Staff Spotlight: The Guitarist
When listening to music just isn’t enough, that’s where playing it comes in. Meet Abby, IT Security Analyst at BHFCU.
Abby’s journey with music began with playing piano in elementary school, but it was the guitar that truly captured her heart. At the age of 10, she first picked up a guitar, and a few years later, she began formal lessons, establishing it as her musical home base.
“Music has always been a constant in my life. Eventually, I had the urge to go beyond being a passive listener and get hands-on,” shared Abby. “My curiosity led me to experiment with different instruments until I found a perfect match with the guitar.”
In the beginning, Abby was completely self-taught, mimicking YouTube tutorials. After two years of private lessons, she came to the crossroads of either diving further into music theory or continuing to play for enjoyment. Abby opted to keep guitar a fun and creative escape, testing chords and figuring out what sounds best to her. The timelessness and expressive riffs (hello, cool power cords) of classic rock have made it her go-to genre.
“For me, learning a new piece is like stepping into the artist’s shoes – it’s a way to connect with the story behind the music,” Abby explained. “Picking a favorite song feels almost impossible, but, if forced, Blackbird by the Beatles feels like an old friend every time I play it.”
Abby’s love for the instrument was amplified by the project of restoring a custom guitar passed down by her great uncle. After being unplayable when she received it, Abby spent time tinkering with the help of local experts, turning it into her prized ‘Bender Flabbergaster’ (modeled after the Fender Stratocaster for all you guitar buffs) and one of her greatest musical accomplishments. While it may not sound quite as smooth as her Gibson Les Paul, playing this heirloom evokes a different emotion.
In her teenage years, Abby played in a few duos around the Rapid City music scene. Some of her favorite experiences came from those intimate gatherings of a small crowd sharing music. These days, Abby is a founding member of BHFCU’s very own credit union band. Several employees come together to make music and perform at credit union events.
“Every year, we look forward to performing, sharing our love for music with the credit union, and adding a little extra fun to the occasion,” Abby shared with a smile. “It’s a highlight for all of us, and it’s become a tradition I treasure.”
