Snowy Day Play

I arrive at church early. It will be an intense rehearsal before service for the choir since we have had no weekday rehearsal. I tried to select pieces that will be familiar, requiring only a brush up and run through. I am surprised at how many cars are already in the parking lot when I pull in. The weather is yukky, the travel slow, the roads messy.

I discover our accompanist is not able to make it. I will play for service - good thing my New Year resolutions included playing the piano. I will not be as rusty. I run through the hymns, grateful that I had allotted myself extra time. Especially since the choir is not familiar with the anthem I selected. Still they catch on and do a marvelous job of it. They are troopers.

I enjoy playing, even though I am not that good. I can manage, but I know if I practice on a regular basis, I will be better. Never concert pianist caliber, but at least able to hold my own. Its so easy to get lost in a million other activities. But this year I am determined to do better because it is not just for improvement, but therapy.

I continue to explore the therapeutic effects of music for the spirit as well as the mind and body. It is a complicated process, and not at all the same as music therapy. This is not about expression of angst through the media of music, but about how the sound creates positive healing results within the person as they listen. I have much to learn.

Meanwhile, I am happy to play on a snowy Sunday in 2010.