Church musicians all over the world are in midst of their busiest week of the year. The days leading up to and including Easter require these people to provide a lot of music for a lot of different services. They are either practicing or performing all week long.
While much is said about famous entertainers, they are very well paid and have the ability to set their own schedules so I don't feel sorry for them. Church musicians represent to me a group of valuable but nearly invisible performers. If you ever attend a service where the organist couldn't be there and no substitute can be found you will immediately be aware of the profound impact they have on the experience.
Although I am musically active in my own church, in no way do I consider myself their equal. Yes I play a song here and there, but these marvelous musicians play a prelude, a postlude and all of the required music during the service. It's almost like performing a new recital program each and every week. And much of this music is intricate and complicated, requiring hours of practice.
Unfortunately their ranks are shrinking. There are fewer and fewer available organists every year. Young people don't think of this as a part of their career. They are more interested in other professional pursuits and the job of church organist doesn't cross their minds.
Also some congregations are on limited budgets and can't always afford to hire someone from outside and are limited to who is available within. To play for little or no money is okay to ask of a member, but if there is a job search conducted a commensurate salary would be expected.
Of course some churches work around it with praise bands made up of volunteers playing contemporary worship music. These churches may or may not have music ministers. But the load is spread across the group so no one person is burdened. But even these folks are extra busy this week.
Either way there is a lot of music happening this week in churches everywhere. Please take a moment to reflect on the music and the musicians who work so hard to please you. And to my fellow musicians, I urge you to take some time off on Monday and just breathe. Your efforts are appreciated and you are admired.