I used to enjoy playing the piano. I thought it was fun. And I enjoyed playing at church. I played in Young Women's and seminary. After I graduated but before going to college, I played the piano for the ward choir. At college, I played in Relief Society. I played at Institute. I should have been starting to see a trend ...
When we got married, initially I started playing the piano in the primary because they did not have a pianist and were using CDs or sister missionaries to fill the need. I felt bad and volunteered - first mistake. Even after my official calling switched from being a counselor in the Primary from pianist, I still was the official pianist for a good chunk of the time.
Then, we moved to Ann Arbor. I hate when they ask you what your previous callings were because then you know ... just know if really fess up, you are going to be stuck in the same calling for the rest of your life. Especially in you play the piano. Especially if you can play all the hymns and Primary songs without any advance notice. I guess it makes you quite a hot item.
So, lo and behold, here in Michigan, my first calling was: Primary pianist. Surprise, surprise. That lasted about a year, maybe a year and a half. Then, they called me to be a Primary teacher. For about six months. But with little Andrew on the way, they decided to give me an easier calling - guess what? Relief Society Pianist.
That lasted about six months. When they decided to call me as a Relief Society teacher. With a caveat - they didn't have anyone who could play the piano. So, if me and another sister could just have it as an unofficial calling. So, I was really still the pianist, at least most of the time.
Bringing us to the next calling update. Now, not only am I teaching Relief Society once a month, but I am once again: the Primary pianist!!!!!! I know - I also thought those callings were mutually exclusive. And everyone has been very vague about how the two will align on the Sundays I teach. Supposedly it is only a summer thing, but I know the true black hole nature of the Primary, so I am officially casting doubt on that option.
So, my question is - what happened to all the other piano players? Do they exist? Are they in hiding? Or does no one take lessons anymore? Because seriously, I am thinking of forcing my kids to quit piano lessons before they are competent on hymns or primary songs. It's really for their own benefit.
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8 comments:
no no no no Amanda I know you don't mean that. Count your blessings my dear. I would be so happy if I could play or even for that matter to just be able to listen to music. You will always be in demand and please don't deprive little Andrew of those blessings. btw my dear how thoughtful of you to send that darling picture. Thank you sooooooooo much. He is one handsome little man.,
Hey Amanda! I think that they are all in hiding. I guess it was smart of me to quit piano after only 1 year of lessons. And I just have to say that I was a little confused last Sunday when they sustained you as the primary pianist! :) BUT I'm glad that you are still our Relief Society teacher too because I always LOVE your lessons.
I KNOW! There are only about 4 people in our ward that play as well...one is the organist, one is the RS pianist, I'm the primary pianist, and the other one is the ward chorister who also plays the organ sometimes. It makes it very difficult to find subs!
I'm going to vote for in hiding. I know I am. Although I have been in two wards where there is a serious shortage that it is possible that there really aren't enough piano players in your ward.
hmm. sorry that you keep getting stuck in pianist callings. it seems to be the opposite in my ward - probably 1/3 of the ward can play piano and I, one of the few who actually wants to play (granted we don't have a primary, thankfully), am not 'allowed' that calling... something about it not helping me 'grow' or 'branch out', like I'm supposed to be a tree. I keep getting callings I hate... -_-maybe the trend is just to get stuck with callings we don't like?
good luck with primary pianist and teaching at the same time. maybe Andrew won't fall into the pianist calling trap.
Everyone is hiding.
Did I ever mention that I can plunk out a tune or two when I had you "help" out in primary back in our Boston days. Hahahahahahahahaha!
I'm with Sarah on this post....if you hate a calling, you have it 'till you love it.
And, as a non-proficient piano player, I've always felt totally guilty that I don't play better than I do. Every time I see the same people playing in church the pangs of guilt rise up and I think, "I should have tried harder."
So, thanks for playing. Singing the hymns is my favorite part of church and if it wasn't for talented people like you, singing time would not be so great!
Gwen
I was also, completely confused when you were called. I was thinking, hooray for the girl who got released, but then, maybe not! I must confess, I'm a pianist in hiding. I've only ever had a piano calling since I could plunk out a hymn. If you ever need a sub, I'm definitely available! :)
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