Expecting the Unexpected

Today I taught an early morning class, Music Theory, about library resources germane to their research. There is so much to tell them about, so little time. I had carefully put together a powerpoint with lists of resources for each format they might need to use for their upcoming papers.

I had anticipated about 20 students, since I had a list of their paper topics from the professor. I knew he had mentioned that another class might sit in, but I hadn't seen the reservation form or realized that we were going to have 32 students! Yikes!

I hurriedly copied a few more handouts, and lowered the second screen in the instruction lab, queuing it up for the same presentation. I should know about being prepared for the unexpected. I often have to change horses in mid stream and go another direction. Its one of those "transferable skills" people are always looking for.

As I talked, I watched the students. Some were interested and writing things down. Others were yawning, others quietly talking. I would ask them to click on different databases and search for their composers or topics, and most of them did a bit half heartedly. But when I showed them the databases of recordings they could access (classical repertoire), they all perked up. I walked them through how to navigate the interface, asked for a favorite composer and piece, brought it up.

I had the sound off and someone asked if I could turn on the sound, so I obliged. Unfortunately, the volume was turned up to high E, and I blasted them for a moment before I could turn the knob down.

Unexpected for all of us. It certainly woke up the half asleep and jarred people into the moment. From that point on the class was engaged in what I was showing them. Too bad I didn't present that part first!

Sometimes I think God must want to blast a trumpet in our ear to get our attention and wake us up so we will be engaged in the work at hand. Maybe He does!

Music with Friends

My friend who sings in PrayerSong filled in at church today, playing for the service while our regular accompanist is away. What a joy to work with a friend doing what I love to do best - sing and praise God, encouraging others to do the same.

Even though she sang in a choir I conducted before, we are new at this, working together one on one. It takes time to sense each others rhythms, know what the other one is thinking, gain confidence. And yet we flowed together so smoothly! I had a chance to sing, something I don't get to do often, and I didn't even feel the usual case of jitters.

I think we will have a long season of working together, and I welcome the opportunity to settle in and be at peace in our performances. Without our own sense of peace and joy, we can hardly impart that to others. I look forward to services of healing where there is the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit that is so rare these days.

What a wonderful way to start a Sunday, one that was already packed with activities. It would have been so easy to have put my mind on the upcoming chime rehearsal (last one before we perform and those are always hectic) or on working at the library (my weekend) or on things still not done at home, or on the upcoming teaching week for which I am not ready.

Yet with my friend there, and with the pastor's focus on living at a sacred and savoring pace, I was able to be in the moment, fully focused on what was happening in the service, knowing my responsibilities well enough now not to have to constantly be thinking ahead to what I need to do next, just flowing. Harder for her I know since she is not familiar with the service pieces. Yet she did such a great job. It was nice. I am glad I will be doing more of this!

Cradle Songs

One category of music PrayerSong sings is cradle songs, aka lullabies. I found many arrangements in the collections at Illinois, one of which was titled Celtic Lullaby. We sang it at rehearsal today, and when we finished reading it the first time, we all sighed. Its such a lovely piece, so gentle, so calm.

Not so much in the words:

Sweet babe, a golden cradle holds thee,
Soft a snow white fleece enfolds thee,
Fairest flowers are strewn before thee,
Sweet birds warble o’er thee.

Shoheen, sholo, lu lu lo.

Oh sleep my baby free from sorrow,
Bright thou’lt ope thine eyes tomorrow,
Sleep while o’er thy smiling slumbers
Angels change their numbers.

Shoheen, sholo, lu lu lo.

In fact, the text seems too silly and flowery. But with the music, better than a Valium and no side effects. Sung with women's voices, its especially quiet and comforting. It will be interesting to see what happens when we sing for cancer patients who are obviously *not* babies.

There is something in lullabies that touches the heart. For babies of course they say it mimics what they experienced in the womb, hearing their mother's voice and heartbeat etc. Particularly effective if sung while rocking the baby.

Well, I can't hold a cancer patient in my arms (at least not most of the time, though I have hugged many). But I can still sing to them "comfort music." Sort of like comfort foods. Ultimately, the comfort comes from God, knowing that He is with you and will never leave you. But if a heart can be momentarily comforted with gentle music, that's a good thing.

So I will continue to practice that piece until it becomes such a part of me that I find myself humming and singing it in all seasons. And much of the other music we are learning. May God use it to bring solace where there is pain.