Music is who I am, through and through. That's not to say that music is what I am always doing. Think of it more as a definition of how I process my life and the world around me. When I am having a hard time coming up with the words to describe a feeling, I turn to music. Instead of writing a poem, I write a song. You will often find me on the piano, though I also enjoy trying on different voices, including the guitar, Native American flutes, drums or just singing. Each voice has its place.
At the moment I have two main venues with which I perform my music. I record and perform original instrumental music, featuring the piano and strings and I also have the privilege of working with my brother in our band, Shades of Grey. At the moment, it's just the two of us, but it's one of the most rewarding activities I am a part of.
Below, I've included a few pictures and descriptions depicting some recent events in my life.
Here we have my mother and I at a place called Crawford Notch in New Hampshire. This monument is directly beside a
railroad that passes through Crawford Notch further down the mountain. The monument represents the location of a home where a family (who worked the rails) used to live. The house was so close that the kids would have to be tethered to it to keep them from playing too close to the railroad. There's an entire book devoted to this family
here. The reason we went there? I'm a part of that family.
Melissa Davis and I playing "Whatever You Desire" at FUMC in Troy, Ohio. Melissa's talent on the flute is incredible. I was honored that she accepted the challenge of learning the piece and performing it with me. It was an amazing moment. Until I hear from Melissa to confirm or deny this, I can only say that this is my opinion, but if I'm right, this was the first time that Melissa had a chance to play a non-traditional piece and let her emotional self pour into her flute. For me, it was the debut of an original arrangement featuring an orchestra-based instrument and without Melissa's help it would not have gone near as well as it did that day and, later, for a wedding. I know we'll be working together again soon.
Here's my overly-neglected violin. As a matter of fact, this picture might be the last time I saw it, and that was probably three years ago. It's safely stored in my living room alongside all of my other instruments, from my djembe, to my Native American flutes and even my turkey baster. I will learn how to play the violin, but with everything else going on, I haven't allotted it any time.
