I had the trip of a lifetime a couple of weeks ago when I went with the University of Kansas on a two week tour of historic organs in north Germany. To play these old instruments brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. To be in the places where music history took place was very inspiring and humbling at the same time. I am a different organist because of the trip.

Plus it was fun. A great group of people, well organized, and with free time, we got to see some very interesting museums and other points of interest. An historic organ tour is a great way to see a country as many times, you are in small villages off the beaten path in wonderful churches with restored instruments that are a delight to play. In one of the villages, a bus load of Americans was so unusual, they sent out the local press! I am very thankful to Dr. Michael Bauer of the University of Kansas and Dave Rhodes of R & R travel for a well run trip that I will not soon forget.

Some of the thoughts I came home with:

What are we playing right now in terms of instruments and music that will be of historical interest in another 300 years? What will history deem as good music, worthy of continued learning and playing as the centuries move on?

War is not the answer. Looking at the restored cathedrals and organs in Germany and realizing what was lost during the bombings of WW II broke my heart. I came back committed to a “butters not bombs” ideology more than ever.

I wondered what Luther and Calvin would think. The churches we were in were either Lutheran or Reformed. The two Sundays we were on the tour, we worshiped in the Katherinenkirche in Hamburg and the Marienkirche in Lubeck. I wondered what Luther would think of those worship services today, one of which did not have Communion, a weekly given in Luther’s theology.

I do practice differently. I am looking to recreate at Trinity the sounds I heard in Germany. I was amazed at how much the reeds were really used and these are serious reeds! Also, I really miss German breakfasts. They are real meals with wonderful things in them that is very different from what many Americans eat: cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, cheese, meat, eggs, breads with butter like we can’t get here, real coffee, fruit, yogurt….Yum!!!!

Going carry-on is the only way to come through customs. If at all possible, travel with only carry-on and save yourself a lot of headache.

In short, I am very grateful for this opportunity and am trying to be intentional with continuing the learning here at home.