The Organ in America, is a feature-length documentary film exploring the history, innovation, and cultural impact of the pipe organ in the United States. I am co-authoring and co-producing this film in collaboration with UK-based director Will Fraser of Fugue State Films. Our team includes cinematographers Jake Coulter and Kristen Carton (Call of the Loon Productions), audio engineer James Abbott, and a team of student interns.
The documentary uses the rich variety of pipe organs in upstate New York to tell a story that reflects the broader American organ tradition. The film blends three narrative threads: instrument biography, road movie, and behind-the-scenes look at the life of an organist. It is designed to engage general audiences, while also illuminating the existential challenges the organ faces today, such as rising maintenance costs, fewer students, and broader cultural shifts. The film offers hopeful perspectives through the eyes of students, while realistically portraying the challenges for the organ and the people who love to play it.
Watch the trailer:
With more than 140 hours of footage collected since April 2025 and editing well underway, this film is on track for an early 2027 release. The goal is to prepare a 60-minute version of the film for PBS distribution while also making a longer version of the film and dozens of “bonus” performances and demonstrations available on the Fugue State Films streaming platform, organcinema.com.
We seek individuals and organizations who will support the completion of the film and distribution to audiences worldwide.
Support the film by donating to the Syracuse University “Organ Research and History Fund!”
Read David Vogel’s column highlighting the project in the June issue of The American Organist.
Sign up for film newsletters and information at organinamerica.com.
Anne Laver 