Become a Friend of the Organ

Post on behalf of FOTO, Friends of the Organ in Bream Bay.

Welcome to FOTO – a new group fostering organ playing in Bream Bay.

FOTO aims to provide excellent music locally and secure an especially voiced organ for Bream Bay.

“Absolutely everyone is welcome to join FOTO” says FOTO Secretary Sally Haigh. “The organ has landed and we could not be more excited about forthcoming FOTO events. Our first concert, called “DIZZY FINGERS“, will be held at 2pm on Sunday 20 October and we have our series of “First Sunday Hymn Sessions” – the next one is at 2pm on Sunday 3 November. This completely free event is a great opportunity to enjoy singing favourite hymns and hear the organ. Why not come along and try it!”

FOTO’s first task is to complete the purchase of the Johannus Opus 377 organ recently delivered and voiced for St. Peter’s in Waipu. Once the organ has been paid off it will be gifted to St. Peter’s.

FOTO FAQs

Question: What are the benefits of joining FOTO?

Answer: Invitations to events (including a soiree for FOTO members), an email newsletter, a membership card and the opportunity to be part of an exciting project. You will also receive discounted or free entry to some concerts.

Question: When did FOTO launch?

Answer: Sunday 1 September, 2024 at 2 pm at St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia Drive, Waipu.

Question: I understand that one of FOTO’s objectives is to buy the Johannus Opus 377 for Bream Bay and yet the organ has already landed. How does that work?

Answer: The organ has been purchased on a Hire Purchase arrangement. The total cost of the organ is $28,750 (including GST). At time of launch approximately a third of that total has been paid off thanks to donations. FOTO has over a year to pay off the balance. Donations are sought to help progress toward that goal.

Question: How do I join and what does it cost?

Answer: Please click here to view and download a FOTO Joining Form.

The best way to join is to email waipufoto@gmail.com with the information requested on the form (eg your name and contact details). You will be advised by return mail as to how to make your payment.

Anther way to join is to print the form, complete the requisite fields, and drop the form and fee off at the Anglican Op Shop (the little old white house near the monuments in Waipu).

Alternatively email waipufoto@gmail.com to request further information about joining.

Fees – The suggested price for an individual membership for one year is $25. However there are a few offers eg A family of three or more OR three friends, can join for $60. (Furthermore, if someone who wants to join cannot afford the fee, they simply need to make that known to FOTO organisers and a discrete deal will be readily done.)

Question: If I make a donation, is it tax deductible?

Answer: Donations are not tax deductible. This is because FOTO is not a registered charity – it is a club.

Question: I am interested in getting organ lessons – can you help?

Answer: FOTO would love to help. Please email us at waipufoto@gmail.com and together we’ll make it happen.

Question: Do I have to live in Bream Bay?

Answer: No – we welcome support from people living elsewhere. Indeed we would like to take this opportunity to thank the late Ralph Cullen, and his family, of North Shore based business Keyboard Music Systems for supplying the organ at an affordable price. We also acknowledge the community of organ players throughout New Zealand: thank you for your help, encouragement and commitment. Special thanks too to Roberta Catizone who designed the FOTO logo which picks up on the blue of Bream Bay.

Question: Do I have to be an Anglican to join FOTO?

Answer: No.

Question: Is FOTO separate from the Anglican Church?

Answer: Yes – it is independent from the Anglican Church but it is working in co-operation with the church, and seeks to benefit the church by gifting the organ to St. Peter’s once it has been paid off.

Question: Where will FOTO events be held?

Answer: At St. Peter’s Church on Nova Scotia Drive in Waipu.

Question: Is FOTO suitable for people of all ages?

Answer: Absolutely. For example FOTO would be very pleased to include children among the membership.

Question: Will FOTO events be just for FOTO members?

Answer: No. There will always be door entry arrangements for visitors, casuals, perspective members and people who do not join clubs but would like to come to FOTO events!

Question: Can you tell me about the next FOTO event?

Answer: The next two events are:

• a concert called Dizzy Fingers at 2.00 pm on Sunday 20 October at St. Peter’s Church, Nova Scotia Drive, Waipu – scroll down.
• The final First Sunday Hymns session for 2024, to be held on Sunday 3 November