From left, organists Chuck Shumate of Carmichael Elks Lodge Number 2103 and Dan Baldassari of Sacramento Elks Lodge Number 6 continue the tradition of organ accompaniment for Elks Lodge meetings and ritual ceremonies.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Much like the ancient organs from third-century Greeks that were powered by displacing water into airtight containers to push wind needed to play notes, today’s church organs are quickly becoming obsolete. Still, two Elks Lodges in the seven lodge Central District of California have the honor and rare privilege of enjoying organ music at their meetings and ritual ceremonies.

Chuck Shumate of Carmichael Elks Lodge Number 2103 and Dan Baldassari of Sacramento Elks Lodge Number 6 are unique among musicians who have mastered the complex art of playing the organ.

Shumate is 101 years old. He has been an Elk for 39 years and is an Army veteran.

Baldassari is half Shumate’s age at 50 years old. He has been an Elk for two years. Baldassari started his musical training playing the trumpet in high school. Baldassari’s music teacher, a fellow trumpet player, Tom Thompson was a former International Concert Artist for the Hammond Organ Company.

Among Thompson’s many students is Stu Boyer, the retired organist of Pizza and Pies that was located on Arden Way in Sacramento.

Here is a Hammond Concord organ circa late 1970s. Photos courtesy of Dan Baldassari

Shumate and Baldassari met recently after Shumate’s Elks Lodge performance. Shumate is probably the oldest organist in Northern California. Baldassari is an anomaly among young artists. Mastering the complex skills required to play an organ takes years to accomplish. It requires concentration and coordination of both hands, feet, eyes and ears.

The decline of organists can be attributed to many factors. There is a lack of interest due to the incredible patience required to play proficiently. There are less costly options such as keyboards and small home organs.

In addition, music teachers with the expertise to teach organs are rare.

Finding organ repair people is even rarer.

Additionally, there are very limited career or financial opportunities for professional organists.

As a result, churches and fraternal organizations struggle to keep the traditions of organ accompaniment for their choirs and ritual ceremonies. Sadly, the king of instruments might be nearing the end of its reign.