul.

We need to continually strive for excellence in this area.

Yes

It might be good if the Organ concerts had a theme. But can we get off the "Peace" theme, or can we limit it to once a year. Keep the IHQ Director our of any decision making regarding the Organ.

Perhaps more recitals, by allowing volunteer organists to play at other times.

Variety in programs is good. Maximum capabilities of the organ are good. Inviting visitors to come up to the organ is good.

Depends on the audience. Lots of LDS and other church visitors are more apt to listen to church hymns