Entering the 21st century

Now it's my turn.

After thinking about this for quite some time, I'm going to try this whole blogging thing. I don't know who will read this, or who will care to, but here goes.

I chose the name Steph Tries To Play mainly because I'm getting back into playing the piano. After a 15-year hiatus, I'm playing in public again. I took lessons through elementary and junior high and played for church in junior high and high school. I played again for church when I lived in Pawnee City, but when I moved to Seward, the church I attended didn't need a pianist, so I stopped. Not having a piano at home meant I wasn't even tempted to play, so my ability rusted and my fingers lost whatever skill they had.

I finally joined my church about three months ago. The membership application included a question about what I'd be willing to do as far as service. Since I had some experience accompanying congregational singing, I circled music. I'm not sure what I was thinking at the time, but everyone seemed pleased to see I'd be willing to play. So, when the organist went on vacation, the music director asked if I'd play at least the offertories for the morning services so the other pianist could have a bit of a break. I gamely said yes.

The next challenge was finding a place to practice. I know one of the music professors at Concordia University here in Seward, so I asked him if there was a practice room on campus I could use once a week or so. He said yes, which surprised me a bit since I'm completely unconnected to the university. But it was generous, nonetheless, and I took advantage of the opportunity, finding an open practice room on Thursday mornings and attempting to whip my fingers back into shape.

Keep in mind - the church hadn't voted to accept me as a member yet. The first Sunday I was to play was the Sunday the new pastor was installed. The music director asked if I could play for the installation service, so the pastor's wife (who is also the other pianist) wouldn't have to. Again I said yes. Anyway, right before the offering in the morning service, the congregation voted to let me in, thereby making it "legal" for me to play the offertory that morning. Nothing like squeaking in under a deadline - something I know too much about from my job.

Now I'm hoping to learn how to play the organ. The organist we had has chosen to look for a new church, leaving that spot open. I've never played the organ before, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Seriously, I've wanted to learn for quite some time, and now's my chance. I'm not as worried about the notes - I can figure that part out. It's all the other settings that are intimidating. So, this will be an adventure.

I'll keep you posted.