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another 'interesting' week
Oct. 27th, 2017 09:07 amWednesday I did a presentation on African American Church Music to a small group at my church. I did so with a great deal of humility, not being black, and was careful to frame it as 'what I've learned despite being a white person in mostly white churches.' It went well; preparing it was very satisfying, forcing me to integrate a lot of things that had been rattling around loose in my brain; but also a lot like doing a term paper after 17 years without such stresses!
A couple of interesting tidbits: I was startled to find a brief clip of the actual voice of Fanny Crosby, captured on wax cylinder. Also, previously had no idea that Bobby McFerrin's father (Robert McFerrin Sr.) was a fabulous baritone singer.
Yesterday I did my usual morning practice, then intended to take the afternoon off. Instead I got a phone call that a long-planned visit by a local piano expert was happening *right now*. I hurried over, and wished I hadn't, as the guy talked almost nonstop for 2 1/2 hours (while looking over only 2 pianos), and for most of that time was incredibly patronizing towards me. He was brushing me aside while talking to our chairman of worship, whom he knows somewhat well and who happens to be male. Towards the end of the time the guy suddenly seemed to realize that I was actually the customer, or at least a big voice in whatever the church chooses to do.
On the plus side, I was quite impressed with his skills, and we got good information. Mostly that both pianos could be made to sound better than they now do, but not great; and that our best move is probably to sell both and get one decent instrument.
Today I'm not even practicing; was at the church nearly all day yesterday and I need a break.
A couple of interesting tidbits: I was startled to find a brief clip of the actual voice of Fanny Crosby, captured on wax cylinder. Also, previously had no idea that Bobby McFerrin's father (Robert McFerrin Sr.) was a fabulous baritone singer.
Yesterday I did my usual morning practice, then intended to take the afternoon off. Instead I got a phone call that a long-planned visit by a local piano expert was happening *right now*. I hurried over, and wished I hadn't, as the guy talked almost nonstop for 2 1/2 hours (while looking over only 2 pianos), and for most of that time was incredibly patronizing towards me. He was brushing me aside while talking to our chairman of worship, whom he knows somewhat well and who happens to be male. Towards the end of the time the guy suddenly seemed to realize that I was actually the customer, or at least a big voice in whatever the church chooses to do.
On the plus side, I was quite impressed with his skills, and we got good information. Mostly that both pianos could be made to sound better than they now do, but not great; and that our best move is probably to sell both and get one decent instrument.
Today I'm not even practicing; was at the church nearly all day yesterday and I need a break.
