• From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Topic: Promotion comes from God...

Wow....God is sooo good!!!

Last night I played at our Jurisdictional Convocation (COGIC) because my choir was selected to play in support of our Pastor who was bringing the word.

So I brought my gear and prepared to play. I felt very nervous because I hadn't played at the Jurisdictional events in over a year or more. I went into the bathroom with my guitar on my back and prayed that God give me peace and calm and I felt better.

So I went back upstairs and tuned up and played when the rest of the musicians arrived. I played very quietly and laid back because I was saving up for when our choir went up. We had a very powerful and fast rocking selection that we were going to sing that requires me to do a lot of downstroke power-chords in quick succession. That song "Whos on the lord's side" wears out my arm (until I get stronger) so I took it easy.

Well, it turned out that they wanted the Jurisdictional Choir to play instead of our choir so we didn't get to do the song. Then our Pastor brought the word and I forgot all about not being able to play our choir's song. It was awesome!!

We had an Ordination service also and I got a chance to play under the direction of the Jurisdictional Minister of Music, Ricky Payton!!! He led us as we played along to the ordination service...telling us when to play softly...when to play loudly and when to break and resume. It was awesome!!! I felt like I was in an Orchestra with a Maestro leading the way. I have never experienced something like that before and it allowed me to relax a bit more, even in unknown territory.

We played amazingly until the end of the service and ended it soooo professionally with a build up and then a STOP. I ended with a lightly distorted power chord trail-off and it sounded soooooo awesome with the rest of the music!!!

when we all started packing up...the Bassist said that he liked the way I played and asked me if I was interested in playing for the state.

=O

My jaw hit the floor...then I picked it up and said "YES!!"
I gave them my information and they asked me if I could bring my gear and play the rest of the week for the Jurisdictional Convocation.

Tonight will be night two...I'm sooo excited!!

Thank you Jesus for answering my heart's desire!!!

*Praise dance*

hallelujah!!
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Great story, but you do not give yourself enough credit.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Promotion comes from God...

God gives you the talent, but it's your work and effort that refines it. 

I'm pleased for you.  Have a great time. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Congrats...you've worked at it and now it's paying off....Give it Heaven (instead of Hell smile )

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello
  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Absolutely! I'm thankful for my gift but I know it's only God that has gotten me this far. I have always wanted to play guitar and I've always owned one from age 5.

But it wasn't until I got to know Him and let Him use me that it has become fruitful.

I have been wrought with anger and resentment for the past year because my church doesn't have any support for learning music or musicians that I can play with that know how to play with others. (see my previous rants on musicians in church)

My prayer has been for God to send me the right people to play with and help me learn...or send me somewhere I can get what I desire.

And being the awesome God that He is...He gave me BOTH in one fell swoop!!


=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Promotion comes from God...

That said, we really need to jamm again.  I've gotten lazy with my practice and need some motivation.  Now that I've finally got an amp, perhaps you could teach me a thing or two about electrics...

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Detman101, Congratulations, sir.
When the opportunity presented itself, you were well prepared.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Zurf wrote:

That said, we really need to jamm again.  I've gotten lazy with my practice and need some motivation.  Now that I've finally got an amp, perhaps you could teach me a thing or two about electrics...

- Zurf

WOOHOO!!
Man, after my wife is done with this summer class...you and me are gonna spend some QUALITY time jamming!!!!

=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • zguitar
  • Don't call me Sir
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  • From: Mentone, Ca
  • Registered: 2009-01-10
  • Posts: 1,367

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Dm that is awesome. Now do you see what all your time and effort practicing has led to? All these years you've had an itch, which built into a passion for the guitar. God knew it and now has called you to serve him with your talent. But just because you think you've made it, don't close your ears. He may have an even greater calling for you.(Music leader maybe??) We must remember that He will open doors when He is ready. Not just when we want it to happen. So, congrats on the new endeavor and remember where it all came from.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!
  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Promotion comes from God...

geoaguiar wrote:

Congrats...you've worked at it and now it's paying off....Give it Heaven (instead of Hell smile )

I'm with Geo on this one!  Congrats DM!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

zguitar wrote:

Dm that is awesome. Now do you see what all your time and effort practicing has led to? All these years you've had an itch, which built into a passion for the guitar. God knew it and now has called you to serve him with your talent. But just because you think you've made it, don't close your ears. He may have an even greater calling for you.(Music leader maybe??) We must remember that He will open doors when He is ready. Not just when we want it to happen. So, congrats on the new endeavor and remember where it all came from.

Thank you, I will definitely keep my heart and my ears open.

Speaking of ears....The Jurisdictional Minister of Music (Ricky Payton) has the most AMAZING Musical ear.

I had tuned up last night before the musicians started playing and my guitar checked out okay. My amp has s tuner built into it. So we're about two songs in and the Minister of Music points to me and tells me that I'm a little flat. I thought to myself that I tuned up but perhaps something shifted after the guitar warmed up. It was kinda warm in the church last night and I had been playing heavy leads for the first two songs. So I did a low-volume run through of my individual strings and listened...I couldn't tell a difference.

So I then checked my guitar with the tuner in my amp...and wouldn't you know it!!! My D-string AND my High E string were a hair off. I mean, I can't describe to you how lightly I had to turn each tuner to get the tuning back in-line. This guy has ears like I've never EVER seen before. Even through all the other people playing he could hear two strings on my guitar that were fractions of a cent off!!!

=O

I'm still flabbergasted!!
Ricky Payton is soooo amazing!!

=]
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • zguitar
  • Don't call me Sir
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  • From: Mentone, Ca
  • Registered: 2009-01-10
  • Posts: 1,367

Re: Promotion comes from God...

See, maybe another assignment coming down the tubes. Stick with Ricky and learn all you can from him. You may be called to step up or step into another situation that requires his skill but not necessarily him.

Keep Rockin!!!!!!!!!!!
  • From: Bellevue, WA
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 3,336

Re: Promotion comes from God...

What does it mean to "play for the state?"

It's a great feeling when it all comes together, anyway.  Here's wishing many more of those upon you.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

jerome.oneil's Website

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

jerome.oneil wrote:

What does it mean to "play for the state?"

It's a great feeling when it all comes together, anyway.  Here's wishing many more of those upon you.

You know Jerome...I'm learning that "Playing for the State" is very work intensive.

*whew*

Usually, the Washington DC area has seasonal musical events for the churches in this area. The "State Musical Group" is a gathering of musicians from all of the churches in the area that are selected to play for these seasonal events. We are led in music by the Jurisdictional (DC Area) Minister of Music, Ricky Payton.

I still haven't officially accepted the position as Lead Guitarist as this is a trial week. I'm finding that it's more tiring that I expected it to be. The musicians area is very very cramped and when the offering is going on it's hard to play because people are constantly bumping into me to get past and down the aisle. I will take a photo of where i'm playing at tonight when I get to rehearsal.

Just this week is wearing me out. I am going  to have to start working out again if I'm going to be a gigging musician. I didn't realize how out-of-shape I am until this week...lol

=p
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Promotion comes from God...

You see that paying dues to get started isn't enough. To play with the best you have to be the best and the workload is never ending. There is never a point where you can kick back and relax because new demands keep coming at you from many directions.
Musicians need to see the group director's viewpoint. If you were director seeking a guitarist, who would you choose? A competent player who has to borrow an instrument on certain days to practice and play or a competent player who can play lead as well as rhythm, sings lead and backup, is fun to work with and owns a P.A. system, a minivan with a two-way hand truck, is strong as a bull and is available seven days a week?

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

zguitar wrote:

See, maybe another assignment coming down the tubes. Stick with Ricky and learn all you can from him. You may be called to step up or step into another situation that requires his skill but not necessarily him.

Thank you! I pray that is the case!
I've gotta get my left hand speed up somehow.
If i'm going to get out there I've gotta blaze!

big_smile
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

17 Reply by Detman101 (edited by Detman101 2010-08-06 13:38:47)

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

tubatooter1940 wrote:

You see that paying dues to get started isn't enough. To play with the best you have to be the best and the workload is never ending. There is never a point where you can kick back and relax because new demands keep coming at you from many directions.
Musicians need to see the group director's viewpoint. If you were director seeking a guitarist, who would you choose? A competent player who has to borrow an instrument on certain days to practice and play or a competent player who can play lead as well as rhythm, sings lead and backup, is fun to work with and owns a P.A. system, a minivan with a two-way hand truck, is strong as a bull and is available seven days a week?

I, too, would definitely go with the latter option.
I guess I am a bit different. I bring all my own gear and enough for others too.
I've got my own car and I arrive early and make it to practice.

I can't say yet that I'd want to do this long-term, but for now...it's new and interesting.

One thing I've had a gripe about for a long time is how flaky some musicians can be.
I almost wanted to say sorry and take it all back because now I see that making it out to shows is very taxing. But if I wasn't going to make it I'd still definitely call someone and let them know.

lol,
Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • From: Bellevue, WA
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 3,336

Re: Promotion comes from God...

For me, the most critical thing about playing with people isn't how talented they are, it's how well we get along, and how much we respect each other.  I *love* the guys I play with.  None is a virtuoso by any stretch of the imagination.  But we are all pretty good song writers, and we all take each other's input at full value.   At the end of the day, we come up with some pretty good entertainment.  I'd rather have that than a prima-donna virtuoso.  That's too much like work.

I think the best thing about your situation is that you have a director with the best title in the history of music.  I want to be the Minister of Music, too!

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

jerome.oneil's Website

19 Reply by tubatooter1940 (edited by tubatooter1940 2010-08-06 15:28:14)

  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Jerome's post reminds me of the best band I ever led. These guys were not technically the best I ever worked with but they were honest, humble and would try almost anything to get the crowd entertained.
We were friends then and still are to this day.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: Promotion comes from God...

I love working with humble people.
In the COGIC arena, that is hard to find. Many of the musicians that I have come across are show-offs with an "Im the best there is" attitude. It was the reason that I stopped attending Jurisdictional events like the one I'm playing at this week.

But I see that things have changed and that the current rotation of musicians is VERY enjoyable. The Bassist almost feels like an uncle to me. I wanted to go to the music store and get him something just to show him how much I appreciate him...and I JUST met the guy! He is humble, sincere, laid back and very funny. 3 qualities I love in any person...kinda reminds me of Zurf...lol.

Dm

"Talent instantly recognizes genius,
but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

-Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle

Detman101's Website

  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Promotion comes from God...

Detman101 wrote:

I love working with humble people.
In the COGIC arena, that is hard to find. Many of the musicians that I have come across are show-offs with an "Im the best there is" attitude. It was the reason that I stopped attending Jurisdictional events like the one I'm playing at this week.

But I see that things have changed and that the current rotation of musicians is VERY enjoyable. The Bassist almost feels like an uncle to me. I wanted to go to the music store and get him something just to show him how much I appreciate him...and I JUST met the guy! He is humble, sincere, laid back and very funny. 3 qualities I love in any person...kinda reminds me of Zurf...lol.

Dm

DM - That's why I love CHORDIE so much!  There's many of those people here smile  You're lucky to be able to be meeting people like that in person!

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
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Re: Promotion comes from God...

Thank you for the kind words.

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude