Christmas in…June?

This morning my oldest brother sent me a link to a video from the church where he attends showing the worship team performing a song. As I watched, the video starts out focusing on the musicians and singers on the stage then begins to show more of the congregation in the church all singing along. At one point, a camera pans the front row of pews (do we still use that term?) and there is my brother! I had a reaction similar to seeing myself in a video I had not expected – excited and wanting to see him appear again. Very cool!
We both started playing in church when we were in our teens and I have to credit him for taking the initiative as I just rode on his coattails. I was not very good but had a crush on one of the singers and that made me overlook my terrible lack of ability – Doh! It was at the start of the music group’s preparation of music for the Christmas season just a few months away (Yes, months just not June ;-). It was an understatement to say I struggled to keep up. I had to find a way to contribute without 1) embarrassing myself in front of the object of my affection and 2) not clunk up the whole affair and be asked to leave. I don’t think they would have kicked me out but that is what was going through my head as a young teen in a group made up of adults and a few older teens.
If you have ever really looked at or even attempted to play some of the more common Christmas hymns and carols, you will find guitar chords can come at about one every syllable, at least, that is what it seemed. I had to learn to change chords quickly and count to keep in time for the variations. Fortunately, the group had five (Five!) guitarists and I could hide my playing. The more experienced players also helped me with suggestions and tips to not only avoid messing things up but actually contribute.
I bring these nuggets of wisdom where ever I play. When I hear from some that we only want players of a certain skill level in our informal group (church or other volunteer type of music activity), I remember those days and the things I was taught. I push back and say, “The more the merrier!” looking to impart the same nuggets and more to those struggling players. I was in their shoes so many years ago just trying not to embarrass myself…well, not too much anyway 🙂