Our people: Local piano man: 'Make meaningful music.'

The Clovis Community Chorus Christmas Concert is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday at First Methodist Church, 14th and Sycamore streets.

If you go, you might notice a guy playing the piano, the chorus' accompanist, James Golden.

Those in attendance will experience "a variety of music across multiple genres and time periods," Golden said.

"After the concert there will be a reception with drinks and goodies."

Chorus Director Tami Martin "has done a great job in selecting the music for the concert. There will something for everyone," Golden said.

Tuesday is special for one other reason: It's Golden's birthday.

Here is his story:

Q: Where were you born?

A: Portales. My family has been there for quite a while.

My dad was a battalion chief at the fire department and my mom stayed home most of the time. We grew up on the family farm.

Q: How did you come to be in Clovis?

A: I went through school in Portales, got a degree in communicative disorders and a minor in piano at Eastern New Mexico University.

I was teaching at Portales Junior High for a couple of years, then spent time between the junior high and high school.

I moved to Farmington where I taught for five years at Piedra Vista High School.

Then I returned to Clovis. Tami Martin, Community Chorus director and Clovis High School choir director, urged me to return to Clovis.

I am now teaching at Yucca Middle School and the Freshman Academy.

In addition to playing the piano for the Community Chorus I also play for Gattis and Marshall as well as for First United Methodist Church in Portales.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: My parents grew up here, I've got three older sisters.

My spouse and I live in Clovis.

Q: What was the last costume you wore?

A: Probably when I was in Farmington. I was part of the Caliente Community Choir.

We had an event where I dressed as the Phantom of the Opera and I sang songs with another member of the group.

I think that was the last time I wore a costume. That was a year ago.

Q: So you are the pianist for the Community Chorus. What interested you in the piano?

A: My family has always been musical.

My mom and her sisters had a little family band with the girls, one of their brothers, a sister's husband and their dad.

They were often seen at the Floyd Jamboree.

They sang just about everything. They had wonderful harmonies.

Mom put all of us in piano lessons with Eunice Schumpert.

Mrs. Schumpert taught piano around here for years.

My mom took care of Mrs. Schumpert's books and statements in trade for our piano lessons.

I took lessons from her for 11 years and Dr. John Olsen at ENMU for four years.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: When I was little I wanted to be a landscaper.

I have no idea why.

Q: Describe yourself in one word.

A:

Dedicated.

Q: What's the best sandwich?

A: A chicken salad sandwich made by my mom.

It's good.

Q: What's the best smell?

A: Fresh rain. A freshly plowed field.

Q: What's your favorite dish?

A: My dad's pork ribs and Mom's lasagna.

That's been one of the highlights of moving back, going to have lunch with Mom after church on Sunday.

Q: What's your favorite TV show?

A: "The Office." I enjoy watching television that's mind numbing.

My favorite character is Pam, the receptionist.

Q: James Golden's fantasy dinner party: Who's there? What's being talked about? What's being served?

A: At this point in my life it would be the people I've lost recently that I'd like to see again:

All four of my grandparents and my dad. They've all passed away in the past eight or nine years.

We'd just spend time catching up on life.

We'd have Dad's pork ribs, Ma-Maw's red beef enchiladas and fried squash and three or four of her pies, Grandma Hazel's potato salad; it was the best.

And Pop's ham. I've never had ham as good as he could make it.

Q: What's your favorite saying or quote?

A: I always like to tell my students, "Make meaningful music by making music meaningful."

Golden said the Clovis Community Chorus Christmas Concert will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at First Methodist Church, 14th & Sycamore streets in Clovis.

Golden said attendees will experience "a variety of music across multiple genres and time periods."

"After the concert there will be a reception with drinks and goodies," Golden said.