When Interlochen’s cherished Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ began to fail last year, there was no question that the necessary repairs would be made. During its 23-year tenure as Interlochen’s only concert instrument, it has been running almost continuously for rehearsals, lessons and recitals. Many of the world’s best concert artists have performed on it, providing inspiration to some of tomorrow’s brightest stars who have grown up listening to its music.

Interlochen committed to the $450,000 restoration project, with faith that those who value Interlochen’s position as the premier place for high school students to study organ would step forward to help keep the program at the forefront. To date, approximately $180,000 of the $450,000 has been raised.

"Interlochen is the only place of its kind where high school students can go to study organ," said Instructor of Organ Tom Bara, himself an alumnus of the program. "Interlochen needs its instrument to be worthy of its mission and success. A truly fine pipe organ will be an inspiration, well-used and appreciated by Interlochen organ students for many years to come."

Bara and alumni credit the late Robert "Murf" Murphy for building the nationally recognized program, which can point to scores of accomplished alumni and awards over the years.

When the newly restored organ is re-dedicated this October, it will be named the "Upton-Murphy Concert Organ," in memory of Murphy and in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Upton, who continue to be strong supporters of the program.

The organ was built in 1948 for Hanover College in Indiana, then modified for the then-new Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall in 1981. For the 2006 renovation, the Reuter Organ Company of Kansas built a new recital instrument, Opus 2227, using the best parts of the Aeolian-Skinner. They alleviated the urgent mechanical issues with a new console, relay system, re-engineered chest layout, winding, facade, and great and pedal division, and addressed the tonal concerns in the swell and choir division. In addition, the number of ranks was expanded to 50. "While some conservatories and music schools have struggled to find new students or closed the organ departments altogether, Interlochen continues to cultivate new generations of organ musicians," Bara said. "Inspired to play and teach, they represent a bright future for a time-honored instrument."

In appreciation

The following people have contributed to the fund to restore the Aeolian-Skinner organ in the Dendrinos Chapel & Recital Hall (as of May 5, 2006):

The Reverend and Mrs. Dean Bailey
Anne and Tom Bara
Dr. Daniel Jacob Bara
Ms. Helen Bara
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley W. Bara
Henry and Ardys Bartel
Mr. Peter Batchelder
Ms. Donna M. Bauer
Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Thomas Bauer
Ms. Kathleen April Birk
Dr. and Mrs. William Lowe Boyd
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn P. Burgess-Keith
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Paul Drew
Mrs. Beth Fischer
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald B. Fischer
Mr. Gary E. Forsleff
Mrs. Mary Gonzales

Ms. Faith Janine Marie Hector
Mrs. Katherine M. Hoorn
Mr. Adam Tyler Kohne
Mr. and Mrs. Wilmar A. Kohne
Mrs. Margaret Martin Kvamme
Mr. Kenneth D. Lowenberg
Mr. and Mrs. Mark David Lundgren
Mr. and Mrs. Karl E. Marsh
Mrs. John C. Milliken
Mrs. Grace Brandenburg Pfeifer
Ms. Tamara Lynn Schmiege
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Shoup
Mrs. Wendy Ollila Treacher
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Upton
Mr. Thomas John Ward
Mrs. Roxana Lindborg Wiley
Dale and Lorrine Helm Wordelman