Well, folks - after attending two life-changing events, I am now facing the BIG question - WHAT'S NEXT?
The
Jamey Aebersold Jazz workshop has opened my eyes to musical possibilities that I could reach. It IS true that ANYONE can improvise. The music is inside all of us. The only thing holding that music back is learning to play the instrument - in my case, this is the piano.
The
NPM National Convention (National Association of Pastoral Musicians) opened my eyes to things I'd never dreamed of. I attended with some very clear expectations - I wanted to meet other Filipino musicians, I wanted to learn some better rehearsal and leadership techniques to use with my bell choir, and I wanted to make music everyday. I could go on for PAGES telling you what happened with each of those. But for now, I'll just say that I joyfully exceeded my own expectations.
Back to the original question then - what's next? I will continue studying with
my great teacher and, hopefully, gain the confidence in my playing that I've desired for SO long. I will attempt to bring my bell choir to the next level by putting more emphasis on musicianship, performance and ministry. I am also going to involve myself more in promoting intercultural diversity within my parish community as well as my archdiocese.
If there is one thing I can take away from NPM, it is a renewed appreciation for cultures outside of the one I currently live. I can't begin to tell you how profound the message was for me. People don't have to lose or change their culture and their heritage because they live here in the United States. There needs to be more than just an appreciation of those cultural differences. Those differences need to be brought forth and celebrated as they are. It truly is possible to have those differences and achieve unity if that unity is the liturgy.
Thank you to all that I met this week and those countless others who have guided me to this point. Consider yourself truly blessed if you have ever met Dennis, Judy, Fr. Gary, Kristina, Missy, Agnes, Marlon, Maria, Jojo, Ricky, Ariel, Manuel, Fr. Ricky, Bro. Rufino, Paul, Sam, Barbara, Kai, Mary, Jonathan, Rick, Rudy, Jay, Santiago, Joe, Toni, Jonila, Jerry, Joe, Pip, Elaine, Connie, David, Mac, Fr. Gigli, Bill, Rachel, Doug, Phil, Tom, Margie, Fr. Dan, Mary, Ted, Steve, Kim, Lesley, Pat, Marlene, Mary Lou, Terri Jo, Barb, Roger, Ruth, Patrick, Sharon, Melissa, Alan and Sofi.