Dear supporters,
What a year! There were some days where I thought things were pretty grim after such an unpredictable year of lockdowns and the dreaded virus. At the time of writing, things don't seem to be improving but I'm just reminded of all the blessings that came my way irrespective of the circumstances. I somehow managed to fit in FOUR musical road trips, many local performances and I've lost count of the number of videos published since the beginning of the year. Rather than post all the links to the videos since the last update, I'll share with you the most memorable!
Bowral Sponsors Recital (dedication of the new organ console) (featured video)
Griffith Concert with the Swell Vox crew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcTIGD5S09w
Christmas music livestream (Melbourne Town Hall Hauptwerk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znWypDiCt-0
Spontaneous organ music livestream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUbXYr8T4U
I'm also pleased to announce that I've basically hit the financial target with all the Swell Vox merchandise for the lads. All the coffees that were purchased since this goal was posted went towards masks, hoodies, t-shirts and button-up shirts. I'm sure you've seen the guys sporting these in the videos. As for the next goal...I'm not sure, but I appreciate your future coffee support 😇
We also say "goodbye for now" to Josh and Sam Beckett as they move to Sydney with their family. It has been an absolute pleasure making music with them and perhaps there will be a SV Sydney trip on the cards in 2022!
Probably one of the proudest moments this year was seeing Tom Summerfield completing his ARSM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music) diploma in organ. We've been through a lot of adventures this year and to get the "piece of paper" at the end was just the icing on the cake. I wish Tom all the best in 2022 as he moves to Melbourne to begin a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne.
Well I guess that's all I can think of wrapping up right now 👍. Being an organist, in the traditional sense, can be quite a solitary and isolating so I've made it part of my mission to share music with others. I find collaborative music just as rewarding as solo performances (or maybe even a little more). Seeing other musicians succeed, grow and enjoy themselves is what keeps me going and doing what I do. The friendships made along the journey are priceless!
Thanks for all your support in 2021 and let's toast to 2022's musical adventures.
Yours sincerely,
James Flores