The Westminster Modular Organ Concept

The initial installation program will include the console, with appropriate accessories, and a full implementation of the specification utilizing the resources of the sample set. Audio resources will be custom tailored to the needs of the building. A fully functional instrument of considerable flexibility has been provided.

Phase 2

Phase 2 will begin the provision of  pipe resources for the Great division. This is the best place to begin our upgrades as the principal chorus of the Great Organ invariably provides superior support for congregational singing when of real pipes. In our hypothetical situation we'll assume that we anticipate eventual installation of the pipework provided by Westminster pipe modules specification 4M. We'll further assume that our building is of meetinghouse type architecture of a size where a full 8' facade is appropriate. Accordingly, we'll select the standard Westminster Georgian style casework appropriate for the pipe module selected. Alas, available funds don't allow installation of the full module. The solution is to provide the casework and chassis  of the eventual installation and the pipework that the budget for phase 2 will allow. Phase 3 will complete the Great pipework. Casework and mechanism for both are installed in phase 2 in order to minimize additional expense of provision. If eventual transition to all pipes is desired a more individualized solution will be required.

Phase 3

Phase 4

Phases 4 and 5 provide pipework and associated support mechanism for the Swell division. For this we will use Westminster Pipe Module specification S7. For this particular application we will modify the standard specification to include a larger scale principal than the standard Geigen. (A principal of Geigen scale will later be included in the Choir.) In these two phases of the project the chestwork to accommodate the Plein Jeu will be installed in phase 4 as this stop is on the main chest. In this hypothetical example the pipes of the Plein Jeu will be installed in phase 5, as will chest and pipes of the Basson/Hautboy and Trumpet/Clarion. The latter stops are on unit chests which may conveniently constructed separately.

Phase 5

Phase 6

Phase 6 of our example provides pipework for the Choir division. For this phase a custom solution will be found to be the most expeditious as only the Geigen/Fugara is a unit rank of the stops to be provided. We'll assume that we anticipated installation of this phase and that the site permits installation of the Choir pipework in reasonable proximity to that of the Swell. That being the case the blower provided in phase 4 was sized to serve the Choir division as well.

Additional enhancements

We've highlighted a few possibilities. One of these is a horizontal Trumpet stop. Quite apart from its sonic contribution to ceremonial occasions, such a stop can provide a dramatic visual enhancement to the room. Also highlighted is provision of upperwork for the Pedal division. The greater the representation of pipework in the principal choruses the better!

Of course the possibilities extend beyond those of this example. What we've attempted to do here is to demonstrate some of what can be done and the considerations and planning needed to ensure an expeditious course of action. It would be our very great pleasure to have the privilege of working with you to develop a program to meet your specific needs.