Some years ago, I finally threw out my (old and well worn, but still functional) Organmaster shoes (the standard for classical/pipe organ pedaling). I resigned the church organ position in 1990 (in NJ) that I had held for 11 years prior. Did some subbing for awhile, and then determined to put my "organ days" behind me, devoting myself to the piano exclusively. This (general) determination was challenged some years ago when playing a run at the (Atlantic City) Showboat with the Midiri brothers. Someone (not me) got the idea that I should get my old cornet out the closet, work up my (questionable) "chops", and add it to the bandstand presentation (for schtick). After awhile I put it away, remembering the tug of the comittment to an additional instrument against my focus to develop as a pianist. Well, here I am, again - sort of. After attending the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown for some time (and planning to join this fall), I've succumb to the allure of the 3 manual Allen, and have begun refamiliarizing with playing (Way different than the piano. I used to say: "The organ is a box I content with - the piano is an extension of my arm"- still true). In a way; that the organ is so different than the piano, (as is the required skill set), is part of the draw. It is it's own unique experience, more like the effort and satisfaction of "building" something, rather than the ease (and satisfaction) of comfortable expression. So here's where I am today: have agreed to sub for Kate (the smiling organist) at church the next two Sundays. Am going over now to work in my new Organmaster shoes. Part of the fun will be that (until recently) no one (around here) knew I ever played the organ (let alone majoring on piano and organ together in college). Some may be confused. I may be chief among them, though. We'll see...

Finished the recording for Danny Tobias' first CD release (as a leader) on Monday afternoon. Had some wonderful musical moments as we moved through this project. Since then I've been up in York, PA for a few days away with my family. Saw a (professional) theater production of "The King and I" last night., with some very strong performances. The part that tripped me up was the "orchestra" with 2 members: a drummer, and the musical director - who played (what appeared to be) (sampled) orchestral parts over sequenced tracks. Sounded much like a high end theater organ. Fine, I guess, if you're your primary objective is to recreate the era that produced this musical. A disconnect for me. It worked, of course (played so "perfectly" it was kind of stale), but in the same way that my GPS "speaks" directions. Gets you there, but eventually you just want to hear a real person. Still a very nice evening.

Fun stuff! Robbie just completed the 5 week 'Playmakers" camp at the Prince Theatre with 2 shows this weekend. Like his brother and sister before him, Robbie is drawn to the theatre. When people ask me if my children play musical instruments, my response is "yes - casually, but their main interest is theatre - and a connection with the arts is what I want for them".

An amazing performance last night. I got to be a "civilian" and see it twice! Once, at a musical concert at the Prince (when I was in the audience) someone asked me (at intermission) if I was itching to get on the stage and participate. "Oh, no", I said, "it's more like (a sense of) relief".

Began music rehearsals last night for "Triumph of Love", opening on Sept 25 at Church Hill Theatre. Am more confident (but only somewhat less overwhelmed - left to my own emotions) going into this one, having last year under my belt. "Once on This Island" was my first musical in the capacity of musical director. Not that I didn't have appropriate experience, knowledge, or aptitude. It was just a new bag, and I was certainly the new kid on the block, attempting to "steer the ship" full of passengers, most of whom having made many similar journeys. In the arts, of course, you have many egos, but I was able to establish myself quickly, and gain the trust (with one exception) of cast and musicians. All things considered (this is community theatre), we really pulled it off, and (by all accounts) raised the bar for what is possible at CHT. A few months ago Steve Arnold (theatre director, and director of the production) posted our opening number on YouTube. I've enjoyed experiencing it again. If you missed the show, you really missed something. Try to do better this year :)