“I thought I wasn’t going to have to open the Poki Lot anymore!” sighed Carl Crosier as we drove into the church’s secondary parking lot last Sunday and found it locked. Peter Hallock often told us that if he had a nickel for every time he opened and closed St. Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, he would be a very rich man. It seems like the church musicians are always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Now, though, Carl is finding himself playing “second fiddle,” and liking his new role.

Last night at our Choral Vespers, Carl was there in the continuo section, playing harpsichord, and as such, had to tune it both before the dress rehearsal last Saturday, and before the service last night. “What is LCH going to do when I’m not around to tune anymore?” he asked.

Last night he was definitely “second fiddle” — thankfully, not in charge anymore, no longer having to make everything happen and ensuring all the details come together. Instead of wearing vestments, he was wearing the black-and-white of the orchestra. And he was able to turn my pages in the prelude and postlude instead of being in the processions.

Another place where he is “second fiddle” is at St. Andrew’s Priory, where he is the accompanist to the choirs, led by LCH chorister, Naomi Castro. The tables are truly reversed, with Naomi conducting him instead of the other way around, as it has been at LCH for decades. But Carl is truly enjoying the role reversal, and says Naomi is doing an outstanding job. It’s no wonder why — it’s because she’s had outstanding training!

And talking about “second fiddle,” last night’s Vespers service was dedicated to Allen Bauchle, assistant choirmaster at LCH who is retiring after twenty years. It’s Monday morning as I write this, and the glow from Vespers is still with me. It was also great to see Fr. William Kunisch, rector of St. Theresa’s Co-Cathedral, who was formerly an intern at LCH many years ago. For those who were not able to be with us last night, you can view a copy of the program by clicking Vespers Bulletin. (I can’t tell you how relieved I am that I don’t have to type these programs anymore!).