Sunday Song: Holy, Holy, Holy!

Holy, Holy, Holy! (Nicaea), arranged by Jason D. Payne and performed on the 62 rank Reuter/A.E. Schlueter Organ of Briarlake Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia.

Organ lights

I have an older organ in my home, which is wonderful, as it makes practicing with six kids a possibility. Unfortunately, this organ does not have any type of light for my music. I've wanted an organ light for some time, but they are very pricey. Most cost upwards of $100, and many cost over $400. I needed a much less expensive solution.

One day last year, while browsing Ikea's website, I found their picture lighting. When I saw the LED RIBBA lighting picture, I thought that it looked a lot like the organ lights I've seen online. All it needs is a base:

The best part about it was the price: $24.99.

The catch: these lights are only available at Ikea and cannot be ordered online. As there's an Ikea near me, my children gave this light to me for Christmas! I had hoped it would clip onto my organ, but it didn't work--it needed to be taller. My husband promised me a stand, but he's been really busy. Finally, last night I just clipped it to an extra board I had in my garage and propped it up on my organ.

I love it! The light it gives off is a very warm light, and it's very lightweight so I'm not worried about it falling on me, despite the archaic way I'm currently using it. All of a sudden I can really see my music, and it's wonderful!

If you don't have an Ikea near you and you need an organ light, I encourage you to check different stores. I know I've seen a similar desk light at my local Target for about $40. There are also a number of LED picture lights online starting at $20.

If you've been looking for an organ light but couldn't justify the cost, and are a little handy or creative when it comes to mounting them, maybe this will help you. I can't wait to practice under my new light today!

Sunday Song: Toccata in B minor

Sean Jackson plays Eugène Gigout's Toccata in B minor on the organ at St. John's Episcopal Church, Stamford Connecticut.

Sunday Song: Andante Allegro

Bob Swift plays his solo organ transcription of the "Andante Allegro" movement from Handel's Organ Concerto #6 in B Flat (Opus #4, HWV#294). Instrument: 1985 37-rank, 2,444-pipe Moeller)

Sunday Song: Bird Songs at Eventide

Bird Songs at Eventide, played by Horace Finch at the Wurlitzer theatre organ of the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool Winter Gardens.

My question for you: Storing music

I have a lot of music in my house. With my collection of flute music and my husband's tuba music from college, some piano music, my husband's vocal music, my ever-growing collection of organ music, and now my children's oboe and French horn music, I've outgrown my piano and organ benches and the space under another padded bench in my music room. I'm tired of having music piled on my organ, and I'd love to bring up all of the music that's currently stored in a huge box in my basement.

I'd like something that's not too bulky and a system that makes it very easy for me to find things. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start!

So I'm asking you: What have you used and seen? What has worked for you, and what has NOT worked for you?

Thanks for your help! I'd love to feature your responses in a future article.

Sunday Song: Marcello's Psalm XIX

Benedetto Marcello's Psalm XIX played by Rodney Jantzi on a Berlin reed organ.