As promised, here’s an overview of what I’m getting to do musically this semester. (Disclaimer, this sure does reek of self-promotion to me, so take this with a grain of salt.)

Chapel piano is the best. I mean really, I get to play a 9′ piano while almost 1,000 people sing some great hymns! I remember the first time I played in chapel last semester, I was on second piano (the one that doesn’t matter and that no one can hear) playing with a senior, and I was more nervous than when I played my first special in church ten years ago! Even though I told everyone I played “chapel piano,” I really only played about 4 times last semester. (Like I said, watch out for my self-promotion.) This semester, I really do get to play first piano every other week, and just doing that has stretched my ability and made me work harder. When the line of college administration walk onto the platform behind you and head to their seats, they’re not stopping, and nothing will stop Bro. Wall (not height, nor depth…), so you’d better be ready! There’s a song called Let Us Fix Our Eyes on Jesus that has come to be so real to me after playing in chapel. When Bro. Wall gives that preparatory beat, if my eyes are anywhere else but on him, I will ruin the song; if I block everything else out though, and focus on his hands, I will play the song perfectly. It’s not unlike our relationship with the Lord, and it was a great illustration to me.

I also play for two tour groups and some various soloists and small groups, all of which combined, keep my schedule hectic and my music binder full. I have been able to travel with one of last year’s tour groups to some churches near us for the last couple of weeks. The group is awesome to be with, and I’m glad that I’m getting some experience this spring without as much pressure as we’ll have this summer. Practice with my summer group is going well, and they’re singing in chapel for the first time tomorrow! One of my good friends asked me to accompany him in church the other Wednesday night, and he did a great job with a song called It’s Real, you can watch it on YouTube here.

Last bit of informative news: I also get to teach nine piano students from the Christian school here, they are doing very well, and we’re starting to work on pieces for them to do for the recital in May. Speaking of… I take lessons too, from Bro. Hopkins, who is, in my opinion, the best. We’re working on some exciting things this semester, can’t wait for you to hear those!