Gloria Deo – Richmond

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.