Out of the tunnel

This pandemic has devastated many and affected all. It has merely slowed me down for a time. But things are coming back to life now. I played three virtual recitals, three virtual Morning Prayer rites, one fully in-person super-spreader wedding (sorry to say -- that's for another blog post). And, of course, I had an entire armload of programs and other events cancelled. But now I'm on board to play my third performance in the south of France this summer, and I'm looking forward to a few other side trips. As of this writing, my second vaccination is tomorrow, and my masks are still numerous, clean, and always nearby. Meanwhile, my virtual teaching is in top condition (at least for me -- for my students? Who knows.). Everyone hang in there. We're coming back.

Last rites revisited

My last News update mentioned the final proofs of the final Widor recordings. Well, now I have those completed recordings in my hands! The deed is done, the gift copies have been sent out, and I will now be working out marketing procedures with the various venues. This project is a gift that keeps on giving.

Last rites

I have just sent the final corrections to the proofs for the final installment of my complete Widor Symphonies recordings. Although that sounds like a monumental project -- which it was -- it was done in stages, with plenty of time for me to learn the next pieces for the next recording sessions. Nevertheless, when I look at my storage closet filling up with 'inventory,' I feel a growing satisfaction with this body of work I have completed. Although I don't fancy myself one of the greats (but would have been glad to be considered so), my recording crew and I have captured some thrilling music on some equally thrilling organs, and I hope those who hear them will agree.

I have no plans for future recordings. But if a sponsor wants to step forward, I'll come out of recording session retirement!

Super Tour 2019

My school of music has just completed their first-ever "Super Tour," publicly named "Mountaineer Music Tour." This was a recruiting tour undertaken in the Asheville area, where our major ensembles visited seventeen high schools across three days. Meanwhile, our poor keyboard faculty had little to do. So we played our own concert at First Presbyterian in Asheville, home of a beautiful Holtkamp in an equally beautiful space inhabited by a welcoming, affirming congregation. See a candid shot below, plus another shot with our trumpet Professor James Stokes sporting his ASU colors as well. Who wore it better?

Odds 'n' ends

Widor Volume I has arrived! Look for it in the usual outlets in the coming months.

I launched a professional Facebook page, at https://www.facebook.com/JobyBellOrganist/

My personal FB is still there, but the above "Organist Version" has all the professional engagements plus the wit of this website, without rantings about traffic, stingy tippers, terrible wardrobes, and an increasing societal inability to make change when the computers are down.

I'm teaching my first-ever Honors course in music for non-majors. We have done everything from testing the acoustics of churches and restrooms to listening to the Tchaikovsky Fourth to talking about the state of musical literacy in our country to finding all the base-3 numerology in the Duruflé Sanctus. We have the B-A-C-H motive and many other fun things left to do.

I'm playing all manner of recitals this season. Apparently this is the season of the half recital, with bookings at Third Baptist in St. Louis, National City Christian in D.C., and St. Louis, King of France in Minneapolis.

I'm also having the most fun I have ever had in teaching -- having taken two sections of first-semester Theory. Thirty-six papers to grade each class meeting day is a lot. But those kids are doing so well, and they make my long days shorter.

Meanwhile, the recitals keep coming, and my 51-year old body does not tire. I am fortunate, and so I hope I will be able to make my audiences fortunate to have taken the trouble to come and listen.