From the Organ Bench - November 2009

Greetings Friends! “Soli Deo Gloria”! This phrase is one of the five solas propounded to summarize the Reformed faith. It is also the motto of the American Guild of Organists, of which I am a member. It roughly translates as; “Glory to God alone”. These words have been swirling around my head since I first heard that the Session has scheduled to reopen Sanctuary by November 22nd. I have all sort of ideas running through my mind about worship, scripture, music, organ, psalms, dreams, possibilities, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. At the same time, I am also reminded of an old Army adage my father used to tell me: “hurry up and wait”.

Throughout this past summer, plans for the fall and winter were both prepared and put on hold, not knowing the exact “when and where” of worship. Now that we know that the light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train, it is time to pull out those plans and put them into action. Towards that end I need your help.

The Bell Choir has been the group most affected by our recent activities, both with the pipe organ and Sanctuary. When the pipe organ was being installed and construction was ongoing in the balcony, they lost their rehearsal space. Likewise when the Sanctuary was closed. It became apparent that we needed to move the Bell Choir. Well, I am here to tell you that the Bell Choir is alive and well and currently practicing in the Gym, Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. Where do you come in? We need more ringers in the Bell Choir. Over the past few years we have lost five ringers with no one to replace them. We have a three octave set of newly refurbished handbells, thirty seven bells in all. This size set needs about ten to twelve people to ring properly To keep the group ringing over the past few years we have prepared music for smaller groups. Basically music for two octave groups. Now we do have some music for two octaves of handbells but most of our music is for three octaves. Today, our numbers are short for even two octave music as that takes about seven to eight people and we only have five! If you have ever wanted to get involved in YOUR Church's Music Program, here is your chance. You don't need to read music. You don't need to be able to sing or even carry a tune for that matter. You just have to know your right hand from your left and be capable of counting, usually not past six.

I am excited about what this Bell Choir can become. We will soon have our new Bell Tables completed. We will set them up on the new hardwood floor at the front of the Sanctuary. That means for the first time, that I know of, the Bell Choir will be seen as well as heard. I am also excited about the improved acoustics of the Sanctuary. With just the front carpeting removed, the effect is dramatic.

Advent is fast approaching and the Sanctuary Choir can also use your help, especially if you happen to be a Bass. Again, over the years we have lost members and not been able replaced them. Now I know that some people are a bit daunted by the idea of a weekly commitment, but we do our best to be flexible. We try to work on anthems four to six weeks in advance, so if you miss a rehearsal or two, it should not matter. Likewise, I do not expect everyone to be there every Sunday. That is not really humanly possible today. I welcome your participation and any time that you might have to give to the Sanctuary Choir.

If you are wondering what the difference between the two Adult Choirs might be, let me give you a brief out line. The Bell Choir rehearses weekly and ideally plays once a month, but all of our “participating” members are needed to play their parts when we do play. The Sanctuary Choir also rehearses weekly, but sings weekly at Worship. The Sanctuary Choir however does not require every “participating” member to be present in order to sing. It would be nice to have everyone, but as long as I know of your absence, we can work around it.

Plans for Advent and Christmas Eve are being finalized was we speak. Please consider joining your music program this year. It may just be the best present you ever give yourself.

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to each of you.

Past messages from the Director of Music:
October 2009: From the Organ Bench - October 2009
September 2009: From the Organ Bench - September 2009
July 2009: From the Organ Bench - July 2009
April 2009: From the Organ Bench - April 2009
November 2008: From the Organ Bench - November 2008