musical intoxication

This weekend is about Misa Criolla with the exceptional James River Singers, led by Jeff Riehl. I began my musical journey years ago at WCC with Dr. Riehl as my conductor and professor. We have both grown as musicians and performers over the years. His knowledge, skill and presence are worthy of many "notes".
The performance last night was an intoxicating experience for me. I was immersed in an expedition seeking excellence. I attempted to find my "next level" experience by making music with a group of wonderful collaborators. It was a privilege and an honor.

As I sang the role of the "tenor" I loved the call and response interactions with the choir. The beauty of the choral tapestry and the energy of the percussion and strings driving was wonderfully immersive. I loved the stress of entrances and cutoffs and rhythms. Was I right, or not.. how did we handle it? The duple/triple section in the middle of the Credo.. The sustained beauty and line of the Sanctus. The energy, nerves and anticipation leading up to the last note where I would have to "float" that high A. Overall, I was struck by the approachability of the work for the audience. It strikes the balance between reverence and liturgy masterfully.

My world seems Bi-Polar.. the experiences on the stage have so little correlation with my daily experiences at Cap1. The common denominator is me. And yet, there is so much in common if I take the time to look. The pressure to perform, the desire to be respected and revered both by "audience" and "peers". The currency at work is money, the currency of our performance is beauty and elegance/music. Both are achieved by relationships and actions filtered through: Passion, Discipline and Application.

My tools are my music, my family, my community, and my love for my fellow man. My method is constantly changing. My goal is set.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (The Message)
The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.