Showing posts with label LDS Church. the prophet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS Church. the prophet. Show all posts

Saturday, September 26, 2009

"Have you ever played for a prophet?"

Today I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was asked to play the organ for the funeral of a woman in our ward. (Once everyone in our ward discovered I am a musician, the phone calls just started coming! I am glad though, it is so nice to feel needed!)

The woman who passed away was the widow of Paul H. Dunn, a former general authority of the Church. I figured that there had to be some general authorities at the funeral (and as I walked into the church building I saw a man standing outside in a black suit, all official-looking, and I wondered if he was some security guy for some important person who was coming)... Boy was I right....

As I played the prelude music, my bishop came up to me and said hi, and then he smiled and said, "So, have you ever played for a prophet?" "He's coming??" I asked, and he replied, "he's already here!"

Wow, what an experience. It was so amazing to see the Prophet of God in person. Also, he's really tall. And a wonderful speaker - he seems to let loose a little and tell more jokes when he's not speaking in general conference.

I have to say that I am so so glad I took the organ class at BYU, even though it has been SO long since I've taken it (and quite awhile since I've even played an organ). Man, I have such the renewed appreciation for organists. Playing the organ is HARD. Seriously, people. I practiced for quite awhile this week and got the pedals down for the opening hymn ("Be Still, My Soul") but I have to admit that I cheated and used the bass coupler on the closing hymn. After I found out President Monson was there, I got a little stressed, and on the opening song I had a few little issues with the organ (particularly the VOLUME pedal - I NEVER know if it's too loud or soft...stressful...), but overall it went pretty well. I can't wait to practice the organ more and get better at it (I am assistant ward organist, so I'll have an excuse!).

Wow, what a day!

I can't wait to hear from the Prophet and all the general authorities at conference next week!