When playing the organ or directing our choirs (voice or handbells) he is fiercely focused, concentrated and intentional, with a commanding presence that says "stay with me now, work with me here" without being brash, harsh, or overbearing. When communing with him he is sweet, personable and funny, with a smile that makes me want to call him "son."
He makes the organ an extension of himself -- or is it the other way around? And he is one of the few musicians I know who flawlessly transitions from organ to piano. (For me, the only thing these two instruments have in common is the keyboard. Most folks think if you can play one you can play the other; the truth is that just isn't true!)
When Daryl came to South Main Baptist in 2003, he was already an awesome talent. We have had the privilege of watching him grow. He has a knack for choosing music for worship that is appropriate, thought provoking, and soul-stirring. Despite his mastery at the pipe organ, one song I will remember for years to come was his piano prelude "I Gave My Life for Thee." I have never heard anything quite so moving.
Daryl's interpretive abilities are second to none. I will not forget that he came to me and asked for "pointers" on playing gospel music during the time we were preparing to celebrate South Main's 100th birthday. We spent a few minutes in the sanctuary working on gospel music nuances. I remember saying "That's it! You got it!" He replied, "but I don't feel it yet." But he really did get it! He later played works of my very favorite 20th century composer, the late Glenn Edward Burleigh, who was a classically trained and phenomenal pianist. Glenn had a way of integrated all genres of music into his compositions which, still, give his music a unique style and sound -- NOT the stereotypical three-chord ditties many automatically dub as "gospel music." When Daryl plays Burleigh, it is as if Glenn himself is sitting at the piano.
So what does all that have to do with tomorrow being a special day at South Main Baptist Church? Well, it is Daryl's last day as our organist and music associate. Even while we are happy for his taking the next step in his music ministry career, I cannot help but nurse my aching heart. So, I will not say "goodbye," Daryl, just "see you later." And, indeed, I shall.
