King of instruments

I grew up in small churches where the music was made only with a piano or a tiny console organ and, in one case, only voices. Later, I listened to Billy Preston's Hammond organ when he was known as "the 5th Beatle."
It was only as an adult that I came to appreciate the music of the pipe organ, primarily because a close friend, Crys Armbrust, a wonderful musician, allowed me to hear the capabilities of the organ in a local church. While he was practicing for a service, I lay in the center aisle, listening. I remember thinking that Phil Specter's so-called "wall of sound" paled in comparison.
On Tuesday, Linda Coyne demonstrated Trinity United Methodist Church's new Rodgers Masterpiece Organ for me. Trinity's sanctuary has great acoustics, but it's big and it was empty. The instrument still filled the space, wonderfully.
If karaoke means "empty orchestra," then "organ" must mean full symphony! Of course, Linda's playing had a lot to do with it, too. Besides playing several selections demonstrating the Rodgers' versatility, she played several individual sounds that were indistinguishable from the instruments they duplicated -- flutes, bells, bagpipes.
Sumter native Al Murrell, vice president of the Daffer organ company, designed the organ to fit Trinity's needs. If you're not a member of Trinity, you're still invited to the dedication recital on Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. to judge for yourself. Admission is free, and a reception follows. Hector Olivera will play -- you can check out his talents at www.hectorolivera.com.
Trinity is located at 226 W. Liberty St.