just wrapped up one of the most exhausting musical weekends I can recall...

Hello all,

Once again, just checking in. I hope this finds you all well. I'm doing great here. Like, really good. You know that feeling of just wrapping up something high-risk and feeling that it went over well as opposed to spiraling down into a firey crash/meltdown? Yup, I'm kinda livin' that right now. Allow me to explain.

This weekend was my first weekend drumming at my new church. I walked out of the sanctuary today feeling that God blessed it and that, at the very least, I didn't come across as someone who had no idea what they were doing on drums. Which is always a massive plus. :)

I've been drumming for about 15 years. I won't lie to you and pretend that they were the most efficient 15 years, practice-wise, but I feel that I've picked up a few effective tools along the way. I drummed at Calvary for a little over 8 years or so. Saw a lot of folks come and go, was involved in some big stuff, had a great time and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Anyway, after about a year or so at Calvary, I slipped into a really good comfort zone. I was increasingly given more and more of the important musical tasks there for my position and felt secure in my abilities. There's something to be said for getting into a good groove with people. There's also something to be said for building up credibility among leaders/fellow musicians. Calvary was that for me. I was extremely comfortable there and, basically, didn't have a care in the world musically.

Now, as many of you know, I chose to transfer to our Portland branch in January. I won't bore you with the details of that. They're in my old facebook notes and I'll probably get around to posting some of those on here just to catch up any non-facebook site followers. Anyway, I didn't really give a second thought to how things were going to go musically. I knew I'd miss Calvary but the idea of getting used to/growing into a new role didn't cross my mind. I don't think I'd call it arrogance because I'm fairly certain that, at no point, did I think,"Oh yeah, no worries, I'm gonna OWN wherever I play!" It was just an area that had not been a concern for so long that it didn't really cross my mind. Here's where things get scary.

The first few Sundays that I caught at Crossroads were a good wake-up call for me. Turns out that (at least) a couple of their drummers are touring/recording professionals that do music for a living.

Uh oh.

Maybe I'm the only insecure musician but my world was kinda rocked by this revelation. I was used to playing with part-timers like myself. I had played with some FINE players in my time, a lot of whom could probably go pro right now if they felt the need but this was different. These guys were/are legit. Very legit. In any event, after a few meetings with the worship pastor here, Jason Ritchie, we decided that the end of March would be a good time to start up for me. On a side note, he's a fantastic guy and an extremely cool dude to know and play with. Has DEFINITELY made my transition from church to church very easy. Thanks, brother, I appreciate it.

We planned it at the end of February so I had a month to prepare. And prepare, I did.

I'm not sure I've practiced harder for a gig. (For all you staunch, starchy types, forgive me for calling it a gig. Yes, I know it's a church service. I don't use "gig" as an irreverent term. It's just a round term for any musical commitment) Anyway, wrote notes, practiced with a click, even used my laptop to video myself and then play it back and scan for any errors. (Great way to keep your ego in check, by the way. Just watch yourself on video. *shudder*)

Game day came and, unfortunately, didn't sleep super well last night. Anxious, I guess. Got into the sanctuary, set up and was ready to rock. By the way, for all of you that don't know, their sanctuary is a multi-thousand seat auditorium that is at least moderately frequently a venue for concerts. I won't be a dork and name-drop any of the artists. *cough..Leeland...cough*

Will keep the details to a minimum but both services went solidly. Was definitely more comfortable the second service. Played with some fantastic musicians. Was all-around a good day. And a great way to start my ministry career where I'm at. God is so good. I was so exhausted/relieved that I just passed out this afternoon. Felt good. :)

In any event, hope this finds you all doing great. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing well. Really and truly. Not in any fake, cliche way. Doing great. God provides and I am very grateful. Anyway, you guys take care.

Love God, love each other. I love you all so much.

Dominic

Note: Forgive any punctuation errors. I wrote this as quick as I could so I can make it to Crossroads Young Professionals group. Will proofread later.