A few years ago I reluctantly applied for the church organist job at our local church. I met with the retiring man before he left and got his blessing - I played for about three more months. Then someone from the archdiocese came out and gave me an audition. I'm sure I failed - I couldn't read bass clef worth a plug nickel. For some reason the parish gave me a contract. I planned to stay for a couple of years while I searched for a teaching job (not music). August 15th will be my 34th anniversary as "music director."