An introductory course to the pipe organ provided an opportunity Friday for Fresno State students to lay their hands on the organ keyboard for the first time.

Laurell Huber, who for the past few decades has taught and played piano at Fresno State, was the course instructor.

The introductory session was three hours long and allowed music students, many of whom were pianists or composers who had never played the organ before, a chance to get a hands-on experience.

Huber, who has been playing the organ for more than 50 years, said that exposure is rare ”” and that can benefit pianists in the job market.

“A well-rounded keyboard musician will expand their opportunities,” Huber said. A pianist who learns to play the organ can accept an organ gig and play with confidence.” Typical jobs are weddings and memorial services.

Emily Wallace, who is majoring in piano at Fresno State, played for the first time. She said she was amazed, and would recommend the session to anyone.

“The intricacies of the instrument are absolutely amazing to me,” Wallace said. “I am also intrigued by how many different ‘colors’ and sounds you can achieve with a single instrument.”Participants, no matter how well they performed, were given an opportunity to play the organ together as well as individually.

Cactus Harris, a senior at Fresno State, is studying music education. He has more experience on the organ than the other pianists.

Harris taught himself to play before coming to Fresno State. During the workshop, he played the organ often.

“It is a very exhilarating instrument to play because you practically have a whole orchestra at your finger tips,” Harris said.

Harris was featured in The Fresno Bee last spring. He will give his senior recital in the Concert Hall on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

Huber said the organ is available at Fresno State for performances and music organists.

“The organ is accessible to enrolled music majors or minors who designate organ as their principal instrument,” Huber said.

There is no class for the organ currently available to students. However, Huber said if enough students request the class, it is a possibility in the future.

Upcoming concerts with the university’s organ include UCLA organ artist Christoph Bull, who will be playing in the Keyboard Concert Series on May 5 at 3 p.m.

If anyone is interested in organ lessons, contact Laurell Huber at [email protected].