A Musical Family

December 23 2007 

Dad is NOT leading The Gathering this week

14'54" Piano and Violin (niece and brother-in-law?-- so lovely!) to 19'20"

39'20" a piano/choir Christmas program and various speaking parts -my sister announces the inspiration for the program, a children's book given to her daughter from their Virginia church family on her 1st birthday

Hello Readers,

As I skimmed through today's link, I noted above two of the highlights for me. Members of my family, taking part and arranging worship using music in special ways. 

As a music teacher, I am often asked who influenced me in my pursuit of music. My answer always starts with my family. I can remember endless road trips to visit family and for vacations. Time was spent singing various songs with multiple parts or in rounds. At home, we often gathered around a piano or guitar and sang there too. This taught me pitch, timing, and expression. Later, my parents encouraged me with piano and flute lessons. I didn't continue long with the piano, but I did stick with singing/choir and flute/band. 

As much as I really wanted to be a singer, in college, I fully realized my love for the flute. My professor and orchestra conductor, Dr. Baker was a major influence on me during this time. One way he did this was by choosing pieces for the ensemble to perform that highlighted me as principal. Dr. Baker also encouraged my boyfriend at the time, a guitarist, who was beginning to realize his knack and joy for arranging music.

Currently, I get to play flute each week with our worship team at church. I have struggled spiritually over the years and wandered the desert. Serving with this team has been my stronghold and connection to Got. This past Sunday, my husband and I played Goodness of God 1 hr 6'50" fo communion. My former boyfriend, now husband, arranged the music, and we played together just as Dr. Baker encouraged us to do almost 40 years ago.

The list is endless and examples long of others with similar influences on my life and sharing those will be my joy in the posts ahead.

Thanks for reading.

Stay well,

AmyBH


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