All T
Our Pipe Organ and Worship Instruments play a vital role in leading and energizing corporate worship.
Our Organ and Worship Instruments
PIPE ORGAN
Firstly, the 3-manual instrument (2,913 Pipes) was built in 1955 by Wicks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois. After. it was extensively rebuilt in 1988 by Delaware Organ Company of Tonawanda, New York. In addition, work to install new electro-magnetic valve action, some revoicing, new Solid State Relays, and midi capabilities were completed in 2009 by H.H. Ebert, Organ Co. LLC. All in all, the instrument has 1,867 pipes and 21 note chimes.
GREAT
Montre 8’ 61 pipes
Flute Ouvert 8’ 61 pipes
Prestant 4’ 61 pipes
Flute D/Amour 4’ 61 pipes
Doublette 2’ 61 pipes
Fourniture IV 244 pipes
Trompette 8’ 61 notes from Swell
Chimes 21 notes
couplers
Great to Great 16’
Gt Unison
Great to Great 4’
Midi to Great
CHOIR
Bordon 8’ 61 pipes
Dulciana 8’ 61 pipes
Unda Maris T.C. 8’ 49 pipes
Principal 4’ 61 pipes
Cor De Nuit 4’ 61 pipes
Flagolet 2’ 61 pipes
Larigot 1 1/3’ 61 pipes
Cymbel III 183 pipes
Cormorne De Boise 8’ 61 pipes
Tremolo
couplers
Choir to Choir 16’
Ch Unison
Choir to Choir 4’
Midi to Choir
SWELL
Bourdon Doux 16’ 12 pipes
Blank
Viole De Gambe 8’ 61 pipes
Flute A Cheminee 8’ 61 pipes
Voix Celeste T.C. 8’ 49 pipes
Flute Harmonique 4’ 61 pipes
Nazard 2 2/3’ 61 pipes
Octavin 2’ 61 pipes
Tierce T.C. 1 3/5’ 49 pipes
Plein Jeu III 183 pipes
Trompette 8’ 61 pipes
Hautbois 8’ 61 pipes
Tremolo
couplers
Swell to Swell 16’
ZIMBELSTERN
in December of 2024, we dedicated the addition of a Zimbelstern to our organ.
The Zimbelstern (also spelled Cymbalstern) has been used for centuries in devotional music. Bach is reported to have written music calling for Zimbelstern and to have used the Zimbelstern during his many years as a church organist.
The word Zimbelstern means “Cymbal-star” or “Bell-star”. The original Zimbelsterns were made in the shape of a star with small cymbals or high-pitched bells at each point. The star was turned, and the bells were struck by stationary clappers mounted around the star. Modern Zimbelsterns are electrically operated. The bells are stationary, and a rotating device in the center strikes the bells as pictured above.
Zimbelsterns are used in hymnody with references to angels, saints, the Trinity, or to heighten a hymn verse or a musical offering on the organ. The Wick’s Zimbelstern and Rotating Star are dedicated to the Glory of God. This dedication is made possible through a generous gift from the Sontag Family in memory of Jean Sontag, and through many generous givers at Zion Lutheran Church. Soli Deo Gloria!
Further, our Organ and Worship Instruments are not only used to lead traditional worship, but also incorporate contemporary and modern aspects of worship as well.
KEYBOARD
Yamaha Grand DGX-670
Additionally to the pipe organ we utilize other worship instruments. Further, the DGX-670 features renowned Yamaha piano touch and tone. In addition, CFX Stereo Sampling faithfully reproduces the sound of Yamaha’s flagship CFX Full Concert Grand. By comparison, GHS Weighted action is heavier in the low keys and lighter in the high keys, just like an acoustic piano. Another feature, Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) allows for vivid and richly varied expression to reflect the limitless number of factors that create the sound of a concert grand piano. Additionally, dual mode lets you combine two voices together, like piano and strings, for an inspiring new playing experience. All in all, ¼” microphone input allows you to connect a microphone so you can sing along while you play, hear your voice through the instrument’s speakers, and even record your performance to USB audio.
HANDBELLS AND TONECHIMES
Malmark Handbells – 4 Octaves
Suzuki ToneChimes – 3 Octaves
Both, our handbells and tonechimes are regularly maintained, polished and adjusted. Because maintenance is important to us, we recently purchased new handbell cases to maintain proper storage and safe transportation to outreach events. Both our adults and youth regularly help with maintenance by regularly wiping off the handbells after each rehearsal. Lastly, we use our handbells and tonechimes in song and also in processionals.
ELECTRONIC BELL CARILLON by SCHULMERICH
Additionally, a very unique addition to Our Organ and Worship Instruments is our bell carillon. George J. Schulmerich invented the “electro-mechanical” carillon when he discovered that tiny rods of cast bronze struck with miniature hammers produced audible and pure bell tones that could be amplified electronically to produce a rich, sonorous tone. Lastly, he called his invention carillonic bells. Not only can the carillon be played manually from an organ-like console, but also can be programmed to play automatically. In addition, our carillon plays weekdays at noon and 6p.m. and is programed to play seasonal liturgically appropriate hymns. Also, we use it both during and following worship, weddings, and funerals.
AUXILIARY INSTRUMENTS
There are various other percussion instruments, for example wind chimes, tambourines, hand drums, and other hand percussion we incorporate into our worship and musical offerings. Also, we incorporate guitar, saxophone, trumpet, strings and many other instruments as we have the opportunity. Additionally, we are always looking to enhance worship and add to our organ and worship instruments. Therefore, please let us know your instrument and we will try to utilize your musical gift in worship!
Zion Lutheran Church
4301 Brownsville Rd.
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236
Ph: 412-881-5512
Email: office@zlcbrentwood.org
Zion Lutheran Church © 2021
Zion Worship Times
Saturdays: 5:00 p.m.
Sundays: 9:00 a.m.
ConnectFor: 10:15 a.m.
Adult Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
North American Lutheran Church
Zion is a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). Above all else, the NALC seeks to be faithful to the Bible and centered on Christ. Learn more about the NALC on their website.
