And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and called according to his purpose for them.
Ack!! The flu and travel season have hit the choir! The make-up of the choir can change drastically from one week to the next. 2 sopranos, 3 altos, 1 tenor and 4 basses – arrange those numbers in any order you like. This is all a part of the life of a choir and is something that all directors have to deal with. So what are we to do? Well, we can lament the fact that we are not at full strength each any every week and spread the seeds of negativity to all around us. The better choice is to take these situations as opportunities from God. Now is the time when we can really work on individual parts or help the choir to develop a better sense of security in their own part (especially if they are the only one on their part!) We can make things work for the good of the choir and spend some time on issues we previously identified as needing work such as intonation, breath control or that elusive “blend.” Instead of thinking of it as a roadblock we can think of it as new construction – new confidence for our singers, new understanding of the text, new appreciation for the other members' contribution. This may seem a little “pie-in-the-sky” to some but I know that a positive attitude is just as contagious as a negative attitude. We are called according to God’s purpose and our calling is a high and honorable one. Let’s all continue to work together for the good of our musicians and for the glory of God.
Organ: Easy Hymn Preludes for Organ Vol. 5 by Benjamin M. Culli, Concordia Publishing House, 97-7193, 2006. This volume is part of a series titled Musica Sacra. Each volume has accessible settings of familiar hymn tunes which can serve as introductions to the hymns or as incidental music in the worship service. This volume contains a wonderful setting of God of Grace and God of Glory in 7/8. Wonderful!
Choral: Before the Throne of God Above (SATB) arranged by David Angerman, Glorysound. This Celtic-influenced setting of the hymn text provides an opportunity for your choir to work on interpretation. The gentle melody gradually grows to a majestic final verse with the text “Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb.” Absolutely beautiful.
Handbells: Prayer by Jeanne C. Warzyn, AGEHR, 3-5 octaves, Level 2, Lorenz. This original piece is hauntingly beautiful and can be rung on bells or chimes. This piece can be used for church or concert performance.
Website: hymnary.org. This is a comprehensive index of hymns and hymnals with search mechanisms using tune, text, person and melody. It is great for research and for finding just the right hymn for your next hymn festival or service. Check it out.
Upcoming events: March 21, 2010 at 3:00 – Graduate organ recital of Mary Schecher at Concordia University-Mequon Chapel of Christ Triumphant. Featuring the music of Franck, Howells, Shearing and Mulet.
