One down, many to go

Four recitals in three weeks:

It was a terrific week in Tuscaloosa. Faythe Freese organized another wonderful Sacred Music Conference, during which I heard great masterclass playing and visited with friends old and new. I made fast friends with the Holtkamp at the University of Alabama; it plays well with others. My gracious hosts and friends John & Liz McGuire (plus son Ian and dachshunds Felix and Oscar) were great company. My sister and I enjoyed a long walking tour of the campus. And Faythe’s husband Jerry cooked Texas brisket and BBQ chicken for dinner, over which about 10 guests made fast friends and reveled into the night.

Now for a quick visit to my sister in Dothan, AL, and then it’s off to play the Letourneau at Sarah Hawbecker’s church in Atlanta, Redeemer Lutheran. Then straight off to Greensboro to play the Andover at UNCG. Home for three days, then off to St. Paul’s, Augusta, GA. Then I’ll be home for about a month, during which time I will be losing my mind making up lessons and classes.

Generally, I don’t like playing the same program over and over. But all these and more are at such a rapid-fire sequence this semester that I would have some trouble breaking out of that revolving door. Fortunately, no two recitals are less than 3 hours away from each other, so no concert goers will have to hear the same thing twice (unless they just want to).

And just to remind you: I love doing this! Wouldn’t have it any other way, and I’m grateful for a day job that supports my going out so often.