The Newbury and District Organists' Association (NDOA) was formed in 1980. Previously it had been the Newbury sub-branch of the Berkshire Organists' Association based in Reading.
The Association concentrates on the area administered by West Berkshire Council from Tilehurst in the east to Hungerford and Lambourn in the west.
Within this area there are some fine examples of the organ builder's craft, and although the Association is centred on Newbury, visits are made and events organised in the surrounding towns and villages.
People join the Association for a variety of reasons. Some are expert players who desire to share their knowledge and experience with others and welcome the opportunity to give lunchtime and evening recitals. Others are amateurs or beginners who want to learn more. Others still are non-players but nevertheless fascinated by the organ in all its shapes and forms, the music written for it, and the venues at which organs are found, whilst some enjoy the social side where the talk is musical and the discussion lively.
All are most welcome.
The Association concentrates on the area administered by West Berkshire Council from Tilehurst in the east to Hungerford and Lambourn in the west.
Within this area there are some fine examples of the organ builder's craft, and although the Association is centred on Newbury, visits are made and events organised in the surrounding towns and villages.
People join the Association for a variety of reasons. Some are expert players who desire to share their knowledge and experience with others and welcome the opportunity to give lunchtime and evening recitals. Others are amateurs or beginners who want to learn more. Others still are non-players but nevertheless fascinated by the organ in all its shapes and forms, the music written for it, and the venues at which organs are found, whilst some enjoy the social side where the talk is musical and the discussion lively.
All are most welcome.
The benefits of bring a member of Newbury & District Organists’ Association (NDOA) and a summary of the function of the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO)
Profile of a non-player member of NDOA:
As a non-playing member of NDOA, firstly I get great pleasure from the monthly organ recitals, at which both sacred and secular music is played by ‘top-drawer’ recitalists. Apart from this, there are organ visits around the area, when playing members play and non-playing members can listen and learn about the organ and how it works. Also, friendships are forged on the social side. There are two meals arranged each year. I thoroughly enjoy being a member of NDOA. AT.
Profile of an amateur playing member of NDOA:
As a church organist, so mainly an accompanist, I find that being a member of NDOA broadens my outlook because I meet people who are avid listeners. Congregations rarely comment, so member’s views on organ music help me improve my playing. Attending lunchtime recitals and hearing the professionals play is enjoyable and also helps me with my organ lessons. There is also a good social side. Particularly appreciated are the twice yearly member’s dinners which my wife also attends and enjoys very much. Also I feel it’s important to encourage the up and coming generation to learn to play the instrument something that the Association is actively pursuing at the present time. Do join us. JP
Profile of a professional playing member of NDOA:
I joined NDOA shortly after moving to Newbury in 1991 and as a keen (young !) organist was excited to see the varied programme of recitals on offer. I was soon invited to give one of the lunchtime recitals at St Nicolas, Newbury which was a great opportunity for me. Since then I have given many recitals at other local churches including Newbury Methodist Church and at St Mary’s, Shaw cum Donnington where I am currently Director of Music. In addition to the monthly recitals, the association arranges visits to organs of interest both locally and further afield. It is always exciting to try out the repertoire on different instruments and to spend time with other organists exchanging ideas and experiences. Other NDOA events have included talks relating to the organ – particularly memorable was the recent talk by Tony Foster Waite a retired organ builder talking about the trade and demonstrating various tools and parts of the inner workings of the organ that are not usually seen. The association also provides a point of contact for people seeking organists for weddings, funerals, concerts and services. SJB.
Summary of the function of the IAO:
NDOA is affiliated to the national body, the Incorporated Association of Organists (IAO), so all NDOA members are also Associate members of the IAO. The IAO was formed in about 1913 and there are now over 80 affiliated associations in the UK and abroad. The objective of the IAO is to ‘educate the public in the art of music, particularly organ and liturgical music’. An annual IAO Music Festival (formerly Congress), London Organ Days and Regional Organ Days are held. The quarterly magazine, ‘Organists’ Review’ is published by the IAO and members of local associations are entitled to a discounted subscription. Members pay an annual capitation fee, which is included in the NDOA subscription.
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