Aeolian-Skinner Opus 936 - St. John's Chapel Groton School - 2024

Ortloff Organ Company announces the signing of a contract with Groton School for major work on the landmark 1935 Aeolian-Skinner organ in St. John’s Chapel. Often considered the birthplace of the American Classic organ, the instrument served as a laboratory for G. Donald Harrison, and was heavily revised over the next 30 years.

Our work includes the complete rebuilding of the console, revoicing the Great 8’ Bombarde, and adding an 8’ Harmonic Flute to the Processional division.

The console, previously rebuilt in the 1985, will have its case and interior refinished, keyboards and pedalboard restored, and all ivory hardware retained. The knobheads, replaced in the previous rebuilding, will be re-engraved in the correct pre-WWII font. We will also make a new top in appropriate style to replace the current spurious top. A new SSOS control system completes the work.

The Great Bombarde was added to the organ in 1950 as a gift from Dr. and Mrs. William Harrison Barnes, using pipes from the Aeolian-Skinner organ at Williams College. Like much of the rest of the organ, the stop has gone through several revisions, and will be revoiced to be more blending.

The original Great Flûte Harmonique was replaced by the Positif Rohrflöte, depriving the organ of a soloistic harmonic flute. New pipes, installed on a new windchest in the Processional, will return this important voice to the organ.

Work will commence in September of this year with the removal of the console and the installation of a temporary console. Project completion is scheduled for early 2024.