Posted by Paul Gramann on October 01, 2002 at 07:55:10:
In Reply to: Tuba playing in church posted by Chris on September 30, 2002 at 22:04:16:
In our church, the postlude is very often a favorite hymn or some piece that the pianist has been working on. I often sneak behind her, wait for the nod, and then join in on the melody line (just need to learn to read treble clef). If it's a choir piece she's playing, I'll play the lead vocal part.
It's a great low pressure way to get used to playing in church and learning to play with the pianist/organist. Talk to the pianist and see if that'd be ok and maybe pick a piece and schedule it (if the situation is a little more formal). Do it enough and people will start getting used to hearing (and appreciating) it and you may get nudged to do something during the service.
AND always give the pianist a sincere "thank you" afterwards. That always means so much more than it costs to say.
--paul;