In Love

Currently in love with organ and brass music. This time of year, playing and sining at masses always puts me in the mood. This past Christmas, I got to sing at The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit, Mi (my hometown). The church is a beautiful, neo-gothic landmark in the city.

Joe, the music director asked me and some of his other college mates to come help out. What a treat! The organ there is massive. Actually there are two sets of pipes that can be played from one organ position. The majority of the service was played from the loft's pipes, which at times felt like the sound was shaking my entire body while I was singing. Among my favorite Christmas hymns to hear is Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light. I attached a link at the end of this post. Hearing this piece while playing in a brass quintet is killer. Didn't get to do it this year because Dave Saltzman is The Cathedral's "go to" tubist. I definitely can't be mad at that; he sounded awesome.  The bass voice is so active and powerful in this piece of music.

Recently, I bought a tuba and organ piece called Arioso (arr. Baadvik) that I'm not sure if I like yet. Still, I would like to play some combination of brass and organ in the near future. There isn't much in Arkansas in terms of available (and good) organ players. The two I know of are constantly busy. One day it will happen.

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light