My eyes have been opened to see the power and function of music. I used to view it as something that I could immerse myself into on my walkman in a comfortable corner by myself. Because I am deeply moved by the nuances of emotion expressed by well controlled voices and inspired by the feelings and ideas expressed through clever lyrics I could spend hours in this isolated paradise. But as time as gone on it’s become harder for me to find that same place of enjoyment.
Having studied music a lot (tips from my older brother, lessons on and off since 2nd grade, an undergraduate and graduate degree in music) and having worked as a professional musician both as a performer and teacher for 30 years I am not moved as I used to be. I get board easily. I require more to be moved and inspired. And I value sincerity like never before–especially in my musical consumption.
But recently I’ve discerned a beauty, power, purpose and usefulness of music that relies more on it’s corporate blessing than it’s solo pleasures. I was sitting in a church at a gathering near Takoma Park, Maryland trying out something I hadn’t done before. I had been invited by a friend to a shape-note singing event. I wasn’t familiar with the practice. But apparently there are groups of people all over the United States and in other parts of the world who have learned this system of notation where different notes of the scale have different shapes. This system makes sight reading music easier. In the modern revival of this practice that started over 200 years ago many choose to use a hymnbook called The Sacred Harp. Those of this tradition usually sing a cappella. I must say it was a beautiful experience to hear people (many who have never met previously) who have a love for God and group singing create music in harmony. And the idea that I could go many places around the world and carry my Sacred Harp hymnbook with me and be welcomed to join in the singing there seemed a beautiful symbol of acceptance and unity.
As a Minister of Music I often have been caught in the crossfire of the debate about music performance and participation in the church. Do we want everyone in the pews to sing or do we just want those with music degrees? Do we prefer watching a praise team lead out and enjoying the concert or is there a way to engage us in congregational singing that would give us the experience of unity the choral singing is capable of? I think the solo experience and the performance experience are valuable but not the full glory.
A few days ago I enjoyed presenting a concert. This concert featured a community choir. People who had never met came together, rehearsed, and then presented gospel music that inspired not only their audience but each other as well. We had both guest soloists and soloists from within the choir. When we finished our concert I was overwhelmed by the excitement and happiness of the singers. The singers ranged in age from high school students to retired grand parents. But all came together to make beautiful music to glorify God. Music can bring us together.
I saw a group of female prisoners singing a Hezekiah Walker song on TV. I knew the song and felt a connection to them as they sang it. It expressed their gratitude to God. It resonated with the large gathering of prisoners in worship there assembled. God made music to glorify Him. And when we enter into music that glorifies Him it draws us closer to Him and to each other.
Let’s make music together. Let’s include everyone. Let it have harmonies that express our belief as expressed in Ephesians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[a] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
