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Assistant Professor of Music, voice
The Sallie Mobley Groves Organ is a prominent fixture in the Herbert A. Saliba Chapel since both were dedicated May 18, 1996. Sarah Groves Saliba of Williamsburg, Virginia, widow of Herbert A. Saliba (former BPC trustee), contributed $300,000 for the organ. After naming the chapel for her late husband, she named the organ in memory of her parents. The Groves organ is a 41-rank pipe organ with 2,500 pipes, and was constructed by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio. The instrument was designed by former BPC professor Al Washburn in coordination with Alfred Lunsford and a team of tonal designers from Schantz. Dr. Washburn performed the dedication recital. Audiences who have heard the instrument played during worship services, concerts and formal events know well its quality.
The Schantz Organ Company, founded in 1873 by A.J. Tschantz, (later changed to Schantz) is the largest and oldest American pipe organ builder still under management of the founding family. Combining his inventive skills with a love of music, Schantz began building pipe organs after a brief venture into the construction of reed (parlor) organs.
In the early part of the twentieth century, A.J.'s sons joined him in his organ building shop. Under their leadership, the growing company developed a strong reputation as a regional builder. In turn, their sons learned the skills of the trade and took over the operation of the company. It was under the leadership of the third generation (following World War II) that the company developed its national reputation.
A Schantz pipe organ is a unique instrument crafted to serve the special musical requirements it is called upon to fulfill. Painstaking attention to detail in all aspects of the design, physical layout, tonal composition, construction, installation and tonal finishing ensure that every instrument meets the exacting standards of the Schantz Organ Company.
The Groves Organ is one of the most prominent pipe organs in southern Georgia. It is heard regularly during chapel services, performances by the Concert Choir, the annual Festival of Lessons and Carols, weddings, and in solo organ recitals. In addition to performances by Dr. Pierce Dickens, Associate Professor of Music, the Groves Organ has been featured in recitals by organists Andre Lash, former BPC faculty member, Janette Fishell, Professor of Music at East Carolina University, and the world-renowned Diane Bish. Brewton-Parker College and the Division of Music are fortunate to have such an instrument on campus and the college community is grateful to Mrs. Sarah Groves Saliba for her generosity.
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