“WHERE do the organists in cinemas come from?” is a question that has been asked once or twice lately. The answer undoubtedly is, “From church or chapel.” Except for a few private houses and institutions there were no other places where an organist might find employment, until lately. But with the springing up of handsomely-equipped cinema theatres there has been an extension of the field of work open to organists. Doubtless in course of time, if the vogue continues, a new generation of organists will prepare itself expressly for the special requirements of the cinema. In the meantime, however, the cinema must needs draw its organists from the church. That is often done without much difficulty, owing to the better pay which the cinema can offer. Organists have for long complained of the terms of their employment in churches, but have had no obvious remedy. Now it would seem that they are, in increasing numbers, in a position to point out to churchwardens that their services have a higher value than has been accorded them in the past. Our contemporary, Musical News, drew attention to this matter some months ago in an article in which, after remarking that this state of affairs is horrible, because, without in the least implying that there is anything derogatory or objectionable in being a cinema organist, it is forsaking the direct service of God for that of mammon, went on very properly to observe that it used the expression “direct” service advisedly, since a man could be a good Christian and a cinema organist at the same time. If the competition of the cinema does in fact raise the status of the church organist, it will have been productive of good. One thing is quite clear, that no man can discharge the functions of a cinema organist and church organist as well.

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