Music Planning

I have missed conducting choirs all summer. I can't wait to start up again. This year will be particularly intense as the choir helps me prepare for my degree recital. I have been working on ways to sing the pieces as often as we can so the choir will feel comfortable with the music and be able to let the piece be the music instead of getting hung up on notes and challenges.

Today I spent the morning at the church working with the music librarian in the database, matching the pastor's sermon themes with texts and Bible passages where possible. It is a slow going process, but as in other years, I find a piece will suddenly leap out at me, as if to say, "Pick me. I am the right song for this service." I have always been grateful for such guidance.

Services will be filled with good music this year. I connected with engaging music at the St Olaf Conference and also at Concordia. I have participated in excellent music singing and thoughtfully prepared and liturgically rich services. I am filled with the desire to bring as much of this excellence into our worship this year. Even in the midst of planning my recital - or maybe I should say as a fitting result of it.

I only have a few more weeks to get the plans in place, and I know I will be spending a few more mornings here getting the pieces in place. I love this stuff! It's so exciting.