One week from today, I will be making my debut (and perhaps my finale) as a wedding pianist. Dear friends of Joy and I, Julie (Joy's maid-o'-honor) and Daniel, are getting married, and I shall be the one tickling those ivories as the ladies (Joy and Julie and moms and all those other no-name bridesmaids) walk down the aisle. And here's the truth: I'm nervous as I'll get out. To put this all in perspective, I need you to know that yes, I was a music major, but piano wasn't exactly my strength. In fact, I failed my scales the first time I took my piano proficiency and then had to have intensive coachings with Dr. Rediger to ensure my passing and graduation. So when Julie asked me if I thought I was up for the job of playing at her wedding, I had a feeling of terrified optimism. I wanted to say yes, but realized my talents were limited.
I did accompany Master Loralee Songer in the Blomgren wedding last summer (Happy One Year Anniversary Blom and Kelly!) and played well until that near-end chord with complete and inappropriate dissonance. And yes, I then tried to fix that dissonance and found the wrong key again. For the last weeks, I have been reliving that horror. For this wedding, I am in charge of playing the prelude, mothers' entrance, bridesmaids processional, and of course, the all-important entrance of the bride. There are moments when I'm practicing that I wonder what in the world I've gotten myself into. But hey, I'm gonna try my best and pray that the noticeable mistakes happen early and that the nerves get gone long before anything important happens.
There is one key benefit to this job: since I'm the pianist I can veto playing Pachabel's "Canon in D." Maybe being at a wedding where that song isn't played makes all those wrong notes well worth it.
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About Me
- Stephen
- My name is Stephen, and I am currently pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. My background is varied: I moved around as a child, went to Taylor University and Trinity International University for my schooling previous schooling, and have a deep passion for adolescents, families, wilderness therapy, and international travel. I'd like to do something that involves my passions for learning, counseling, traveling, and faith. I love to read, so you may find some book reviews here, as well as thoughts on Christianity and spirituality or a story from my life with my wife, Joy, and our dog, Colby Jack. Thanks for stopping by! (Please note that posts to this blog are the sole views and opinions of the authors, and in no way reflect the views of any institution to which the authors are currently or have previously been affiliated.)
5 comments:
Stephen, I am SO proud of you for taking this on! I know you will do a GREAT job. If you need some over-the-phone coaching, I'd love to help! ;)
I was so proud of you at the Blomgren wedding...remember I was weeping at rehearsal! So you hit a few wrong notes, but overall you were a success and I know you will be next weekend. Can't wait to see you soon. Go Cubbies!
You are right...it is tragic that D does not watch (let alone foster an addiction for) AI...we will both work on that. TOGETHER we can bring her to the light.
And on a second note...SOUL PATROL!!! Taylor Hicks rules. He has the voice of an angel and I am excited to buy all his albums :)
...but i would be still more excited to buy yours, always :)
You will do great Stephen! I can't wait for the big day! Thanks again for playing in our wedding, it means a lot to us!
Steve ....
Go for It!!! It's great to "lauch out into the deep and ... (drown). "Launch out into the deep and trust the LORD regardless of the abilities, gifts, talents one may have. We are stewards!!! You will be fine! Of course, you accepted the honor becuase of being asked by your friends. AND it will be a great wedding ... when two came in and they leave as one ...for a life journey together.
Steve and Joy ... go and enjoy.
RWB
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