50 years of pitch and pedals

Fifty years at any one task is not often heard of these days, but for Dwight A McBean such has been his innings on the organ stool.

“I love what I do. It’s not always easy, and it takes practise, but I stay motivated by the sound,” shared McBean.

Among the titles and skills for this multi-hyphenate is accomplished organist, piano technician, organ consultant, and tuner.

This year he also celebrates 38 years as the only factory-trained and certified pipe organ and piano technician in Jamaica, continuing to enrich Jamaica’s musical heritage.

As part of celebrations, he hosts colleague organist Felix Hell from Germany, who returns to Jamaica after 25 years, for a recital at Church of the Ascension, Mona, at 4:00 pm today.

McBean received his early piano training from the late O A Lyseight then took on organ work at around age 13 at the Church of the Ascension under the assent of the late Canon Peter Mullings.

His passion for the organ grew, which led to further studies under the late John Binns at Jamaica School of Music, who started the initial arrangements for his training with the renowned Royal Pipe Organ Builders J W Walker & Sons Limited of Suffolk, England.

In 1983 McBean was awarded a scholarship from the church to pursue advanced in England. For five and a half years he trained with Walkers at their factory and also attended the London College of Furniture, earning a City & Guilds certificate in tuning and repairs. There he gained invaluable practical experience working on some of England’s most prestigious organs, including those at Windsor Castle, The Royal Festival Hall, Worcester Cathedral, to name a few.

McBean also studied with eminent British organ professor Horace A Bate, father and tutor to international concert organist Jennifer Bate.

The Jamaica College graduate holds associate diplomas in organ performance from both the Royal College of Music (ARCM) and the London College of Music (ALCM).

Upon returning to Jamaica in 1988, he began sharing his technical and performance skills within the region. He continues to maintain and tune organs across Jamaica’s churches, as well as instruments in Antigua, the Bahamas, Trinidad, and other Caribbean territories. He also serves as Caribbean agent for J W Walker & Sons and represents Klais Organs of Germany, having trained at their factory in Bonn in 2008. Additionally, he has been Jamaica’s official Rodgers organ dealer since 1990, installing and maintaining more than 30 Rodgers organs. Most recently, he now represents the UK-based Organ Design Limited locally.

With music in his blood as it were, when he strays from the piano and organ he enjoys the tenor and six bass steel pans. He founded the Musical Apostles Steel Band at Kingston Parish Church, where he continues as musical director and organist.

McBean has also taught organ at Jamaica School of Music, Edna Manley College, succeeding his first organ tutor, Binns.

Among his national honours is the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in 2002 and the Order of Distinction at the rank of Officer in 2016.

Through his work, McBean has tremendously impacted the experience of church musicians in Jamaica from the traditional to contemporary. As well, he continues to bridge the gap for trained, certified organ and piano technicians in Jamaica, which had often resulted in uncertain and extended wait for overseas firms to visit Jamaica to maintain pianos and organs — a delay he himself endured when he needed a pipe organ up to exam standard for him to take his Grade 8 Organ Associated Board exam with the examiner who visited Jamaica from the Royal Schools of Music London in 1980.

His legacy is not only in the music he plays, but in the vibrant, reliable soundscape he has made possible for worship and performance at several churches across the island.

MCBEAN