Oh What A Night (it will be)

This Friday and Sunday I am involved with the Church cantata/presentation called "Oh What a Night." I was looking forward to this cantata because last year's had serious script issues combined with poor marking and choreography. As the actors were volunteers from our church it went off the rails like the opening scene in "Unbreakable." But this year provided an opportunity to do a great cantata and bounce back, as they say, however, I am feeling completely embarrassed to be associated with this cantata. Let me explain.

People that know me are aware of my work ethic and commitment to presenting quality. That's why I play in this band. As a band we have high standards. We receive our music months in advance so we feel there are no excuses for anything less than quality. Unfortunately the Minister of Music always permits his friend, also a trumpet, to play with our band. I have two problems with this:

First, he is not prepared to play the songs. Last Sunday I felt sick to my stomach as I was listening to him practice his parts between services. The notes where sloppy and his pitch was all over the place. It sounded like a grade 7 band student trying to read the chart for the first time. We have had the music for months. Memo to the brass section: THE CANTATA IS THIS FRIDAY SO CAN YOU PLEASE GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER!!!!

Second, I cannot in good conscience invite anyone to this event. I will never request that anyone I love and respect drive all the way to Mississauga on a December evening to hear something that I myself would not attend.

I find this situation insulting and disrespectful to anyone that is making an effort to make this cantata great. How can the Minister of Music expect us to respect him in his role and take him seriously if he continually allows his friend to crap all over our hard work.

I think this is going to be my last cantata. I'm recently married and would like to focus on the careers of myself and my wife. I also have high standards and when I feel the people appointed to make musical decisions aren't doing it in the best interest of the music, it's just not worth it for me.