As the notes of familiar hymns float through the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Yazoo City, there is a presence felt within its historic walls. The amplified sound from the church organ engulfs the sanctum almost as if it’s a human voice.
Through its beautiful sound, the organ is its own tool of worship in a sacred place, creating a calm and melodic mode of worship through its powerful resonance.
As one looks over to see the creator of such praise, a young man is moving his body with each note, hands almost floating over the keys. And with his hypnotic movement and natural talent, the art of organ playing continues…one note at a time.
Tanner Gough, 22, is a self-taught organist from Madison who regularly travels to Yazoo City to perform at the First Presbyterian Church. A player since the age of 14 years old, he first started on the piano when he was only four years old.
“I was introduced to the organ by Bill Wymond, former Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson,” Gough said. “He walked in on me playing the piano and said, ‘why don't I show you the organ?’ The rest is history.”
In May of 2022, Gough arrived at the local Presbyterian church and has since been contracted to fill in at several churches in the Jackson metro area and in north Mississippi.
“I enjoy the variety of sounds that encompass each instrument,” he said. “Something one must realize about the organ is that no instrument is the same. Each one must be tailored for the room it is in.”
And although the organ at First Presbyterian is an electric, not actual pipe organ, Gough said experiences a rush of adrenaline every time he sits behind its keys. It is the robust exit of notes and sounds through the historic sanctuary that takes him to a blessed space.
“The endless amount of combinations you can make with a variety of hymns and organ literature will allow the organist to literally never be bored,” Gough said. “I have spent countless hours on organs and have felt an energy that I have not experienced with anything else. Only organists understand the rush you get after finishing a lengthy hymn improvisation or baroque piece with a gigantic registration (selection of sounds). I tremendously enjoy the rush it provides.”
But like most anything, there are its share of challenges. Gough said when playing the piano, one uses two hands. But with the organ, there is an abundance of movement with both hands and both feet.
“The pedal board is required to complete the foundation of the organ, often playing the bass notes of a score or hymn,” he said. “It took me years to fully master the art, but I was eventually successful.”
There were also challenges with the style of playing. Gough said, with a typical hymn, chords are often very connected, as opposed to a piano, where chord progression can, perhaps, be more “expressive.”
“Practice, practice, practice,” he adds. “It is the only way to improve yourself, your playing, and to overcome challenges.”
And playing as an organist provided another release of boundaries for Gough. He has traveled to several churches in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C. and even a few historic theaters. His travels have included First Congregational Church in Los Angeles, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, First Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida, and the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
“I have had that privilege on many notable organs in the United States,” Gough said. “And I have played for church services, weddings, and funerals at a variety of churches and denominations.”
His favorite place? Broadway Baptist in Texas.
“It is a five manual (keyboard) Casavant organ, the largest French-style organ in the United States, and contains everything an organist may want in accompanying hymns and playing the literature,” he said. “I started off playing a Casavant organ at First Presbyterian in Jackson, so this may also be a reason why this is my personal favorite.”
And regardless of where Gough played and the type of organ available, it is the organ itself as an instrument that brings such satisfaction.
“There is much joy to be found by simply having an instrument to yourself and playing and practicing on it,” he said.
Gough said he understands the times are changing. Piano lessons, for example, were quite common with children growing up. Now, it seems to be on the decline. Flowing over into the organ, there are even fewer younger people taking it up. He said if his playing can promote organ playing as an art, he is eager to spread the word…one note at a time.
“Organ playing is absolutely worth promoting, now more than ever,” Gough said. “Organ introduction often starts with students taking piano lessons. The American Guild of Organists does an excellent job with events like Pedals, Pipes, and Pizza. I have participated as an ‘instructor’ for this particular event, which invites young piano students to spend a morning or afternoon experiencing organs in their local communities. It starts with young people and the next generation, and continued outreach in local churches and through professional organizations such as the AGO is crucial. I am grateful to be a part of that outreach.”
Gough anticipates graduating from the University of Mississippi in accountancy in May. But, if you hear the notes of an organ float through the doors of First Presbyterian, you might want to take a moment to let the same blessing that Gough receives when he touches each key to fill your spirit as well.
