Category Archives: General

Yesterday was a very productive day. I completed two new pieces of music. One, an anthem version of the lds hymn Awake, Ye Saints of God, Awake!, I had started the previous evening, writing about half of the piece. I … Continue reading →

In my post earlier today I spoke of a new piece of music I wrote this morning: simple, 4-measure-long repetitive bass line, a simple 1-measure pattern for the left hand, and a playful melody in the right hand. Did I … Continue reading →

The dilemma of a church organist: Sunday’s coming. There’s always another Sunday, or a wedding, or memorial, or other special event to prepare for. And somewhere after Monday I realize I need another prelude (postlude/offertory). And there’s not much time! … Continue reading →

I mentioned in my last post that my cousin Michael is in Norway. North Norway. As in there will be a lot of winter to shovel. I’m going to ask him if I can excerpt from a general letter he … Continue reading →

Unlike my last post, where I wasn’t sure where the end of August had gone, I know quite well where the first part of September has gone. Like schools, the church year actually begins as September is reached. Liturgically the … Continue reading →

Well, it’s September 1 and I don’t know where the last couple of weeks of August went. I’ve written a couple of small compositions, but that didn’t take long. I’ve started settling in to my new church position, leading up … Continue reading →

While I was traveling to the wedding (see previous post) I read much of Terry Gross’ All I Did Was Ask, a fascinating compendium of interviews she’s done over the years on NPR’s Fresh Air. (For more info on the … Continue reading →

Things have been on hold for a while (thus the title) as we hosted my father-in-law and then flew from California to Pennsylvania for our son’s wedding (we felt like we were herding cats with both Dads in tow–I can … Continue reading →

It’s been a quiet week for me, speaking musically. A couple of good, but short, practice sessions. No composition projects going on. But it’s not been a dull week. There’s been some rallentando here, accelerando there. I’ve been in planning … Continue reading →

I’d mentioned earlier about my version of All Things Bright and Beautiful (actually the tune Royal Oak) which I had intended to play in worship. At that time I was filling in at First Congregational Church in Berkeley CA. I … Continue reading →