About EROI

Renowned for its impressive scale and style, the E.M. Skinner Organ in the Eastman School's Kilbourn Hall has inspired generations of organists and area concertgoers. This organ is ideal for playing transcriptions of orchestral music, in addition to the standard organ repertoire of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built for the opening of the Eastman School of Music in 1921, this four-manual American Romantic organ was designed in the symphonic style, reminiscent of the 20th-century orchestra. After years of heavy use, the organ has fallen into a state of disrepair, making it unsuitable for most performance purposes. The Eastman School plans to renovate this landmark instrument in several stages. Phase I renovations include re-leathering and restoring the windchests and action, and renovating a substantial part of the pipework. When the instrument is fully restored, Eastman organists and Rochester community members will once again have the opportunity to experience the exquisite sounds of this historic American organ.