Wow, music and gender. I have experienced some positive and negative feedback from males when it came to playing the piano and
B3 Hammond organ. I know many male church
musicians who are jealous of female musicians. They tend to feel intimidated. Why? Because no guy wants a lady to be over him. I don't know how it is in other churches and religions, but in the African American church, there is competition when it comes to music. It's sad but it is true. If you are a pretty female who can sing, play an instrument (especially drums) and you are very well rounded, then you "got it going on." Not all males are like this, but some are. I've met guys who were attracted to me, just because I played the organ well (which makes you wonder what they're motives were for going to church). Here is an example of a young lady who goes by the name of "Trina
Trine." She is very anointed, gifted, and beautiful. She can make the organ Talk! What she is playing is called "shouting music" which is music for people who are shouting and dancing to God! Enjoy! Shout if you want to!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or0nkSR96oMNow many guys would either be jealous or in awe of her. So far I've had only one guy to be jealous of me. Especially since I am the minister of music at my church But i refuse to worry about it because I am only here on this earth to please my Father. He does have the final say so in my life.
As far as being a student here at Converse, the only difference that I can think of is having Dr. Keith Jones as director of Chorale. During my senior year in high school I was the accompanist for the choral department (which was an awesome experience)! And the director was a female. She was a wonderful director also. For some reason, she wasn't as passionate of the music the singers did like Dr. Jones is. It is obvious that he enjoys what he do. I can't wait for spring semester so I can sing in chorale again!
Unfortunately, sexism is alive and well, not only in the church and in music, but elsewhere in the world. I'm sorry you've had some trouble with it. I have also found many women who resent accomplished women. They can be worse than the men! I finally came to the conclusion that the people who try to insist that I fit their idea of womanhood instead of being who I am are generally those with whom I share little commonality in other issues. If the Lord puts the opportunity out there, then I believe that he wants me to take it and run with it. Hang in there!
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