A SHORTAGE of organists for West Devon churches is being highlighted at a Meet The Organ event at St Andrew's Church in Plymouth this Saturday. Many churches in West Devon and Plymouth of all denominations are currently having to use rotas of volunteers, or have their services accompanied by musicians using other instruments. To try and find potential organ students of any age, the Plymouth and District Organists' Association is holding the event in the church at 10am. John Bowden, director of music, and John Knight, St Andrew's organist, will be giving demonstrations and describing the workings of the organ. Afterwards anybody will be able to 'have a go' and play the instrument. Pianists of grade 3 or 4 standard are considered suitable for organ tuition, but there is no age limit. At the previous event in 2003 two adults and two school age students started lessons and have been playing since for church services. Organisers hope this year's event will be equally successful.
