By Dan Ritter

This is an example of how you start with an idea, and it grows as more people become involved. When I started in September, I was thinking about music I could play for the Halloween Spooky Music. I thought Phantom of the Opera would be good on the organ. So I started working on it. Then I was practicing with Kim Wetteland on some service music, and she happened to mention that she’d love to sing Phantom of the Opera for Spooky Music. And I said I was planning to do it, and we could go through it together, and see how it goes. Then Milt came and heard us practicing and we mentioned it would be nice to have someone singing the part of the Phantom. I suggested maybe Milt could do it. There was no hesitation, and we tried it on the spot. The Phantom became Milt’s costume, and the whole thing was a great opening for the evening. What had started as an organ piece became much more interesting with willing and capable singers.

This is a big reason for me wanting to come to Prince of Peace. There are so many excellent musicians to collaborate with, and enrich the church experience. I’ve enjoyed working with the band, the choir, string players, brass, and of course doing Sleigh Ride with Debbie Jorgens on the piano!

Watch the 2022 Spooky Music below!