[rodgersorgan] Re: Blame the Preacher!!
- From: Wurlibird1@xxxxxxx
- To: rodgersorgan@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 15:25:42 EDT
Hi Randall and list,
As I am not familiar with all the particulars, advice will be withheld from
this poster. I would not charge for the rehearsal if I missed it (for
whatever reason) but that is a decision you should make and I'm have every
confidence you will do what is appropriate under the circumstances.
I will share one of my many wedding tales with the list (there are literally
hundreds and I am sure other organists have as many remembrances). One year
we had an unusually high number of weddings during the late spring and
summer. Of these, two were for member families in the church and both were
production numbers, as were most of the other nuptials. In June, our
pastor's son was married and I was asked to play since I was the senior
organist. OK, said I, no problem. There were three solos, an interminable
rehearsal, and the actual wedding service lasted almost an hour. The number
of candles used probably contributed to global warming. It was a service to
top all others of the previous weeks, and some were very high dollar affairs.
I found my check for services on the organ. Now, the pastor knew my fee
schedule and I assumed this would apply to his son's wedding. Never assume
anything. After the service, I opened the envelope and found my stipend ~
$15.00!
I was enraged. They probably spend $10,000 on the wedding when all was
tallied up. It was a tradition in this church (a very large Southern Baptist
one) to have a money tree at the reception. You know, those cute little
things where bills are pinned to the branches along with checks and cards. I
endorsed the check, put it in an envelope along with a card wishing a long
and loving union, and pinned it to the tree. The newly wedded couple got the
message and SO DID THE SKINFLINT PREACHER-FATHER! There are several ways to
get even without ever saying a word. Needless to say our relationship was
chilly for several weeks thereafter, but it was worth it. Revenge is a dish
best served cold.
Best wishes,
Jim Pitts
New Guide to Playing MIDI Voices...with Music you can play in church. See
Playing MIDI Live at the Organ at Frog Music Press!
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