Thanks to the folks at the Gloria Deo Conference in Richmond this past weekend. The folks at Derbyshire Baptist Church were terrific hosts. Their music minister, David Schwoebel, was also a conference leader (and one of the best arranger/composers writing for traditional church choirs, btw). Joe Martin and Pine Lake Music are also to be thanked for putting together a great event.
I had the privilege of meeting Joel Raney and John Parker – both fellow travelers on the road of choral music writing. We who write church music for a living don’t often get to hang out and visit with one another – so it was definitely my pleasure to get to know these guys a bit.
And in the “small world” department – I got reacquainted with someone I hadn’t seen since I was a kid. Her parents and my parents had been close friends waaaay back when in Tulsa. (It was good to see you, Elaine! I’ve passed your e-mail address along to sister Kay!)
It was a busy three days and it was good to get home. But I always leave those conferences with a greater appreciation for the people who breathe life into the notes i put on the page.