ABOUT LANCE ESKELUND

I began taking piano lessons when I was 4 years old, and stopped when I reached High School because I would rather have played baseball.  In my youth, I was fascinated by the organ at our church, but for me, learning to play that huge instrument would be frightening beyond measure.  Later, after several careers, including a stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, I returned to music and after preparing an audition, was accepted at the University of Rhode Island majoring in piano performance and minoring in composition.  Within a year, I received a full tuition scholarship for the next three years of study and piano recitals while participating in wind ensemble, chamber orchestra, singing in the University Chorus and accompanying many vocalists. Wouldn’t you know that my first musical job out of university was organist and assistant choir director at a Catholic church!  The priest was a kind man, our choir director was a wonderful vocalist, and between the two, I was encouraged to do what was necessary to develop the skills needed by a church musician. It became apparent that I would not leave my musical aspirations again in favor of some other avocation. Besides, in my position as a youthful catcher, I could never make the throw to second base without it taking one hop.  And my on-base percentage was rather low.  Not good.  Many years later, I can still remember each of not-so-scary-after-all organs I have played, their different personalities, and the magical choirs who taught me about the beauty of song.  It is a great joy for me to join those who lift their voices to God in praise and thanksgiving.  I am now blessed to be at First Parish Church, where the congregation, the choir, and the organ itself, are all warm, welcoming, and inspiring.