An interesting journey. This piano has had an interesting journey along the way to its final arrival at GABC. I first became familiar with it when playing at Falls Creek Youth Assembly near Davis, OK several summers ago. Edmond Music Company, Edmond, OK, generously provided Falls Creek with musical instruments, including this piano. I fell in love with it for its crisp yet not-heavy action. It's almost as if it finishes scale runs on its own once you start one. (What a deal!) Its tone is rich and even, the treble bell-like but not tinny.

Used for Steinway artists. In its usual life, this piano was owned by Steinway but kept in Okla. City for use by Steinway concert artists whenever one would come through the area and play. Steinway has many such pianos across the country. Because of this, the piano has been maintained in impeccable shape in terms of its action, tuning and regulation. As GABC began its search for a piano, I mentioned to the music minister about this piano and the fact that Steinway occasionally sold these pianos after they had been in service awhile. I thought it might be worthwhile to check on it. I asked Mike Gilliam, owner of Edmond Music, if he would ask Steinway on our behalf. A few days later he said that Steinway had agreed to sell the piano, and at an exceptional price.

In return for our allowing Edmond Music to use the piano a few more times as a rental, they agreed to apply the rental money to enhance their usual restoration efforts on the case, which had understandably picked up some wear and tear through moves. The final result, though, was more than we could have hoped for. It is virtually flawless, with new decals and pedals, a new artist bench and a beautiful case.

And Away He Goes! The platform has a "secret door" at the rear which fronts a special enclosure for the pano to be rolled into when the stage is needed for pageants or other special productions. In such cases, the orchestra will move to the main floor and the pianist will use an 88-key electronic piano.

Steinway and Sons. Not much more needs to be said other than those three words. Renowned throughout the world for manufacturing outstanding pianos, this company lives up to its reputation with every grand piano it makes. The Steinway Web Site is well worth visiting, to learn how they make these fine instruments and to read more about the history of Steinway.

(Note from Richard: Tim's a pretty quiet guy, but finally I squeezed this bio out of him, in his own words!)

I am the son of a Baptist preacher and have been playing the piano for churches since I was 14 years old. I received both private and institutional music training from age 10 until age 20. Most of my early influences were pianists from crusades and evangelistic teams. Now, I enjoy listening to many different pianists and enjoy trying to incorporate as many varying styles as possible in my playing. In addition to playing for churches I also was the keyboardist for a contemporary Christian band from 1983-1985. The band traveled as part of an evangelistic team for David Wilkerson ministries.

At age 20 I enlisted in the Air Force was able to travel to many different locations. This is when I discovered that if you're willing to use your talents, God will always find a place for you to serve. During my time in the military I served as pianist in churches in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and the country of Turkey. This allowed me to be introduced to many different styles and varieties of worship. In Turkey, every Sunday I played for liturgical services, traditional services, and gospel services.

Currently I am the pianist at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, TX. The Lord has immeasurably blessed this church and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to use my gifts here. My responsibilities include playing for Sunday Worship, Sunday afternoon choir rehearsal, and Wednesday night orchestra rehearsal. Also, I accompany an auditioned high school ensemble, an adult ensemble, and our Gospel choir. In addition, I assist the Instrumental director with composing, arranging, and transcribing orchestral arrangements.

I have been married for 15 years to my wife Stacie and have two children; Jared, 12 and Shelbie, 10.

Back to Welcome Page