Thanks, Parkview Baptist Church

On Monday, I returned from a weekend sojourn to Parkview Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was there at the invitation of my friend and co-writer, John Parker, who serves as the music minister and worship leader.

I spent Saturday morning with his choir, rehearsing for an informal composer concert on Sunday evening. Saturday afternoon, John and I took a quick run over “Nawlins” to see the French Quarter.

The choir was well-prepared. (No surprise, given John’s choral training.) They sang very well. The concert included eight of my anthems, along with a moment where I sat at the piano and sang “Church” for the folks. The choral repertoire ranged from the traditional (“Jesus Paid It All”) to the contemporary (“All Because of the Cross”), and the choir covered it all comfortably and enthusiastically.

I want to thank John and all his people for their hospitality and warm, friendly spirit. It was a pleasure to be there with them. In a time when a lot of choir programs are disappearing, or barely managing to hold on, it’s great to see a program that is being run with attention to good singing and a wide range of music.