[rodgersorgan] Re: shoes or socks


As a freshman at Westminster Choir College in the 50's, we all had to 
audition for Dr. Alexander McCurdy who was head of the organ department. 
As we waited our turn, one young man stopped at the pew beside the 
console to put on this organ shoes. Not amused by this interruption, Dr. 
McCurdy said in his famous high pitched voice, "if your a good organist 
you can play in your galoushes".  So coming from Dr. McCurdy it doesn't 
matter what your wearing on your feet if can you get the job done.

Fred N. Buch

FreeLists Mailing List Manager wrote:

>May all your bloopers be grace notes this hoiliday season! From the Staff at 
>FMP
>
>---
>------------------------------------
>rodgersorgan Digest    Tue, 25 Feb 2003        Volume: 02  Issue: 046
>
>In This Issue:
>               [rodgersorgan] Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] New to List
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>               [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 10:59:58 -0500
>From: noel jones <gedeckt@xxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?
>
>--
>noel jones, aago
>athens, tennessee, usa
>-------------------------------
>frog music press
>rodgers organ users group
>www.frogmusic.com
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Carlo Pietroniro" <organist@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:00:53 -0500
>
>
>NO organ teacher worth their salt will ever tell a student to play shoe-less. 
>It goes against all rules of effective pedal technique. Playing in socks will 
>never allow you to become proficient.
>
>Carlo Pietroniro
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:12:52 -0500
>From: noel jones <gedeckt@xxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>  
>
>>How about practicing in socks to get a better in touch feel for the 
>>pedalboard?
>>    
>>
>
>--
>noel jones, aago
>athens, tennessee, usa
>-------------------------------
>frog music press
>rodgers organ users group
>www.frogmusic.com
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: Flhouser@xxxxxxx
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:05:23 EST
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>I was taught by a Mrs. Wells (some 50 years ago) that it was optional -- 
>barefoot or with shoes.  Most of the time I don't wear the organ shoes.
>
>Frances Houser 
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 16:39:58 -0800
>From: "Charlie Strack" <charlie_strack@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>I prefer bare feet -- no shoes, no socks. I'm tall, with long feet, and =
>it's easier to play if I don't have the additional material of shoes & =
>socks raising my legs. I'm also more proficient with bare feet than with =
>shoes or socks.=20
>
>By the way, I'm not sure any teacher could properly advise me on what to =
>wear on my feet for practice. I've got club feet, and unless my teacher =
>also had club feet, the teacher wouldn't have a clue as to what works for =
>me. Interestingly, the shape of my feet make heel work harder, but I seem =
>to have more flexibility in my feet for "heeling" notes without shoes.
>
>I find it amusing about all the rules involved in playing a musical =
>instrument that have nothing to do with the sound produced. It really =
>doesn't matter what the organist has on his or her feet, it really doesn't =
>matter what fingering is used, it only matters what the results are =
>musically. Admittedly some of the "rules" serve as useful guidelines that =
>will serve many organists well, but there will always be somebody who does =
>it differently and finds it easier that way.
>
>My two cents!
>Charlie
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: SharpsburgMd@xxxxxxx
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 19:13:27 EST
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>We have four regular organists (one for each Sunday of the month) plus two 
>subs who fill in. Among six pairs of feet, surely there is at least one case 
>of athlete's foot. That seems a good argument for always wearing shoes. 
>         The first thing an organ teacher should do is get his or her student 
>into a comfortable pair of proper organ shoes. It makes a big difference in 
>pedal technique.
>Pat Holland
>Paris, KY
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Carlo Pietroniro" <organist@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 18:20:18 -0500
>
>
>one needs to 'feel' the pedals under their shoes, but not necessarily 'feel' 
>the pedals with your feet, if that makes any sense. (It didn't to me!)
>
>Proper pedal technique requires a definite separation between toe and heel, 
>and this can only be achieved with proper organ shoes, with a leather sole (to 
>allow for sliding), a heel of at least 1 1/4 inch (for legato playing of 
>thirds), and a strong enough shank for leverage to open and close the shoes.
>
>Carlo Pietroniro
>(who took on a new student today who didn't have any organ shoes!)
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:53:13 -0800 (PST)
>From: Mark Koontz <markkoontz@xxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] New to List
>
>
>
>Hello,
>
>I've been a church organist for (OK, let's not count) years.  I recently
>purchased an (...um...) old Rodgers 660 for home practice, which is why I'm
>interested in participating in a Rodgers Organ List.
>
>Thanks!
>Mark Koontz
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 11:32:39 -0800
>From: Vern Jones <soundres@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>You will never be able to play Virgil Fox's version of JIG Fugue wearing
>socks without shoes....
>
>noel jones wrote:
>  
>
>>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?
>>
>>--
>>noel jones, aago
>>athens, tennessee, usa
>>-------------------------------
>>frog music press
>>rodgers organ users group
>>www.frogmusic.com
>>
>>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music Press
>>----
>>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)
>>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html
>>    
>>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 12:49:59 -0600
>From: Bruce Wagner <bjwagner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>Two years ago - while getting ready for Easter and an Organ/Piano duet - 
>I had everything saved on the card for the Rodgers - my shoes were wet 
>and so I took them off and and rehearsed with the pianist - she took a 
>break - I took the card out - saved and closed and everything - she came 
>back to practice again - static had erased the disk! - I know this - 
>because I redid the card (saved it to PR300s - thank goodness) - put the 
>card back in - not realizing - still no shoes - again erased before we 
>could even practice.
>
>Especially at this "dry time" of the year (Minnesota) - static 
>electricity is waiting everywhere to destroy data!
>
>
>
>noel jones wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?
>>
>>--
>>noel jones, aago
>>athens, tennessee, usa
>>-------------------------------
>>frog music press
>>rodgers organ users group
>>www.frogmusic.com
>>
>>
>>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music Press
>>----
>>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)
>>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 
>>
>>    
>>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Loose, Timothy" <TLoose@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 10:50:48 -0600
>
>
>
>I have been "criticized" for playing shoeless as less professional.
>
>When I play shoeless I find it easier to "find" notes, but heel-toe
>technique suffers.
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: rodgersorgan-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>[mailto:rodgersorgan-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of noel jones
>Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2003 10:00 AM
>To: rodgersorgan@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>
>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?
>
>--
>noel jones, aago
>athens, tennessee, usa
>-------------------------------
>frog music press
>rodgers organ users group
>www.frogmusic.com
>
>
>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music Press
>----
>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)
>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 18:09:34 -0800
>From: "Charlie Strack" <charlie_strack@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>I wonder about Japanese organists?=20
>
>Since, mostly, the Japanese don't wear shoes indoors, at least in their =
>homes.
>
>Charlie
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Shirley J. Boyken" <boyken@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:19:51 -0700
>
>
>
>I agree with those who wear shoes. Personally, I use my heels as much as my
>toes (on both feet) and I can't imagine trying to do that in bare feet. My
>feet would surely be in the "cracks" more than they are now, I fear. LOL
>Surely fast passages would be more difficult, I would think. Have never
>attended an organ concert where the artist was barefoot or are there some
>out there???
>Interesting....
>Shirley, AZ
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 22:33:57 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time)
>From: "Randall J. Smith" <randallsmith@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>Content-Type: Text/Plain;
>  charset="iso-8859-1"
>Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
>
>How about shoes with no socks?  Can you do a JIG that way??=0D
>=0D
>Randall Smith=0D
> =0D
>-------Original Message-------=0D
> =0D
>From: rodgersorgan@xxxxxxxxxxxxx=0D
>Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2003 09:00:23 PM=0D
>To: rodgersorgan@xxxxxxxxxxxxx=0D
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks=0D
> =0D
>=0D
>You will never be able to play Virgil Fox's version of JIG Fugue wearing=0D
>socks without shoes....=0D
>=0D
>noel jones wrote:=0D
>  
>
>>=0D
>>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?=0D
>>=0D
>>--=0D
>>noel jones, aago=0D
>>athens, tennessee, usa=0D
>>-------------------------------=0D
>>frog music press=0D
>>rodgers organ users group=0D
>>www.frogmusic.com=0D
>>=0D
>>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music
>>    
>>
>Press=0D
>  
>
>>----=0D
>>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)=0D
>>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html=0D
>>    
>>
>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music Pre=
>ss=0D
>----=0D
>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)=0D
>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html=0D
>=0D
>=0D
>=2E=20
>
>
>-- No attachments (even text) are allowed --
>-- Type: image/gif
>-- File: IMSTP.gif
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Carlo Pietroniro" <organist@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:02:14 -0500
>
>
>try any of Vierne or Widor's symphonies without organ shoes!
>
>no dice!
>
>Carlo Pietroniro
>Montreal, Quebec
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:07:08 -0500
>From: noel jones <gedeckt@xxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>I think that a shoeless pedal board, built to conform to foot structure could
>be invented today, that would eliminate the need for shoes, by reducing the
>amount of pressure needed, eliminating the protection the foot receives from
>being shod.  Until that day, heavy pedalers need shoes for protection.  Soft
>pedalers can keep soft shoeing along.  I have seen all kinds of footwear
>around consoles except fluffy bedroom slippers...that's probably happen next
>week.
>--
>noel jones, aago
>athens, tennessee, usa
>-------------------------------
>frog music press
>rodgers organ users group
>www.frogmusic.com
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 20:36:55 -0800
>From: "Charlie Strack" <charlie_strack@xxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>Naw, fluffy slippers won't work--too floppy!
>
>My feet don't fit within the cracks--they're too big. See, the idea of =
>no-shoes-no-socks is to make big feet as small as possible. Those who have =
>small feet need the shoes & socks to make their feet big enough!
>
>How about prehensile toes & smaller pedals. Then we can play melodies and =
>harmonies with just one foot!
>
>This really is great nonsense!--Too much happiness!
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 21:13:40 -0700
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>From: Harry Littman <harry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>
>
>on 2/25/03 8:59 AM, noel jones at gedeckt@xxxxxxxx wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Has anyone ever been taught that it is better to play shoeless?
>>
>>--
>>noel jones, aago
>>athens, tennessee, usa
>>-------------------------------
>>frog music press
>>rodgers organ users group
>>www.frogmusic.com
>>
>>
>>Just Published! Using the PR-300 Sequencer Voice Module by Frog Music Press
>>----
>>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)
>>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html
>>
>>
>>
>>    
>>
>No, but would you believe that a friend, Mark Adams of Buffalo, Wy., in his
>first master class with Virgil Fox played wearing cowboy boots!  From then
>on he was referred to as "Our Ace Cowboy".
>
>Harry Littman
>former Black Beauty owner
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Carlo Pietroniro" <organist@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:08:45 -0500
>
>
>HAHA!
>The day I see puffy slippers on an organist, is the day I give up playing!
>
>No one in their right mind.............
>
>Actually no.....knowing her style, that's something Diane Bish would do!
>
>Carlo Pietroniro
>(sipping brandy on a cold -25C night)
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:48:19 -0500
>From: "John G. (Jack) Cormack" <jackjack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>At 08:19 PM 02/25/2003 -0700, you wrote:
>
>
>  
>
>>I agree with those who wear shoes. Personally, I use my heels as much as my
>>toes (on both feet) and I can't imagine trying to do that in bare feet. My
>>feet would surely be in the "cracks" more than they are now, I fear. LOL
>>Surely fast passages would be more difficult, I would think. Have never
>>attended an organ concert where the artist was barefoot or are there some
>>out there???
>>Interesting....
>>Shirley, AZ
>>    
>>
>======================================================
>Shirley:
>
>At an "after concert" breakfast by Carlo Curley he acknowledged sometimes,
>when the console is located so that the audience can't see his feet, he
>plays in his stocking feet.  My big feet are so wide that shoes make it 
>difficult for
>me to play just one pedal note at times.  Doing heel and toe I can play, 
>for example, the upper
>C natural with my right foot toe and then without moving my leg play the G 
>natural below
>the C by rotating my ankle.  But playing a glissando on the pedal in 
>stocking feet is VERY
>hard on my foot <grin>.  I have a pair of Organmaster shoes and they are
>used some times, but I prefer stocking (not bare) feet.  My toes get caught
>on the black pedal notes sometimes if my feet are bare.
>
>I know that purists look down on anyone who does not wear shoes, so you
>purists can look down at my playing if you want to.  <another grin>
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Jack Cormack, who plays at home on a Rodgers Trillium 927 and does
>not play at any church.
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>From: "Carlo Pietroniro" <organist@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:02:14 -0500
>
>
>try any of Vierne or Widor's symphonies without organ shoes!
>
>no dice!
>
>Carlo Pietroniro
>Montreal, Quebec
>
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 23:52:57 -0500
>From: "John G. (Jack) Cormack" <jackjack@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>Subject: [rodgersorgan] Re: Shoes vs. Socks
>
>
>
>At 11:02 PM 02/25/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>
>  
>
>>try any of Vierne or Widor's symphonies without organ shoes!
>>
>>no dice!
>>
>>Carlo Pietroniro
>>Montreal, Quebec
>>    
>>
>=======================================
>Carlo:
>
>I wish I were good enough to do that.  I'm 83 years old and not agile
>enough to perform as a professional.  But I can struggle through
>Widor's Toccata from the 5th Symphony, but nobody would enjoy
>how I massacre it <grin>, except me.
>
>More power to you experts.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Jack
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>End of rodgersorgan Digest V2 #46
>*********************************
>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>To unsubscribe or change mail delivery (digest, vacation)
>go to www.frogmusic.com/rodgers.html
>
>  
>



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