On Sunday, November 13, 2011, our Steinway piano was dedicated in memory of Tavia Wyatt. Tavia was our first organist and played for us for over 30 years. Tavia also taught music in Bowie’s elementary schools for many years. A natural talent, she loved to play the Methodist hymns, but she was equally adept at accompanying the choir in whatever music was presented. She once remarked that she always said a prayer before each special performance that God would guide her fingers to the right notes. And He always did.
When Isaac Borocz became our Choir Director and organist in 1991, he said that he immediately heard talk about replacing the sanctuary piano. That became his mission. Isaac began holding dinners to raise money. He began to hold recitals featuring him and other artists, including a “Mystery Artist.” Over the next 15 years, Isaac never lost sight of the dream (of a Steinway). Yes, the dream focused on a Steinway piano for St. Matthew’s UMC. This year, Isaac heard of a Steinway that had become available through the Butler brothers. He arranged for the church to purchase it and it resides in our Sanctuary today. Once it sat neglected in a Virginia living room – now it resides in God’s house to render incredible music through the mechanism only Steinway can produce. An added attraction to the service was the participation of the choir. It was an incredible and inspiring experience to hear them sing “Bright Morning Stars” and “River in Judea”.
The dedication service was led by Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli. The recital which followed featured Andrew Skinner, Susan Ricci-Rogel, and Roy Hakes. Andrew, one of our youth and a former student of Amaryllis Price, and Roy are St. Matthew’s members. Susan is a local teacher. Roy offered Three Preludes from Bach, Chopin and Szymanowski, and Funerailles by Liszt. Susan offered Bacchanal, Nocturne in c-sharp minor, and Barcarolle No. 1 and Andrew played O Polichinelo, and Nuage gris. A special Romance for Six Hands by Rachmaninoff was presented as a finale with all three musicians squeezed together, playing at once. It was fantastic. It was an afternoon to remember and a fitting tribute to Tavia Wyatt.
Thank you, Isaac, for your dedication and drive to secure this Steinway piano for our church. We are forever in your debt and we appreciate you and your gift to our church and we appreciate all the people who, in any way, contributed money or talent or their time in obtaining this piano over the years.
Tavia would be proud. Rest in peace.
–Kay League
