I live just down the road from the new Rodgers facility. I drive by it
from time to time, hoping for a change, but it remains what it is: an
attractive storefront with two nice organs visible from the door.
Otherwise, there is nothing to see and it never looks like anything is
going on. A closed book. Not welcoming, and if someone walked in I
think they'd probably say they aren't open to the public.
The former facility was vibrant and people were welcome. We went in
once to ask about recommendations for a good person to work on our newly
purchased but older Rodgers organ. We were met by a friendly person out
front, and the attitude was "come anytime". She gave us a great
recommendation. There were concerts by famous organists and not so
famous ones...we attended them all. It was so great, and a wonderful
promotion for the Rodgers brand.
Obviously, things are different now. My first organ, which my parents
bought for me to learn on when I was 7, was an Allen organ, and I've
been frustrated enough to think that I might actually look at Allen
again if I ever have the opportunity to buy a newer organ. Probably
won't ever have that opportunity anyway, but I would love for Rodgers to
still have that accessibility to the public. In the beginning, when the
acquisition was made, we were challenged to stand back and wait before
making assumptions, but I think some of the things that we were worried
about have come to fruition. Not to say Rodgers isn't still making
fabulous organs...I'm sure they are...but the time of being so
accessible seems to be over.
Jennifer Saks
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