Precious Blood concert celebrates new organ dedication
The public is invited to a free Organ Dedication Concert to be performed at Precious Blood Catholic Church on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. EST. This concert will be a Christmas/Epiphany Concert. Just as Jesus, was gifted by The Three Kings, Precious Blood Catholic Church was gifted this majestic organ through generous funding from the United Cabinet Foundation, which was established by Stan and Mary Jane Krempp.
The donated organ is a three-manual Rodgers Infinity 361-11 with a standard oak finish. It has five divisions and Antiphonal: Great, Swell, Choir, Solo, and Pedal. Tom Magee, President of Classic Organs of Indiana, Inc., from which this organ was purchased, installed a 12-channel full range stereo audio system including amplifiers and all external speakers to afford the best sound for the listener. These speakers were spread around the church so as to make greatest use of space and musical forces. This instrument has been instrumental in supporting the congregation, cantors and choir and has enhanced worship and helped move musical prayer forward.
Rodney Barbour, the guest concert organist for this concert is an accomplished musician born and raised in Huntington, WV. Rodney’s concerts throughout the United States and Canada have been enjoyed by audiences for their variety of musical styles and sound colors which Rodney chooses during the performance! Rodney is an accomplished keyboard musician accompanying choirs and soloists, and playing for concerts and services when opportunities present themselves. Rodney is also a skilled composer and arranger with published articles in various periodicals and published organ arrangements with Concordia Publishing, Hope Publishing and Lifeway. Rodney uses his literary talents to write Crestview ‘s Worship services as well as to write a weekly blog to help engage the congregation in active participation through music.
In addition to showcasing the beautiful sounds of the chimes, trumpets, strings, woodwinds and other instruments, Rodney will explain the instrumentation and historical facts about the program pieces and even tell a joke or two. Music to be performed includes a wide variety of styles and instrumentation i.e.: CAROL OF THE BELLS…arr. Hayes featuring: Organ Harp, Orchestral Strings, Nylon Guitar, Bells, Full Symphonic Strings, Full Organ and TOCCATA IN F (ORGAN SYMPHONY #5)…arr. Widor featuring: Full French Organ Foundations and Reeds
Rodney is finishing his sixteenth year serving as Director of Worship at Arts at Crestview Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Ohio. He directs the 40-voice Chancel Choir, the Crestview Ringers, the Worship Band, the Crestview Brass and works with all music volunteers involved in children’s music and small ensembles. Rodney’s background includes degrees in Music Education and Trombone (Marshall University), Organ Performance (Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), and additional study at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Rodney enjoys photography and occasionally his “art” appears on the screens during worship to illustrate a point. Rodney is married to Cheri (Smith) Barbour (they are childhood sweethearts!) and they love to play golf together (Cheri is good!). If you need to know anything about hot dogs, pizza or ice cream (or the best restaurants in Cincinnati or West Virginia), then contact Rodney!
The make-up date for this concert will be Sun., Jan. 9 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm EST should this concert be cancelled. Please listen to WITZ for any cancellations.
