This month it was suggested that I be the first “guinea pig” for the Music of the Month column, so here is a little about myself, Diane West.

Diane West

I majored in vocal performance at Metro State College, completing my bachelors requirements, but dropping out to go “pro” in 1972. In college I met my partner Fred Johnson, an accomplished classical guitarist. As half of the musical duo “Orion” I spent five years of my early twenties schlep-ping a Fender Rhoades electric piano, an Arp Odyssey synthesizer and my flute to various Holiday Inn, Ramadas, and other lounges in Denver and eastern Colorado, playing from 9:00 pm–2:00 am six nights a week. We played the pop fare of the 70’s… lots of Seals & Crofts, Loggins & Messina, Brewer & Shipley, It’s A Beautiful Day, and my favorite-the Moody Blues. We had lots of cool arrangements intertwining Fred’s classical guitar solo pieces into the pop songs, and al-ways fun vocal harmonies.

After the dissolution of Orion, I joined as the singer for a five-piece jazz band where I met my future hus-band. Rob West was a brilliant saxophone and flute player, as well as a guitarist and composer. The band broke up but Rob & I moved to Vail and continued as the duo “Tabernash”, playing jazz, pop rock & origi-nals. We played a lot of Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendez, George Benson, Basia, as well as Carol King, Nicolette Larson and Linda Ronstadt. I also did some solo piano bar apre ski in Vail.

Throughout my life I have always had “church jobs”. My first was as Choir Director for Montclair Luthern Church in Denver. I was the organist for the Christian Scientists at the Vail Interfaith Chapel, and subbed for the Episcopalians. I produced the midnight Christmas Eve programs for the Avon & Minturn Presbyterian churches. Upon moving to Grand Junction, my first job was organist at Crossroads Methodist Church.

My favorite of all of course is Unity. “Where My Heart Feels at Home.” I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to serve as Music Director here. I started in May of 1993 as “Soloist” when Dan Kellerstrauss was the minister and Dennis Woodrich was Music Director. Dennis really took me under his wing and gave me an opportunity to share my music. When Dennis left I assumed the Music Director position and held that through Dec 31st, 2000. During that time, Unity had a few ministerial changes and a few times when we were without a minister, but the music played on. I partnered with Katherine Conrad when Ed Conrad was minister, and had an assistant music director, Joni Rumsey, for several years. During a hiatus from Unity, I worked as music director for the Uncompahgre Unitarian Universalist Society. Rev. Doug invited me to return to Unity, so I did that on Jan 1st of 2006. Rev. Doug is such a joy and it is an honor to work with him. He is an “awesome” musician and songwriter, and it feels a little like “the old days” when I get the chance to play and sing backup for him. The other musicians I regularly work with, Bev Jackson and John Slay, are consummate professionals in their own right. Getting to work with the Unity Singers is always inspiring, and their dedication and hard work always amazes me.

 Being part of Unity of Grand Junction is my heart. I love being able to share music every week. I love the inspiration I have received to create my original songs. I look forward to the continued creative expansion of our musical endeavors.

Blessings,  Diane

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