Description of "Ministry"

"8/5" Music

Celebrating through music God’s love for all of us…God has entrusted me with Jen, my lifelong companion and best friend, to help me as we follow His plan. The name 8/5 Music is a tribute to the anniversary of the beginning of our sacrament of marriage. Although music is the primary medium, other avenues may be explored as the ministry grows.

Genre

Christian, Catholic, Contemporary, Traditional, Vocal, Acoustic Guitar, Recorded accompaniment (e.g. piano, accompaniment tracks).

Style

Varied. Similar to Steven Curtis Chapman, Joel Hanson (PRF).

Mission / Vision

I am striving to follow God’s plan for me and my family, trusting that He will guide me to whatever I am meant. I wish to use my talents to serve God and others – bringing the love of Jesus Christ to others through music. I hope that my ministry will serve as a vehicle for healing and help others to find and respond to the love God has for each one of us. I believe that this ministry can reach Catholics and non-Catholics, Christians and non-Christians in a way that will be inclusive rather than divisive. My current role as music director at St. Anthony’s Parish is my starting point for this ministry. Local churches and coffeehouses will serve as the new "venturing forth" portion of this ministry. I hope to perform regularly at local / regional / national and international venues (e.g. coffeehouses, churches, and concerts) in both liturgical and non-liturgical settings, praying and performing both sacred liturgical as well as contemporary Christian music.

Equipment

Travel with guitar (Yamaha Ac/El), Mixer, Amplifier (power mixer and power amp), speakers (small and large), CD player for accompaniment tracks, microphones, cables, etc.…unless equipment is available at the venue.

Needs

Enough time to set up and perform sound checks, assistance with moving equipment, adequate power sources to supply power to considerable amount of equipment, if long distances traveled without personal equipment – will need adequate sound equipment to perform – contact me with / for specifics.  Also, accommodations with families are very much welcomed (versus hotels) as home cooking and relationships are what it's all about!

 

Fees

Since I believe God wants this ministry to touch as many people as possible, I do not want to limit His ability to speak through me in any venue. However, I would love to try to make this a full-time ministry (or at least fully part-time), and therefore, financial support for this ministry is a necessity. Fees vary depending on the type and extent of the performance, and my personal involvement. I am available for funerals and weddings (typical fees for these are $50 and $100, respectively, though adjustments are possible and sometimes necessary – most funeral homes have a set fee they pay soloists/cantors). Typical concert fees will range from $0 to $500 depending on concert length, attendance, publicity and expectations. "Free" concerts are possible depending on prior engagements and other commitments – "free will" or "love" offerings and album sales will be appreciated. Charitable concerts are definitely possible if the charity is consistent with my values and beliefs. Travel arrangements or additional travel expense reimbursement may be necessary if engagements are beyond the Central New York region (Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and Binghamton).

Concert Style

Concerts are performed solo, though I do ask my girls to come up if they are present and I also may ask friends or audience members to join me depending on the style of concert.  Performances include a variety of songs and styles, from faster contemporary to traditional hymns with original and cover tunes mixed together to really touch the heart.  I seldom do requests unless the songs are part of my extended repertoire. I try to share my own personal experiences and understanding between songs and throughout the performance. Intermissions may be necessary for longer shows, allowing for fellowship.  

Other Venue Styles

For Funerals, Weddings, Anniversary parties, Small Groups, Prayer Services, Retreats and Fund Raisers, I will meet or speak with you regarding your specific needs or desires. Specific songs are possible depending upon range and comfort with the language (I can't sing Italian or French) . You may need to purchase the sheet music for the songs you wish to have performed. I am comfortable with the many liturgies within the Catholic Church (e.g. funerals, weddings, penance services). However, I am not as familiar with services or styles of worship of other Christian denominations. I would appreciate any special instructions regarding style, song selection, "hot topics," and expectations. My message is inclusive, and I desire to accommodate various perspectives without compromising my own beliefs.

 

Statement of Faith

  • I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

  • I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God. Begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became a man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

  • I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. (Profession of Faith – Nicene Creed – 4th Century)

This creed typically contains "We" in place of "I". I use it as my statement, because we are all ultimately brothers and sisters searching for our One true God. John Michael Talbot commented during one of his concerts that we all share the experiences of birth and death, it is in life’s journey that we all seek His presence in the ordinary and extraordinary. It is this journey to the infinite and the end of our earthly existence that we live each day hoping to catch a glimpse of the awesome wonder of God, and pray that we will be with Him throughout eternity.