Odell, Edward

Odell, Edward

J.H. & C.S. Odell Pipe Organ Builders, East Hampton, CT

Ed will be leading the group session on Organ Mechanics: What You Need To Know, on Thursday at the United Congregational Church, Bridgeport.

Edward Odell, CAIO is the great-great grandson of Caleb Sherwood Odell, one of the founders of J.H. & C.S. Odell Pipe Organ Builders this firm. Edward began working with pipe organs from a very young age, accompanying his father and uncle on jobs around the New York metropolitan area.

Edward returned to organbuilding after attending Auburn University. In 1996 he was hired by Austin Organs, Inc., of Hartford, Connecticut. In recognition of his overall skill as an organbuilder was promoted to Foreman after working in most of the company's major departments.

Since leaving Hartford in 2002, Edward has devoted himself to the work of his family’s historic firm. In addition to management, his responsibilities at J.H. & C.S. Odell include mechanical and visual design work, cabinet making, voicing, and tonal finishing.

Edward holds membership in the American Institute of Organbuilders  (AIO) at the Colleague level, and is currently pursuing a Fellow application. 

A dedicated professional who has been active in the AIO for over 10 years, Edward has contributed significantly to the organization's activities. These efforts include acting as 2004 National Convention Chair and ongoing service to the Education Committee. Edward also Chairs the AIO Outreach Committee and coordinates efforts with the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America.

As a volunteer for the AGO, Edward served as Exhibits Chair for the last two local regional conventions and is active in several local AGO chapters. 

In addition to work in convention planning and exhibition, Edward has participated in discussion panels for the AIO, written articles for both The Diapason and the Journal of American Organbuilding and lectured for AGO and NPM. His next major presentation will be a lecture on stationary woodworking machines for the upcoming AIO/ISO conference in Montreal.