Trying to provide music to the people who need it can be a challenge, especially when they have no idea how music works. I have been helping to lead worship music on piano twice a week for chapel. It hasn't been too difficult as the service is only for half an hour and usually only includes one song, but there have still been some awkward moments. For example, the times when the person leading the singing has looked over to me, during the service, just after I've played the intro, and said "lower please!" While there are very talented pianists who are capable of accommodating such requests, I am not one of them. Especially not when I am trying to sight-read a hymn.
This brings me to yesterday. On arriving at chapel I was informed that the speaker wanted to use "Amazing Grace." This wasn't what I had chosen, but I didn't mind too much as I know it pretty well which would make sight-reading easier. But then I was informed that the students would be reading the English lyrics off of a slideshow. Not a powerpoint presentation, a slideshow that automatically switched from one slide the next. I pointed out that I would have no idea what tempo to play at in order to synchronize with the slideshow and it would be better if somebody changed the slides manually. At this realization, it was suggested that I play along with the music that accompanied the slideshow. Not only was this a bit unnecessary, this time I had to point out that the music was in a completely different key from the hymnal. so we ended up singing along with the prerecorded music and I kind of just laughed to myself about the whole thing.
Happily, the occurrence did give me a great excuse to share this video. I saw it because one of my fellow music majors posted it on facebook. Oh so true.
5 comments:
Funny video. I needed to laugh today. Thanks.
I think "Have a Piano" is my favorite. Though I'm certainly no accomplished pianist, even I do not like hearing "Oh you play piano? You can borrow my kid's 30-key Casio if you want!"
HAHA!! Sheidino! What a funny situation-- I would've had the hardest time keeping myself composed while discussing the whole "Amazing Grace" shindig. I love your stories! And you!!!!
I learned so much. If I ever became a professional "pitchy wind-bag," I would at least know how to treat my pianist. This is definitely a PSA. :)
The one thing I might add to the "have a piano" bit is make sure it is relatively in tune. I don't have perfect pitch, but I have been presented with some horrendously out-of-tune pianos, which is bad when playing solo but impossible when playing with an ensemble. But yes, "have a piano" is unfortunately a very necessary suggestion. Oy.
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