Sunday, March 1, 2009

Organizing

Last week, the ward organist, asked me to fill in for her today. She is such a GREAT musician that I am in awe of her ability and talent. Though I am a poor substitute, I am willing to serve the Lord, giving what I have. I played the hymns at home a few times in preparation and then this morning I went to church early to practice and it went well. I made just a few mistakes (I am intolerant of my mistakes but whadjagonnadue?) in the opening song. But today, there was no cranking up the volume right after the hymn introduction and over shooting the volume and then hurriedly cranking it back down too low, then back up - can you get the picture (you'd feel seasick by the time the first verse was done). This time I just got it right (just leave it up before the intro).

So, time for the Sacrament hymn. I never feel cocky when I play - it is still pretty stressful and I am pretty humble and prayerful. But today, I knew the Sacrament hymn well, had practiced it smoothly on the organ and I was grateful to be able to play it well. So, I start the introduction feeling confident and good when I realize I hadn't skipped to the end of the intro at the bracket and so then abruptly did so. So much for getting things right. But I am sure there will be a next time. Maybe I'll get organized and get over to the church to practice and get so I can do the pedals too.

11 comments:

Grammyzanne said...

Good for you Joanne. How did the closing hymn go? Maybe your ward organist should ask you to assist more often. Necessity encourages practice.

Michael said...

Joanne is a little hard on herself...a bit of a perfectionist. She did a great job, and her service was appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I was listening to the introduction thinking how beautiful it was, I didn't realize that she was playing more than the normal introduction.

Tamara Robertson Turner said...

One of my favorite things is listening to Mom or Jocelyn play the piano. So glad that music was key in our home.

Jocelyn Robertson said...

I found a new favorite this last time I visited home: listening to Brent play the piano. Did you know he can play hymns fairly well? Glad that music is such an integral part of our family life.

I understand what you mean about feeling confident about a song only to realize that you've made a significant mistake. I have to really focus while I play the primary songs or I find myself thinking about the color of my tights or what I want for dessert and this leads to playing the wrong notes...

Brent said...

Shh! Jocelyn - you weren't supposed to tell!

Jocelyn Robertson said...

Brent you're lucky I haven't blogged about your secret skills on your blog.

Joanne said...

Ha Ha!!! (Say that and think of Brent's "evil" laugh). I took care of that for you Jocelyn!

Jocelyn Robertson said...

Okay, I'm a little slow. I've been wondering what your blog post had to do with organizing. Ha, it's a pun! Duh. You're too clever for me, Mom. I think it's because you're so cool.

Joanne said...

You know - a cross between organ playing and agonizing thus organizing.

Grammyzanne said...

Maybe it is Friday the 13th - I just got the pun tonight too. Only I didn't make a blend of two words.