My music memories begin early in life. I'm not sure how old I was, but my mother had me attend one of my sister's piano lessons. Several other kids were there. The teacher placed my fingers on the keys, and helped me play a few notes... a simple scale. When I attempted the process by myself, well… the other kids laughed! I never went back.
Years later (I was 10) my parents gave me a thrift-store bought trumpet. With it, I joined the elementary school band. After a few rehearsals, the teacher excused me from class, and asked for me not to return. The reason? I had just arrived as an immigrant from Argentina, and I hardly spoke any English. Thus -as far as this teacher- I was too much of a burden.
I took that old trumpet, a beginners book (in English), and taught myself to play. By the age of 15, I was playing with the Pasadena City College band.
Being self-taught, I developed many bad (playing) habits. A man from church, John South, a very talented musician noticed these habits. He took time -for many months- and met me at church (The Salvation Army in Inglewood, CA) every Tuesday and invested in me. He taught me to play... he put me through the tumbler and polished me! He made me the musician I am today, and I am forever grateful.
I can give you many accolades, conservatories, schools I have studied and taught at. They mean nothing! The success of The Master's Chorale is not what I've done, but what God has done through me. I am a Testimony of how God can use the insufficient, when self is put aside.
One of my favorite choruses goes like this:
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
Jesus, thou art everything to me,
All my lasting joys are found in Thee,
Jesus, thou art everything to me.
The Master's Chorale is a lasting joy in my life. I am honored to be part of it.
Will van K.