Kansas City

So many highlights to the past weekend...where do I start? I spent Thursday evening at two rehearsals at Village Presbyterian in Prairie Village. This church has a tremendous music ministry and a rich heritage. Check out their website. Mark Ball is the Director of Music; Stephan Casurella the Organist; and Matthew Shepard is the Youth Choir Director. What a team! I so enjoyed getting to know these guys and their work. I brought back lots of ideas for my choir and tremendous personal connections that will be lasting. On Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of hearing the Village youth choir perform on a concert with the William Jewell College Choir. I cannot say enough about how impressed I was with this youth choir. Many thanks to Mark and his team for allowing me to invade their lives for a weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, I spent time at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. COR is known as a great teaching church in our denomination. It is currently the largest UM church in the nation. There are many interesting things about this church. One is the dual music ministry. There is a Director of Contemporary Music, Lance Winkler; and a Director of Traditional Music, Kevin Bogan. Each have their own staff. Both guys were very gracious to spend time with me and allow me to visit their rehearsals.

On Sunday evening, I was granted permission to observe the Kansas City Chorale in rehearsal. I've followed this ensemble and their director, Charles Bruffy, for many years. In my opinion (and many others) this is one of the finest professional choirs in the country. Charles spends his time flying back and forth each week between KC and Phoenix, where he conducts the Phoenix Chorale. It was a special treat to spend time with composer Mark Hayes, as he was accompanying the chorale's rehearsal. They are preparing to record his new setting of the Gloria next week. The rehearsal space was packed full of collective musical genius! I am sorry I didn't remember to take pictures at that rehearsal, but I think it was because I was sitting there in awe the entire time.

I must admit that I am somewhat anxious about my upcoming trip. First of all, I've never been on a month-long trip before...I won't be back to Dallas until March 1. Secondly, I will be spending time with folks who do not know me, in places that are unfamiliar. I am so humbled by their willingness to work with me. I'll be in California the first half of February and then Utah the second half. My time will be spent primarily with two conductors, Don Neuen (UCLA and Crystal Cathedral) and Ron Staheli (BYU). But I have also connected via email with other musicians who've invited me to their rehearsals and concerts. Okay, as I type this, my anxiety is turning to excitement again. So, back to packing for two completely different climates!