the charlotte church band   I moved three hours west for a cushy art job, but there were other forces at work: The position that began in September turned sour in November, and I was on the street again. But lo and behold: The music at the church needed a shot in the arm, so to speak, and by April I was actually getting paid to direct it. For over two years, I taught arrangements to a large choir and I had a talented band who went wherever I took them.

We covered secular songs that contain positive messages, and arranged gospel hymns to fit our attitude and instrumentation. Whether it was a women's trio performing Amazing Grace with a lone acoustic guitar - the entire band laying down a groove for Wade In the Water - or a mystical a capella treatment of O Sacred Head - I had a blast and ministered to people spiritually.

Unfortunately, with increasing responsibility at my full-time job and at home I couldn't maintain the pace; ultimately I called it quits. But I came away with fond memories, eternal friends and a matured perspective on music. Restless soul that I am, I'm always seeking an outlet; here are two secular projects that briefly fulfilled that need (click on either image):