First ASAPH Jam

One of the 'dream' ideas that popped into my head two years ago when I began thinking about my new adventure, was the dream of having a place where musicians could gather to play music in a 'recreational' way.  I remember how much I learned when I played with friends is a 'not so formal' setting. 

Friday night I cranked up the ASAPH Honda generator and five of us sat in the ASAPH Teaching Center playing guitars, keyboards, and bass.  We sang and played from 9pm until after midnight.  It was sweet.  The first moments were rough as we eased into the new situation.  Soon we had one song sounding nice, and then another, and another.   People switched to other instruments for certain songs they knew they could do well.  I filled in wherever there was an empty seat.  It was a great time together.

And all of us are from the same congregation.  I am planning on inviting musicians from neighborhood churches to join us in the future. 

At some point we should record the sessions.  There were some very nice moments.  I'm thankful to God that we can be learning and experimenting with music without having to do it in a service situation.  So many Haitian musicians end up rehearsing during services.  It is not a situation I encourage...or even accept lately.  Paul talks about how everything done in a worship service should help the church grow in faith.  All parts of the service should be edifying.  A guy messing around on his guitar during a song in a worship servicis not edifying...it's infuriating.