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Presbytery
So, Albany Presbytery met at my church today, so I was organist for worship. It really turned into a demonstration of the extent to which church musicians are taken for granted. After being asked to play a month ago, I heard crickets; late last week I asked my pastor to try to get some information for me. Sunday I got a simple list: prelude, offertory, postlude, and 3 hymns. The hymns range from a 16th century tune to a contemporary praise band-style piece; all quite challenging, and without false modesty I will say that not a lot of church organists could handle all three, let alone with less than 48 hours notice.
I did fine; but I also chose to be very open about how frustrating it was, and how much I felt taken for granted. I also called attention to some accessibility issues, especially the lack of ANY paper bulletins, let alone large print-- not everyone can read a screen! Most of the Presbytery folk at whom I blew off steam were apologetic and seemed to take in what I was saying, so maybe it'll help make things better for the next person. Unfortunately the very first person I encountered in the morning blew me off in a manner that witnesses agreed was quite rude. (Dare I mention he was the only man with whom I had a conversation about this?)
Amusing moment-- given the general music-taken-for-granted, I fully expected to be forced to cut my offertory short. However, it turned out that the organizers had completely forgotten to recruit ushers OR locate the offering plates; with the general chaos, I was 1/3 done before they even started collecting, and they barely finished with me.
A serendipitous moment-- just before worship, during a business meeting, I passed through the narthex in time to hear a pastor say into her cell phone, "the problem is that our organist refuses to play for a gay wedding." I whipped around, waved and pointed to myself. She found me later, and got my contact info. I suggested that she say that their organist is "unavailable", and I will definitely be happy to play. Hope it comes through!
I did fine; but I also chose to be very open about how frustrating it was, and how much I felt taken for granted. I also called attention to some accessibility issues, especially the lack of ANY paper bulletins, let alone large print-- not everyone can read a screen! Most of the Presbytery folk at whom I blew off steam were apologetic and seemed to take in what I was saying, so maybe it'll help make things better for the next person. Unfortunately the very first person I encountered in the morning blew me off in a manner that witnesses agreed was quite rude. (Dare I mention he was the only man with whom I had a conversation about this?)
Amusing moment-- given the general music-taken-for-granted, I fully expected to be forced to cut my offertory short. However, it turned out that the organizers had completely forgotten to recruit ushers OR locate the offering plates; with the general chaos, I was 1/3 done before they even started collecting, and they barely finished with me.
A serendipitous moment-- just before worship, during a business meeting, I passed through the narthex in time to hear a pastor say into her cell phone, "the problem is that our organist refuses to play for a gay wedding." I whipped around, waved and pointed to myself. She found me later, and got my contact info. I suggested that she say that their organist is "unavailable", and I will definitely be happy to play. Hope it comes through!
no subject
I hope somebody listens to you on the accessibility issues. I know from personal experience that this one can be a long, slow fight -- my congregation *still* doesn't get this right, and I've been bugging them about it for a few years now! Very annoying.
But yay for the serendipitous moment! I hope that comes through so you can help make the couple's day special.