Issue 17
Mark
10:43-44
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant and
whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all.
People's names are very interesting.
Parents worry about what name to choose for their unborn child.
They practice the sound, write it out to see how it looks and check
for any possible nicknames that may come from the name. Parents
want the name to fit their child. We can read Scripture and find
the many names that refer to Jesus. We, as musicians in the church,
have many different names. Some of us are called director of music,
minister of music, organist, or worship leader. Other traditions
have names for their leaders such as cantor. While reading a journal
article recently, I ran across two new names - enlivener and worship
designer.
Sometimes, the name we give ourselves
is an accurate description of our responsibility in the music ministry.
Other times, it can be broad and cover a wide range of responsibilities.
There has been discussion by many people in various magazines and
on blogs about what our title as church musicians should be in order
to describe our role in the church. At times, the discussion becomes
tiresome and seems to consume energy that could be better spent.
Jesus said we are to think of ourselves as servants if we want to
be leaders. This is a title that conveys our role in the church
- not only as musicians but as participants in the worship. If we
adopt a servant attitude, we can use our energy to make our music
ministry the best it can be. A servant attitude will help us focus
on how our musical choices support and enhance the worship of our
congregation. We have been gifted and called by God to serve the
musical life of the church. As we worship throughout the Lenten
season, let's not worry about what others call us - let's call ourselves
servant and rejoice!
Music Alert:
Organ: Sacred
Music Sounds from George Shearing, Sacred Music Press (KK229).
This collection of hymntune settings is from English jazz composer
and musician George Shearing. Many of the tunes are familiar including
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and "Come, Ye Sinners".
Shearing's jazz sounds find their way into each setting, making
this a refreshing collection. While not difficult, each piece contains
spots that will require some practice time but they are worth it.
This is a great addition to anyone's repertoire and your congregation
will enjoy hearing these familiar tunes with a twist.
Handbells: O
Dearest Jesus, Arr. John Behnke, MC0976820 available from
Jeffers Handbell (handbellworld.com), 2-3 oct., Level 2.
This wonderful setting is a pure, clear setting of HERZLIEBSTER
JESU (Ah, Holy Jesus) that requires minimal lead time. There is
some use of martellato in the middle section and the pianissimo
ending that fades away allows time for the listener to contemplate
Christ's sacrifice.
Choir: Without
His Cross by Joseph Martin, Shawanee Press, 3060829, SATB.
The triumph of Christ is captured in this offering from Joseph Martin.
Contrasts in the text (without the tears, no comfort, without death,
no life) highlight the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. These
contrasts also allow the text to be learned quickly. The melody
also uses contrast in the descending opening passage followed by
an ascending passage. Especially useful during the Easter season.
Book Alert:
Voice
of Many Waters edited by Kay Snodgrass, Geneva Press, Louisville,
KY., ISBN 0664501117
This anthology is a collection of poems and short essays that touch
on topics such as creation, death and resurrection. Black and white
drawings and photographs add to the power of this slim volume. Great
for personal reflection and growth.
Upcoming Events:
May 4, 2008 - Choirfest 25th Anniversary
Celebration! -Come and join us at Underwood Memorial Baptist Church
at 7:00 for a wonderful concert of choirs and handbells. Premier
performance of a commissioned piece and a special hymn for the occasion.
For information call First Baptist-West Allis at 414-258-7400 or
Underwood Memorial at 414-258-4246.
June 8, 2008 - First Baptist-West
Allis will be celebrating the completion of a major renovation project
that has made the building completely accessible including an elevator
and ramps. Mark your calendars and look for more information in
The Wisconsin Baptist as well as upcoming articles.
Questions? Comments? Events to
publicize? Contact me at fbwamusic@aol.com
Mary
