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
