The clavinova sparkles with possibilities!

Kim Baker wowed us all with his hard work to learn some os the ins and outs of the new clavinova. We heard organ sounds, orchestral instruments, while still having music that sounded like the grand piano we were used to. Thank you from all of us for spending so much time over the weekend to give us the gift of wonderful music on the new clavinova.

May I remind you that we are also seeking to fill our services with special music even in the summer. Please see me or email me at revcarol@joymcc.com if you would like to give it a try. Blessings!

It was quite a week for the Music Ministry!

The new clavinova arrived on Thursday. Seen here is a picture of the construction of the clavinova. It seems that the Curtis Grand Piano had one last task before it was loaded onto the truck--to oversee and bless its successor. Church musicians are already hard at work learning all the fabulous things that the clavinova will bring to the music at Joy. We will soon be announcing the date for a concert which will be given by all the pianists here at Joy as a tribute to the original donor of the grand piano and celebrate and dedicate the clavinova.

We were also blessed this week to receive a new piano donated by Harriet and Veenie for the choir room for rehearsals and such. This allowed us to move the old piano from the choir room (Rev. Carol's office) to Page House for use by other groups. We are so grateful for God's goodness and the generosity of the folks here at Joy.

Joy Considers Options for Piano and Music Ministry

As you know, the Board of Directors will consider the future of the piano in the sanctuary at the Board Meeting this Sunday, July 19th at 1:00 p.m. What follows are some initial conversation points regarding the piano and its current condition as well as a proposal for a new instrument. You are invited to the forum and the BOD meeting to discuss this issue:

Initial Conversation Regarding the Future of the Sanctuary Piano
Facts about the Current Piano
· Yamaha C7, 1984
· Original purchase price in 1984--$15,000
· Selling on the internet in excellent or perfect condition from $11,000-$20,000. These pianos are reconditioned with 5-10 year warranties—would not apply to this piano in current condition
· Currently needs significant repair
o All hammers need replacing
o Tuning mechanisms in poor shape
o Sounding Board is in good condition
o Estimates range from $5,000-8,000 (will have additional estimate by BOD meeting)

Facts about the Yamaha Claviova 309GP—new stock, never used
· See specifications on the following pages
· Retail for 2008, new, $14,750
· Yamaha dealer willing to trade with no money difference

Benefits to Keeping Yamaha C7 and attempting to find the funds to repair
· It is a beautiful instrument
· Some people prefer the sound of a Grand Piano
· Piano dealers and pianists have all agreed that it is “a shame” that Joy doesn’t have the money to repair the piano

Benefits to trading for the Yamaha Clavinova
· Please refer to DVD presentation for full demonstration of capabilities of the clavinova
· Maintains the look of a Grand Piano while saving considerable space on the chancel
· Has multiple instrumentations such as
o Several organs
o Flutes, strings, brass
o Has built in percussion
· Has the ability to project from the computer inside the clavinova
· Acts like a “scribe” to record compositions or arrangements resulting in unlimited creativity
· Allows for the pre-recording of music for services such as funerals and weddings when we have no pianist
· Allows for various rehearsal modes
· 16-track recording studio built into clavinova so that tracks can be pre-recorded and then utilized with additional instrumentation during services
· No need to tune clavinova--Total estimated savings of piano tuning over next 5 years--$1500+ years
· Heat concerns are not significant with the clavinova compared to the grand piano

Additional concerns:
· Joy does not now have, now do we expect to have the funds to repair the current piano in the foreseeable future.
· It is not clear (and it cannot be predicted) how long the piano will be usable in its current condition—there are significant limitations already in the functionality of the piano
· Eventually, the piano will be worth very little as a trade—unknown at what point that will be true
· The Clavinova would be renamed the Curtis Clavinova to continue to honor the original gift and giver—a full scale concert with multiple pianists and dedication would be planned soon after the clavinova was installedThe grand piano will be removed and the clavinova delivered and set up at no additional charge to the church.

Participants Sought for Fall Women of Spirit and Men of Praise

Even in the heat of the summer, we are thinking of Fall events and opportunities for ministry. Most of you will remember the wonderful evening we experienced last year during our Women of Spirit celebration. Another such event is being planned for the Fall and we are seeking those of you who are interested in participating this year. We plan to expand the event to include more artwork, poetry and prose, song, and other expressions of women's spirit. The Women of Spirit singers will again be featured as well as other musical groups and individuals. Please contact me (revcarol@joymcc) if you would like to be included in planning meetings or to be kept informed of rehearsals and schedules. We plan to reach out into the wider community this year and know that you can play a major role in making this event a success. Watch this blog for news of a date.

Men, don't despair--we're also planning our Second Annual Men of Praise Concert. Let me know if you are interested in singing, reading poetry or participating in some other way. Again, please email me at revcarol@joymcc.com. Blessings!