[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] A Sad Announcement

[Cochran, Bruce-P56993]

Chorale members:  A message from Barb Willey:

 

 

Dear Members of the East Valley Chorale,

 

I told Bruce and Kathy after Tuesday's rehearsal of my decision to stop
accompanying the chorale. I have been playing for the group for over
nine years, and while I have had some wonderful experiences working with
Bruce and have a real heart for visiting the nursing homes, I must
confess that I have been feeling quite burnt out, and it has only been
my appreciation, admiration, and affection for Bruce that kept me from
doing this sooner. I will continue to play for the time being until
Bruce is able to find my replacement.  

 

You have been wonderful to work with, and have been so kind in
expressing your appreciation to me.  I have made many dear friends
through the chorale, and for that I am so grateful.  There have been
times when I looked to you for support and prayers, and you were always
faithful.  I'm specifically thinking of 2005 when Amy nearly died, and
you all kept her in your prayers, even helping move her belongings into
her apartment before we were able to return from Delaware!  Then helping
with rides, meals, etc. during the time of the transplant.  What a
caring, loving, generous group of people!  Thank you.

 

I am sure the chorale will continue in its effectiveness in ministering
to a variety of people.  Thank you for your understanding.  

 

Fondly,

Barb Willey

 

 

 

Barb has accompanied the East Valley Chorale since our very first
rehearsal in March 1999.  Her excellent playing and supportive attitude
has helped the chorale to become what it is today.  Her talent has
enabled us to perform many songs that simply would not have been
possible with a less-accomplished accompanist.  Her participation and
support has truly been a ministry to the chorale, to the director, and
to our audiences.  Although we've gradually increased her "financial
appreciation" as the chorale has grown and expanded its ministry, it's
obvious she was not doing it for the money!

 

She has supported us for over nine years and has helped us with weekly
rehearsals, special orchestra-only rehearsals, monthly concerts,
Christmas concerts,  as well as special concerts which included the
combined choirs from East valley chorale and the Mesa Regal RV Chapel
Choir.   Barb has played for us for nearly 400 rehearsals, and probably
200+ performances.  She has played on pianos that varied from wonderful
grands, to old uprights, to spinets that were tuned in the '30s, to 'toy
pianos' to organs, to pianos with broken pedals, missing music racks,
keys stuck together with wax, many missing notes, and those which were
the home to cockroaches....and she did it all with a smile and a
positive attitude.

 

Barb has always played with such excellence and precision, that many
times, our singers nearly forget to sing because they have enjoyed her
accompaniment. She can truly sight-read at performance level....for
every song we've ever performed.  Barb and I have worked together with
choirs for over 20 years, and she has an uncanny ability to 'read my
mind' when it comes to rehearsals.  She has always been supportive of me
as director, and has always been a pleasure to work with.  She
constantly watches and has saved us all from 'train wrecks' many times.
Unlike many accompanists, there was never musical tug-of-wars about
tempo, interpretation, etc.  I've noticed that when we've had
orchestras, the orchestra players have complete confidence when Barb is
at the piano.

 

We will greatly miss her talent, support and laughter.  It will be a
very difficult task to find someone who can fill her shoes.  

 

I feel that the ministry of the Chorale has not run its course, so I'm
trusting that the Lord will lead an accompanist our way.  Without a
sufficiently talented pianist, our effectiveness will be severely
limited.

 

Barb has agreed to continue playing for us while we locate a new
accompanist, so if you have any potential candidates who might fill the
bill, please let me know.  Here are a few things to remember about the
position.  The accompanist should have the following:

1)      Strong ability to sight-read accurately 

2)      Ability to play a wide variety of choral styles

3)      Ability to attend weekly rehearsal and twice-monthly concerts
(year-round)

4)      Good attitude/enthusiasm/cooperation factor

5)      A heart for the ministry of the chorale (care centers, church
concerts, etc)

6)      Willing to play for a moderate financial amount. 

7)      Interested in a long-term commitment...i.e. not just for a few
months.

 

Please join me in praying for this next part of our journey.

 

Bruce

 

 

 

 

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