Hi netters--
 
I was also at the Jim Riggs workshop in Wheaton (IL) last weekend, as
well as his concert at the San Fillipo "Place de la Musique" near
Barrington.  I've been trying to find time to write and posts my
impressions, and am finally getting a few moments to do so (I was also
one of those who bugged Danny to do so!).
 
First of all, it is nearly impossible to present an educational program
to any large and disparate group of people without talking "over the
heads" of some, while others will feel bored hearing information they
already know.  Jim's program seems to be a nearly perfect compromise,
providing both a basic introduction to the instrument (history, theory of
construction, etc.) with more advanced tips for those of us who know the
TO and its possibilities, including lots of registration suggestions and
technical "tips."
 
Business on this list had kept me at my computer until about midnight
Friday, at which point I loaded up the car and headed out, driving all
night to arrive in Wheaton a bit late (OK, I stopped for a few cat-naps!
;-) So, it was not boredom which caused me to nod off a few times during
the afternoon session.  (I only hope I didn't snore as loud as "Butch"--a
big, friendly dog apparently in residence in the Van der Moelen studio,
whose noisy sleep livened the morning session--and that Jim has forgiven
me for catching a few z's during his presentation!  I was definitely not
firing on all sixteen cylinders that afternoon...) Fortunately, anything I
might have missed was amply covered in the detailed literature which Jim
thoughtfully provided.  These handouts will be especially valuable later,
as due to the size of the group, individuals were unable to "try out" the
suggestions during the instructional part of the seminar.
 
It was a real pleasure to meet several list members at this event,
including Danny Brooke and (?--oops, the name escapes me) from Atlanta;
Kathy Langerlan from Ithaca; and Chris Anderson from Urbana (and I
apologize to any others whom I have inadvertently forgotten.  Of course,
Jim and I already knew each other.) I wore my official PIPORG-L sweatshirt
hoping other list members would see it, and obviously several did.
However, there were other list members present whom I was not able to meet.
Next time?
 
As has been mentioned, Jim played a concert for the Windy City club, to
which we seminar participants were invited, at the San Fillipo estate.
Much has been written about this place here and elsewhere; let me just
state again that it must be seen to be believed.
 
I, too, was impressed by Jim's performance.  In fact, this was the best I
have ever heard Jim play.  What a treat to hear a real master of this art,
on an instrument which is so perfect!  I was also gratified to pick out
performance techniques and registrations which had been discussed at the
seminar.  Someone after the concert remarked to me that "Jim Riggs is the
best living exponent of the 'big band' arrangement style of theatre organ
playing."  I could not agree more.  Keep up the good work, Jim!
 
Dave Kelzenberg
List Owner