I am not trying to be too religious hear, but duty calls.
As a background — for those who still doesn’t know — I had been playing the organ (electronic musical instrument, that is, you naughty minded) at our Parish’s 9:30 AM mass since I was 10 years of age. That particular mass caters to the children, where I do belong some 17 years ago. It was not until early this year that we organists at our parish noticed our ever diminishing population: church organists in our parish are becoming instinct. Some of my colleagues had either migrated elsewhere, or will simply want to become an “ordinary” mass-goer. Then came an offer from my music mentor, who currently plays during the 8:00 pm mass, for me to handle one of the choirs and to eventually play as replacement for him.
I was really really hesitant. Why? I had never handled a choir before, and my first impression was that: geez, I am going to play for an adult’s mass (boring). But at the back of my head, hey, duty calls.
Finally, after weeks of invitations, I attended the first choir practice last Saturday night. Sad to say, none of the choir members showed up, perhaps they’re all busy with stuff and things. It was only I and Kuya Jun, my music mentor, who practiced the songs. Most of them, I already knew, but some oldies, they’re really new to my ears. After the practice, I asked Kuya Jun if I can photocopy some of his piano pieces, which are older than I am .. hehehe ..
Then came Sunday, that was yesterday. After playing at the morning children’s mass, stayed for a while, chatted with friends and waited for the rain to stop. Went to mass solo-flight, my wife was still in bed when I left. Nine hours later, I was sitting again in front of our aging Technics organ with a three-plus-one piece choir. Honestly, it was the first time that I felt butterflies in my stomach, thinking that in the children’s mass, I have a drummer, atleast 2 guitarist, and a 10 piece or so Rondalla with me playing (and I am the conductor/organist). Now, I am all alone. I was like an oil factory that night. Missing some notes, and I complete forgot that I was playing for a different mass when I played Alleluia that was meant for the morning mass. Stupid me!
Well, next pracice is scheduled this Saturday night. Still ahve 3 more Sundays to complete with the adjustments.