Theatre to Classical Options

[Mixture]

Theatre to Classical

I have only recently joined the forum but have spent quite a few hours searching the posts, but although finding a great deal of useful information I have not found a solution to the problem outlined below.

I have been playing theatre organs for many years using left and right-hand chords, pedals and occasionally filler notes from the bass clef.
Over the last ten years or so I have been drifting more and more towards Church music and now own a Roland classical organ.

I have responded to (but not committed as yet) to an opportunity to join a local group
of organists as a standby to help out on occasion. This is something I really want to do.

The problem is that my Mentor has said I would need to complete a piano course to become competent in reading the bass clef. Although this is a valid point the learning curve is very steep to obtain say a grade 3 or 4 in piano in a reasonable space of time. Writing in chords from the treble clef I find difficult as notation can vary even with an identical chord.

The question is (at last) Can I get by with chords temporarily whilst getting up to speed with the bass clef.

Thank you for reading and any help most appreciated.

[mrbouffant]

The question is (at last) Can I get by with chords temporarily whilst getting up to speed with the bass clef.

Yes, if you are not accompanying a SATB choir at the same time.
That is to say, if you are just leading congregational singing (without choir) then you can busk your way through it, as you suggest.