resourcing event at Brynn Mawr

Last Saturday a half dozen plus organists, including me, participated in a day-long resourcing event at this Presbyterian church in Brynn Mawr. Since organ is my focus right now, I took a seminar on improvisation and a seminar on creative hymn playing by well-known composer and organist Charles Callahan.

What refresher courses do organists and other church-based musicians ask for days? Here's a sample: spiritual drumming, improving choral rehearsals, new hand bell techniques, children choir methods. The event was sponsored by the American Guild of Organists.

Christmas Eve brass ensemble

I want to name the brass players who festooned everyone in the lobby as they arrived for the Christmas Eve service . Doug Brubaker led the group with his trumpet. The others were: Jon Landis, trumpet; Taylor Lindsey, trombone; Sage Musselman, tuba; and Tracy Kile, baritone. So to you five, a big thank you for really good music. I could hear it from the organ bench. When it ended the various preludes in the sanctuary began.

Sunday off

The new year has barely turned the page of my calendar when I have the first Sunday off. It is Epiphany (Wise Men find the manger). By the time the coffee is aromatizing the kitchen I pop in a Westminster Choir College CD and hear organ, bell choir, and vocal choir while I meditate at home. Here's an online image of Westminster, where I got my master's degree in music in 1977.

While appreciation for Neffsville is mingling with the cup of coffee, thanks goes out for pianist Carolyn North who is subbing for me. My mind recollects the recent Christmas season and all the magnificent music (Al's bell tree and Doug's brass ensemble for two examples). Many cookies and gifts helped brighten the December days. Thanks to all.