10 March 2012
Organists: the best people ever
Our church secretary called twelve organists last week. A church up the road from us has been without accompaniment for over a year. And I have to add fifteen years of not practicing to the greatest regrets of my life. I'm a dang idiot. Beloved church, I am sorry.
Organists and pianists of the world, I salute you and respect you and thank you, thank you, thank you. Every hour of your practice is paid back individually to each person who benefits from your one hour of playing each week. Blessed are we, because you worked hard. We're not worthy.
(And thanks also to the wife of the organist who sits without him, and the friends of the organist who sit with her kids.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
How about the pianist who sits in the back of the chapel for Chinese church, not understanding the sermon. But looks up with fear when everyone turns around and laughs ... what did the hubster say about our marriage now?!
Yes! You! Salute, respect, thanks thanks thanks!
Awww..well, thanks! What you don't maybe realize, for us(me, anyway) there is great joy leading the singing for God's people. There is no better way, I have found, to use the talents God gave me. But, thank you anyway. It is so nice to be remembered. (as I sit through sermon delivery #4 this week)
At our previous parish, the regular accompanist often didn't show and I was the only halfway qualified person to fill in. Since my husband was in the chancel and my kids wouldn't go to just anybody, I'd have them sit as close as possible to the piano and do my best to ignore them when they were ornery (hoping everyone else would ignore them too). It was always so humiliating, not only because the kids knew they could get away with murder but because I am NOT a sight-reader.
Then again, those times when I had advance notice also left a bad taste in my mouth. I would practice 20-30 hours, polishing a prelude, postlude, and offering music that complemented the readings and hymns, and receive a $10 paycheck.
I once took a few organ lessons. I realized it probably wasn't going to work when I couldn't get my play an interval larger than an octave. The teacher squinted at me, as though I wasn't trying hard enough, and finally inspected my hands. "Ah. You have small hands." I figured that was a good enough excuse to stop with the lessons. Then I married a man who wanted to be a pastor. Should have stuck with those lessons...
Some of us organists play for selfish reasons, however. This way I'm never at a church that doesn't have an organist.
Thank you.
I wanted to add that yes, we have had so many friends over the years who sat with our little ones because both Mommy and Daddy were busy with the music.
As a substitute organist's wife, you're welcome.
Shrew, that's awful (no one to sit with your kids AND the pay)!
Anonymous, yes. I selfishly like it when my husband plays, because then we hear liturgy all week (especially early in the morning while I'm dressing the kids, then again at night while I nurse the baby to bed.)
Last year we had 3 professional organists (!) join our church, so I'm sorry we can't send some your way, but we want them to stay here.
I always feel so guilty shuffling my kids off onto other church members when my husband is unable to attend. I feel like I should be SuperMom, with my children surrounding the organ and singing the liturgy happily while I play. So far it's a no go, I'm afraid.
Christine, I would much rather sit with your kids while you play than have to listen to all of us try to sing without you!
But looks up with fear when everyone turns around and laughs
best search background software
Post a Comment