Contact Us

For further information about the Halifax Organ Academy, please complete the comment form below or telephone Professor David Baker on 01422-884655 or 01422-886631.

36 Responses to Contact Us

  1. Stephen Byrne
    July 23, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    Dear Sirs

    I am a warden of St John’s Church in Rishworth. Unfortunately, due to holiday commitments, I have just discovered that we have no organist for our Holy Communion service at 9.30 on Sunday 27th July.
    I was wondering if any of your staff or students would be available to play the organ for us?

    Thank you for considering this request – I hope you will be able to assist

    Should you need to speak to me I can be contacted at my office on 01422 825400 or on my mobile phone 07977 275199

    Regards

    Stephen Byrne

    Reply
  2. d.baker152@btinternet.com
    July 23, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    Thanks Stephen. I will contact you directly about this.

    David Baker

    Reply
  3. Mr Robinson
    October 7, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    I am doing some research on an organ that used to be in St James Anglican Church, Clitheroe. The NPOR states it was sold to Rodney Briscoe in 2002, however, after speaking to him, he doesn’t know anything about it. Your name was mentioned – maybe you know where it went to and if it is still in use today..? Thank you

    Reply
    • d.baker152@btinternet.com
      October 12, 2014 at 2:16 pm

      Hello – yes, the organ was purchased by an amateur who was in the process of installing it in Winterton Parish Church in N Norfolk. The work was being done without a faculty. The work was stopped and Rodney was brought in to sort out the problem. He installed another smaller organ from an East Anglian church. I thought that he had taken the Clitheroe organ in part exchange, but perhaps not, or perhaps Rodney doesn’t realise where the organ that the amateur had bought had come. I hope this helps.

      David Baker

      Reply
      • Mr Robinson
        October 21, 2014 at 8:33 pm

        Thank you for your help. I will now try Rodney again!
        Mr Robinson

        Reply
      • Carolyn Tristram
        August 17, 2020 at 3:54 pm

        Dear Professor,

        I have the privilege of being Geoffrey Tristram’s daughter and I happened upon your story about your ‘appointment’ with him to “have a go” on the Priory organ at Christchurch, as a young man.

        I so enjoyed reading your reminiscences – however many years ago that was, but could I say that I would have preferred the word ‘stocky’ rather than “fat”!!

        Dad always hid under his own shadow and, having done some research into letters etc., I have found out that he could have moved onto much ‘higher’ places as organist and choirmaster but Christchurch Priory and, of course Church Hatch, were where he felt safe, needed and a place to bloom – including interest from the BBC in both radio and the new invention, TV!!

        He was described as “stocky and balding” by the Daily Express back in about 1974 when they covered a story about an unfair parking ticket! My boss at the time, Sir Edgar Williams – Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford, showed me the paper. Dad had left the car in Church Street (double yellow lines) to go into the kitchen to grab the garage key. Just at that moment, the phone rang with news about a choir boy who had been in an accident. When he returned to his car (Rover 3.5 coupe – pride and joy!) he noticed an offensive parking ticket. It had been slapped on to the windscreen by a ‘newbie’ police constable wanting to earn brownie points! However, it all panned out well as the local Constabulary were due to have their annual service at the Priory. Dad never charged normally, but this time he sent them an invoice for the price of the parking ticket – however much that was in those days!

        It was the police that contacted the press about it – not Dad … as I said, he was never one to be in the limelight.

        Therefore, please could you remember my Dad as stocky … and not fat and I would forever be grateful!!

        Did you know he wrote the most amazing Mass – Tristram in A Flat. The Priory organist some years ago discovered a handwritten copy a few years ago in a cupboard in the Priory (we of course new of it’s existence). It is now sung very often in the Priory but have only managed to go once or twice to hear it … there are not enough tissues in the world (especially due to Covid) to mop up the emotion and absolute pride.

        Sorry – am waffling but had to contact you. My son, Oliver Geoffrey Tristram-Bishop who is now 28 and never met his grandad, totally loved your story. He thrives on my, and my bother’s, memories of him, of my Mum and of Church Hatch.

        They were very happy days despite the pressure of living with a perfectionist and a workaholic – 7 days a week (he was a full time teacher at St Peters De la Salle school), drove around the country playing recitals as well as TV, radio and, of course, ‘cutting’ vinyl records … I see you have one of his ‘singles’!!

        Will finish now – phew, I hear to say!

        Best wishes,

        Carolyn Tristram

        Reply
        • d.baker152@btinternet.com
          September 2, 2020 at 6:08 pm

          Hello Carolyn – very good to hear from you! I have changed the reference, as you requested – and rightly so! We will correspond further directly.

          Best wishes,

          David

          Reply
  4. Howard
    December 13, 2014 at 9:59 am

    Hi, I am a former organist – Fulneck Moravian Church, Pudsey and also a former chorister of Halifax Minster, Philip Tordoff taught me. After many years of not playing, I would like to start playing again. Could you advise of a teacher and where I may be able to practice. I live in Halifax.

    Best regards
    Howard

    Reply
    • d.baker152@btinternet.com
      December 13, 2014 at 10:11 am

      Hello Howard – good to hear from you and happy to help. I will contact you directly on your private e-mail address. BTW have you seen that we now have a second organ in the Minster – a 1770 Snetzler organ rebuilt Hill in 1860 and originally made for one of the churchwardens at the Minster?

      bw,

      David

      Reply
  5. Ian Hartley
    June 14, 2015 at 6:19 pm

    Dear Mr. David Barker,
    My name is Ian and i am the organist at St. Andrew’s Church in Holmfield, Halifax. As preparation to beginning fundraising for much needed repairs to our Pipe Organ, i am attempting to trace it’s history.
    Currently all we know about it is:
    Originally in a Church in Clitheroe
    Donated to our Church by a Mr. & Mrs. North of Holmfield.
    I believe, it was brought over by J. Driver & Sons, organ builders (plaque on the instrument).
    Underwent restoration approx. 1986 by Woods of Huddersfield.

    If you can help in any way in the tracing of the history i would appreciate it.
    Yours sincerely
    Ian.

    Reply
    • d.baker152@btinternet.com
      June 15, 2015 at 3:25 pm

      Hello Ian

      Good to hear from you. If you would like to contact me via telephone (details in the contact section of the website) I will do my best to help you.

      I am David Baker, not Barker, by the way!!

      Reply
      • Ian Hartley
        June 15, 2015 at 3:37 pm

        Hello David,
        apologies about calling you Barker as opposed to Baker. Senior moments happening more often these days.
        I will give you a ring very soon. I have just received a little further clarified history so will speak to you on the phone.
        regards,
        Ian.

        Reply
  6. Alan Sparks
    July 27, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    From Friday 28 to Monday 31 August we are holding the fourth Annual Charity Jigsaw Festival at which we display and sell jigsaws assembled by church and community members.
    We are inviting Organists who are willing to give of their time in support of the charities (Together for Looked-After Children, Christian Crackers After School Clubs, Busy Bees Pre-School Group) to play a one hour session of background music on our fine instrument.
    Are there any members of the Academy who would be willing to participate?
    The following times are available:
    Friday 11am, Sunday 3pm, Monday 11am and 3pm.
    If you are willing to support us please email or call me on 07860 868714.
    Alan Sparks
    Festival Organiser

    Reply
  7. Megan Daffern
    September 24, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    Dear Sir/ Madam

    I am looking to publicise a simple half-day event in Oxford University to encourage young musicians to take up the organ. I would love it if I could send you a flier to (a) help publicise what we are doing and (b) invite teachers to take part too! Please could you send me an email address?

    Many thanks

    Megan

    Reply
  8. David Austin
    May 29, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    Hi.
    After a long gap without playing the organ due to certain health issues I’m back on the buffet again as of today. I can’t have a permanent position due to other commitments but am happy to offer my services, such as they are, as a stand-in.
    If you hear of a church in need please feel free to give them my details.
    Regards.

    Reply
  9. Helen wild
    July 10, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    Good evening
    My late grandmother, Betty Denby, Crossroads, was a talented organist who had circa 100 music books and scores . I would really like to donate her music books and wonder if you could take these or suggest where I might donate to?
    I would be happy to send images if you need to see some of the items.
    Regards
    Helen Wild

    Reply
  10. helen
    July 15, 2017 at 11:59 am

    Hi
    I emailed last week regarding a large number of organ music books and sheet music I wish to donate that belonged to my late grandmother, rather than dispose of. Could you kindly get in touch with suggestions where I might donate these to if you are not interested.
    Regards

    Reply
  11. Neil Hall
    August 15, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Hello
    Darius Battiwalla made a huge and most important contribution to my daughter’s graduation ceremony at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on July 19 of this year. His playing and choice of music made that special occasion even more unforgettable.

    So – I would like to express my deepest thanks and, if possible, ask for the names of the pieces he played on that occasion.

    Many thanks

    Neil Hall

    Reply
  12. John Bodiley
    March 10, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Greetings from Somerset.

    Our local organists’ association is trying to find ways to encourage more people , (and not just the young) to try the organ. Any suggestions for tactics?

    Best wishes,

    John Bodiley

    Reply
  13. Rebecca Amy Worth
    April 30, 2021 at 11:44 am

    Hi, this is a very random message but our late father has an absolutely stunning organ which we know nothing about and don’t know what to do with. I can send pictures if helpful. I don’t think it is a church organ but we wondered if you may know anything about it.
    Many thanks
    Rebecca, Nayomie and Alexandra

    Reply
  14. Maryse Gooderson
    July 12, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    Dear Professor Baker,
    We are desperately looking for a regular organist for our church of St Thomas and St John’s in Radcliffe, greater Manchester. I am aware that this is not near Halifax, but I presume you have students from many different parts of the country. We have explored quite a few avenues already, but our enquiries have been unsuccessful so far. With many thanks. Regards
    Maryse

    Reply
    • d.baker152@btinternet.com
      July 12, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      Hello Mary – I understand. I will write to you privately. But I will help you in any way I can. David

      Reply
  15. William Shelor
    July 17, 2022 at 1:53 pm

    Good afternoon Professor Baker,

    I am currently seeking Organists to participate in a short online study for my Master’s dissertation project. The study focuses on how organ-playing experience affects one’s perception of time.

    The study takes about 20 minutes total, including a short survey about your musical training. Those who complete the experiment are automatically entered into a raffle for a £50 Amazon gift card. I have attached a link to the experiment below. If it’s not too much of an inconvenience, would you be willing to forward this link to the other organists at the Academy?

    https://goldpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bapGb6k8Pe6VuS2

    The more organists we can get to participate, the better, and your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Sian Jamison
    April 4, 2023 at 10:40 am

    Hi David,

    It’s your page turner from Saltash here!

    Is there an organ teacher you could recommend in Plymouth area? I’ve been feeling for a while it’s something I should do.

    Really enjoyed observing your playing. It was quite immersive…beng page turner!

    Thanks

    Sian

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.