Okay, I don't really have a new topic, I just wanted to show off my new picture! I want to see if it looks as good as an avatar as it does as my computer background.

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Well, it doesn't look as great, but it is better than nearly any other possible subject!

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Look on my profile if you want to see it more clearly.

Now, for a real flute subject. My music ministry director just resigned and I am so sad. I'm happy for him, but so sad for me. I'm really discerning the possibility of following him to the new parish. I've played under him for 19 years. He is one of the most talented people I have ever come in contact with. This is one of a series of departures/changes that has rocked our parish, and it's so different and so sad.

I do not want to act rashly, but this IS the extent of my flute playing, and the only sort of playing I want to do at this point. In other words, my flute playing world has just been turned upside down.

Very cute pic! He has gotten big!

As far as your music director goes, I am assuming that the church will be hiring someone else for the job? If so have you given some thought to seeing what this person would be like? You may be suprised and really like them. I understand how hard it much be to have to change after all these years. If you are not comfortable or can't adjust to the new director then I would seriosly consider following your director to the other church. Maybe you could even go to both and have the best of both worlds, that is if mass is held at different times. I still miss my church and I only played there for 9 years but it was a huge adjustment when I had to leave. I do hope it works out for you okay.



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PS. My avatar is of my niece and I playing flute duets. She has been playing for a little under a year now and is doing so well! Now.. if I could only live by her and give her lessons :(

Well, the assistant director of music ministry is VERY new, and has little experience. She is nice, but I think she is only about 12 years old (kidding of course), and I have my doubts on how the program will progress from here. But, I hate to cut ties and run. It's all too soon, but dang it, I guess I just feel selfishly sad right now.

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I had already figured that your avatar was of you and your niece! Did you have a good visit?

That's too bad. Good church musicians are hard to find...

Don't stop playing..It will get better.. Are they posting the position?

Joe B

Well Joe, I don't know yet if they're posting, he just made the announcement at the Masses today (the musicians were told on Thursday). It was a very sad Mass for me today. I started crying while playing the "Lamb of God" (I play it softly/low after we are all done singing it). I cried through Communion and through his announcement to the congregation at the end of Mass.

I am happy for him, he has been the glue that has kept the parish together during the past couple of years of turmoil. We lost our pastor under difficult circumstances, and there were many changes after that. The parish has struggled with identity after all of this.
I've played with him for nearly 19 years. He really knows how to do instrumentation in a way to provide a foundation/enhancement for the liturgy. He has always been on my "most admired" list as a person and as a musician.

I'm fearful of the type of replacement we may get. I don't want someone who will be a "performer", and I don't want the other extreme either.

I couldn't even talk with him today. Before Mass, the only thing I said to him was "don't make eye contact with me, I'll lose it!".

It's really silly for me to be so upset. It's not like he's dying, or that I'll never see him again, he's just moving to another local parish.
But as people are saying: "It's an end of an era here at St. xxx's".

Anyway, Happy Pentecost!

I had a wonderful visit, thanks for asking. Can you beleive my baby Olivia is already 15!!! They grow way to fast. I was not ready to come home even after a week but the elavation there was really making my asthma act up and the dry air was also uncomfortable for me. So, I was happy to get back to the good ol South.

It really is so sad about your director leaving. Change is so hard. I almost feel sorry for the person that takes the position next because of what they have to live up to.

It's not silly to be upset. You've had some good years working with someone who inspires you and that is coming to an end. There's no reason not to be upset..

Good musicians are hard to find, but not impossible...

Joe B

The music ministry assistant is a good musician, however, she doesn't understand instrumentation to the same level, and she is much more rote than he is. What I mean is, he can cover up just about anyone's mistakes so that it is unnoticeable, he adjusts the key to fit, he doesn't rely on music, and He NEVER leaves you hanging, which she has done several times. I'm sure it's because she is young and inexperienced at leading. The congregation doesn't sing with her. I need to be supportive instead of whining.
I need to get over it.
I will continue to play for as long as I am wanted. I'm just venting because I'm selfishly sad. I'll pull it together now and get over myself!
Thanks!