St. Paul's Epistle - November 2010 ECMAEF Article
East Carolina Musical Arts Education Foundation
"Care of the Fisk"
In previous editions of The Epistle, we outlined the mission and responsibilities of the ECMAEF. One of our major responsibilities is to provide an environment that optimizes the sound of the Fisk pipe organ for worship and concerts. The control of the environment inside the organ case is also important in providing for maintenance and longevity. When we talk about “environment,” we refer to temperature and relative humidity. Humidity affects the action of the organ, the wood pipes and the casework, because wood shrinks and expands with significant variations in moisture content in the air. Temperature affects the pitch or tuning of the organ. We try to maintain the humidity in the range of 35 to 65 percent and the temperature in a range of 60 to 80 degrees inside the organ case, which is in accordance with the recommendations provided by the organ builder. In order to monitor the temperature and humidity, we have installed equipment that continuously records these measurement limits, both inside and outside the organ case. Although there appears to be a close correlation between the environment in the sanctuary and inside the organ case, the organ does have its own air handling equipment, with a heat pump and humidifier that is separate from the sanctuary heating and air conditioning system, so that we can adjust the conditions inside the organ. Unfortunately, the system for the organ does not have a separate electric meter, so the power usage is included in the total power usage for the church.
Therefore, the Foundation has estimated the cost of operating the extra equipment and is reimbursing St. Paul’s for this additional cost from the Foundation treasury. We are grateful for the advice and assistance that we continue to receive from Wilson Pou, a professional engineer, who is an active member and past vestry member of St. Paul’s.
Mike Bell
ECMAEF board member
To view St. Paul's entire November 2010 Epistle, click here!
Therefore, the Foundation has estimated the cost of operating the extra equipment and is reimbursing St. Paul’s for this additional cost from the Foundation treasury. We are grateful for the advice and assistance that we continue to receive from Wilson Pou, a professional engineer, who is an active member and past vestry member of St. Paul’s.
Mike Bell
ECMAEF board member
To view St. Paul's entire November 2010 Epistle, click here!
