Wilson Memorial Hand Bell Choir
The Wilson Memorial Hand Bell Choir is directed by Carmen Aquilo and plays at worship services throughout the year. No experience in playing hand bells is necessary in order to participate and be part of this choir. The director provides full instruction to the ensemble. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. during the adademic year. For moreinformation please feel free to speak with Carmen Aquilo, Assistant Director of Music, or any member of the Hand Bell Choir.
The Galloway Memorial Organ, Opus 2625
The Galloway Memorial Organ was built and installed at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church in 1979 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut. It is of American Classic design -- a tonal concept and design that accommodates the preformance of repertoire from every musical period. The Galloway Organ is versatile and eclectic and includes stops that are carefully voiced so to form a cohesive ensemble of 26-ranks, over three divisions - two manuals and pedal. Each of the three divisions (Great, Swell, and Pedal) in the instrument are fully developed and independent. The principles are full, clear and singing; the flutes have a lithe quality - articulate, bright, with rich fundamental warmth and marked by their characteristic "chiff." The strings are lush and full, edgy and full of sizzle; mixtures deliver bright character and clarity to each division, accommodating the room's reverberant setting. The reeds bring a sense of fire, excitement and color to the tonal palate of the organ. The tonal resources of the organ are capped by a star-zimblestern that spins in the facade of the organ case - the bells peal a brilliant sparkle. The organ case and console are placed at the front of the Sanctuary, thus, its clean, clear, distinctive sound fills the entire room - a room with an opulent acoustical ambiance. The console is made of beautifully warm oak and is seated on casters. Since everything in the worship space is moveable, the room accommodates unlimited worship or concert performance configurations. We are grateful to the late Squire Haskin, who served as consultant during the design and installation of this magnificent instrument.
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