The Buddhist and the Brokeback Cat

The statue sentinel standing guard over the entrance of most Chinese restaurants is not who you think he is. According to legend, there really was a rotund, open shirted monk named Hotei that wandered around as a smiling beggar a thousand years ago. In the same way...

MEDIA VITA Premiere

1. Si bona suscepimusShall we receive good at the hands of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil?The Lord gives, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.The Lord gives, and the Lord has taken away.2. Credo quod redemptor meusI know that my...

MEDIA VITA

It is an amazing experience to have a big premiere. It takes so many musicians, so many hours of practice, and a heaping helping of nerves. You have to worry about whether all the parts are correct and whether or not what you imagined in your head will sound anything...

Bach’s lunch @ St. Mark’s on the Campus

It seems astounding to me that I get to get up in the morning a few times each semester, head to my church, and play continuo for performances of Bach cantatas. This morning we did BWV 150 and the lovely early wedding cantata BWV 196. Each time I have the opportunity...

How to stop time in a grocery store

Kronos was the king of the Titans. There was a prophecy that foretold that one of his sons would overthrow him. Kronos responded in fear and made sure to be present whenever his wife Rhea gave birth. As soon as a new little god made his way out of Rhea’s Titan sized...

Gigging stories: Just a gigolo…

I have often contemplated introducing sports culture into the musical world. After a successful completion, I would take the jog from the spotlight to the greenroom where my teacher would chest bump me saying, “Killer Chopin Etude Number Five, Dude!”. He would slap my...

Just a gigolo…

I have often contemplated introducing sports culture into the musical world.After a successful completion, I would take the jog from the spotlight to thegreenroom where my teacher would chest bump me saying, “Killer Chopin EtudeNumber Five, Dude!”. He would slap my...