I wrote a few weeks ago about my invitation to play with some musicians of high caliber for a jazz-infused service at our church. I was nervous because I was out of my league with these guys.
Yesterday morning was the service and, although I screwed up a few beginnings, I think I held my ground and kept up with the group as we made our way through about five songs, including God Bless the Child, When the Saints Go Marching In, A Child is Born and We Three Kings. I could feel that real intense concentration in my brain and I tried to remember where I needed to come in, what notes to transpose to the key of my saxophone, where to not play, where to play and more.
I’m glad I did it but I am also glad that it is is over.
Again, I am reminded of those student we put into a position of expectation but still need a support structure. We know they can do something, even if it right now beyond them, but we can’t just let them sink or swim. We need to be there to help. I would not have done as well as I did without guidance from our piano player, who gave me visual cues and coaxed me along in some of the songs. I looked to him for that help, even though I was on my own when the song began and my saxophone was in my hands. It helps, too, that our church is so supportive. You could not find a better audience.
The best part? My wife is in the choir, and we got to stand near each other and play a few songs together when the jazz group provided the music for a few hymns.
Peace (in the church),
Kevin
I agree. How important it is to keep the stakes high, walking in the shoes of the lifelong learner! That’s my mantra as I get ready to enter a new classroom on the other side of the desk and yesterday I heard that our Flamenco group will be playing (low stakes) next month.
Yikes!
Bonnie