THE PARISH ORGANIST - JOHN SMEE ARCO FNMSM

John Smee was appointed as the Parish Organist of St Barnabas Parish Church on 01 April 2016.

John began his musical training in Cornwall during the 70/80’s, moving to Sussex in June 1988. He gained his ARCO (Associate of the Royal College of Organists) in 1989 and at the tender age of 20 was appointed Organist and Choirmaster of St Martin’s Parish Church, Brighton in 1990, a position he held for 22 years.

In 2010 John was made an Honorary Fellow of the North and Midland School of Music. He has a particular interest in liturgical music and organ improvisation. He is well known for his organ improvisations.

THE ORGAN

St. Barnabas possesses a fine three manual organ that was originally built for the Kerr Chapel in Albermarle Street in London by Noble & Son and was transferred to St. Barnabas in the early part of the twentieth century.  The organ is largely contained within the north transept, with parts of the Pedal organ in the area by the console.  It has a magnificent architectural case that reaches almost to the top of the transept roof.  Initially fully pneumatic, the detached console was electrified in 1974 and some tonal changes made.  No further major work has been carried out since then and the organ is now requiring much love and attention.

ST BARNABAS ORGAN SPECIFICATION

Department and Stop list

Console

Console type  detached   Stop type  drawstop   Label type  Ivory   Label font  sans serif  

Console in North chancel; Angled jambs;
Oak console; Roll-top to keys;

Couplers

Swell to Pedal

Swell to Great

Swell to Choir

Swell octave

Swell suboctave

Choir to Great

Choir to Pedal

Great to Pedal

Accessories

5 thumb pistons each to Swell and Great;
4 thumb pistons to Choir; 
5 toe pistons to Pedal;
Reversible thumb piston Great to Pedal under in Swell key-slip duplicated by 
toe piston to the right of the Swell Pedal;
Great & Pedal pistons coupler;
balanced mechanical Swell pedal;

Remembrance Sunday Communion Piece 11/11/18

This Remembrance communion piece was Mozarts "Adagio" based on his Ave Verum.
Played by Guy Blanch - Cor Anglais, accompanied by John Smee ARCO - Organ
It was much appreciated by all, a huge thank you to them both.