First Rehearsal

Tonight I had my first rehearsal with the United Methodist Church of North Chili's adult choir. They have a community dinner at 6, and I popped in to make sure things were set up. I am most blessed to have - for the first time in my experience - a choir librarian who is amazing! She had all the chairs in place, all the folders populated with the appropriate music, my letter of welcome printed and placed in the folder with a nicely sharpened pencil, a list of Sunday's music, the proper stuff in the bulletin, and the room prepared complete with a sign telling them what hymnals they would need! Wow! She took half my workload - all those non-musical aspects of conducting that are so time consuming - and what a difference that makes! I think all church music directors would like to be able to concentrate on the music and not get caught up in so much paperwork and clerical details.

The rehearsal went well. I only introduced 4 pieces (I like to work 5 Sundays ahead) but since it was our first time together, and since we are singing on Sunday, and since the piece I chose wasn't simple, I spent more time reworking Sunday's selection than I normally would. Energy was good, response from the singers good, and our oboe soloist added just the right interest to tweak curious minds.

I usually like to set a theme for the fall, to encourage us to contemplate some particular aspect of God, some grace that seems needed for whatever the congregation may be facing. But I don't know anything about this congregation as yet, though I have met with the pastor twice and heard from her heart. So I am reading the Sunday scriptures to them during our devotional. That will help us think ahead to what Sunday will bring, help us lead others in worship.

And as I get to know the people and the place they are in, I will hopefully have a better sense of how to encourage, what Scriptures to offer, what prayers to raise to the throne of God. Meanwhile, I am focusing on having them listen - really listen - to the music not just of their parts but of the other parts, of the piano, of the text, of the intent of the composer. I want them to sing not just with their voices, but with their understanding, and even more than that, from their hearts. To make the music their own, to offer it as their own prayer, their own words to God, to find their way into the presence of the King. And once they have experienced that, they will want to help others get there too.

For once you have experienced that intimate loving presence of the Most Holy God, you will not forget. You will want everyone to find their way there, to experience His love and care. So that's the journey I am on. I hope and pray the year will be good.