| I have been blessed with a "dream Job" for 21 years. I am 45 and started my music carrer as an orchestral "want a-be" in NYC. I studied with Phil Smith and as a teenager was working very hard toward doing the whole Juliard thing and then play in a major orchestra. One night at Lincoln Center, up in the cheap seats where student sit, I was "called" by the Lord to use my musical gifts in full time ministry. I know this sounds mystical given the fact that we are in a post modern culture but that is what happened and some matters of the heart cannot be fully explained in writing.
I am a committed Christian who believes that God is still alive and well and fully in control of one's life... if fully surrendered. I left the NY scene not sure what God was doing in my life and with my dreams. But it was no mystery to Him! I enrolled in a small college as a music major. That same year, as I grieved the loss of such a great teacher and the dream of professionally playing, the Lord brought a student to the graduate school where I was an underclassman. His name was James May and he had been the 1st chair of the Presidents Marine Band for many years. Jim was also a Christian and had been "called" to ministry. Turns out that not only was he able to help walk me through my vocational "shift" but he was also a world class teacher!
I got a degree in music education with a minor in Bible and then another degree in Sacred Music with a minor in Bible. My young wife and I then moved to Texas to go to Seminay where I enrolled as a music student with a Sacred Music focus. At 23 I took a job at a church of 3000 people. I was way over my head but God gave me wisdom to flurish.
Over the past 21 years I have served in three very large churches. Presently I am at a church with a 3500 seat aud. and a dream team of musicians. The reason that I am so excited about what I do is that not only do I get to make music everyday but (for me) I get to "pastor" a music staff and approx. 350 creative people that serve our church family. "Connecting people with God and one another" is the most awesome vocation I could ever desire. Musicians are people too and have real struggels in their personal life. I love to not only make music but encourage these people to grow in Christ and grow as people!
Through the years I have traveled all over the world with my music. I do not play orchestral music but in addition to the contemporary worship music we use we have many very gifted jazz musician at our church and the churchs I have served. I love jazz and get to play often. The ability to help people beyond the music, to be able to play great music AND get a very,very nice consistent pay check is "a dream job of dream jobs" for me!
Finish Well, |