Our Organ Builder

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Introducing Steve Russell, Our Organ Builder

steve_russelll_022_89x110We are extremely fortunate to have Steve Russell of Russell and Co. Pipe Organ Builders as our organ builder.  Following is an outline of his professional information.  For more information, visit www.russellorgans.com.

 

 

 

Types of Projects Undertaken:

  • Advice and guidance on new organs and restorations and in certain cases, on rebuilding, varying from initial guidance to full oversight of a project.
  • Appraisals of existing pipe organs for replacement value and guidance for the disposition of existing pipe organs when necessary.
  • Evaluation of competing proposals for new pipe organs, rebuilding and restoration work when engaged as consultant.
  • Proprietor of Russell & Co. Pipe Organ Builders: a full service pipe organ manufacturing company which supplies new pipe organs as well rebuilding service, restoration services and pipe organ maintenance services to discriminating Churches and Universities throughout the United States.
  • Russell & Co. is also engaged in the production of organ pipes and other organ components for wholesale to the trade.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Studied organ with Malcolm Weschsler, Robert Rudisill and Dr. William Hayes.
  • Bachelor of Music Degree (1976) from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey with concentrations in organ, church music and education.
  • Served apprenticeship in pipe organ building with Allan J. Ontko, Pipe Organs (1975-1976) and then Tim Koelewyn, The Enchanted Sound (1976-1981) during which time started Stephen J. Russell & Co. Pipe Organ Builders to supply tuning and maintenance services to local churches.
  • Completed first new organ in 1978 with sponsorship of, and under the direction of Tim Koelewyn.
  • Moved to Vermont August 1980 to establish an independent organ building workshop.
  • Purchased The Enchanted Sound from Tim Keolewyn in 1985.
  • Purchased R.V. Anderson and Sons Organ Pipe Makers in 1989.
  • Purchased Gress-Miles Organ Company assets in 1989.

 

 

Positions:

  • Member of the American Institute of Organ Builders
  • Member of the American Guild of Organists
  • Former Dean of the Vermont Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
  • Proprietor: Russell & Co. Pipe Organ Builder