The organ in the chapel has been here for 142 years, since 1870. Thankfully, Ms. Stanton, sophomore Scripture teacher plays the organ at the first Friday masses, Christmas masses, and for special occasions. She has been playing for 15 years.
"Our organ is an historic treasure," said Mark Cohagan, Director of Operations.
Ms. Stanton enjoys playing the organ because of the different enormous, melodious sounds. She loves the challenges that the organ has because it is different from the piano. Pianos are small and simple to play, while the organ is bigger and you have to really know how to use your fingers. Ms. Stanton said that the organ is not hard to play but it is small compared to other organs she plays in Cathedrals or her church, St. Alphonsus Church Baltimore City.
“You have to be an octopus to play the organ," said Ms. Stanton.
Mr. Ronald Hunger, a profession organ repair man tunes the organ frequently and makes sure it is working well. Mr. Hunger also tunes organs all over the city.
The organ was built as a one manual organ in 1870, then enlarged by Jardine and installed in this location in 1884. Jardine was one of the leading 19th century builders with branches operating both in New York City and Manchester, England.
For the curious music aficionados, our organ is enclosed with 58 great notes: enclosed Open Diapason, 8' Melodia, 8' Dulciana TC, 4' Octave, 2' Super Octave, and a Swell to Great Coupler. The Swell has 8' Stopped Diapason, 8' Oboe Gamba, 8' Aeoline, 4' Flute Harmonic, 8' Trumpet, and it has a Tremulant. the last thing our organ pedal is 16' Bourdon, Great to Pedal coupler, Swell to Pedal Coupler, 2 combination Pedal Affecting Swell and Great: Pieano, Forte, wind indicator, and mechanical action.
"Our organ has been here since the school first opened and is a great way to connect with the past. It's cool to think that generations of girls have sat in the chapel listening to the same organ," said junior Megan Davis.
L.Gaver '13
The organ was built as a one manual organ in 1870, then enlarged by Jardine and installed in this location in 1884. Jardine was one of the leading 19th century builders with branches operating both in New York City and Manchester, England.
For the curious music aficionados, our organ is enclosed with 58 great notes: enclosed Open Diapason, 8' Melodia, 8' Dulciana TC, 4' Octave, 2' Super Octave, and a Swell to Great Coupler. The Swell has 8' Stopped Diapason, 8' Oboe Gamba, 8' Aeoline, 4' Flute Harmonic, 8' Trumpet, and it has a Tremulant. the last thing our organ pedal is 16' Bourdon, Great to Pedal coupler, Swell to Pedal Coupler, 2 combination Pedal Affecting Swell and Great: Pieano, Forte, wind indicator, and mechanical action.
"Our organ has been here since the school first opened and is a great way to connect with the past. It's cool to think that generations of girls have sat in the chapel listening to the same organ," said junior Megan Davis.
L.Gaver '13