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Last week I began sifting through the piles of papers and music that inevitably end up on my desk or on the floor which led me to rearrange the office. To me, clutter is noisy. Even knowing this, I still clutter up when I get really busy with tasks that pop up and ongoing work. When I think I can’t stand it anymore, I clean up and organize. It is almost peaceful in there – you are invited to come by anytime and visit while it’s still that way! Now, for my house…….
As a conductor, that is my job – to clean up, that is. Are we singing the words the same way? Did we execute the final consonant of the word together or cut off at the same time? Are we singing the right notes at the right time? How’s that rhythm go? Choral singing has its rules, and I’m there as conductor to enforce them in a fun way so that everyone doesn’t go home crying or something. I’ve had mean conductors, and it’s not fun. It’s the choir’s job to do all of these things and more for you, the listener. Of course, there’s the thrill of getting it right for the choristers themselves. We strive each week to bring you the best we have to offer, even though we may be missing some people due to illness, etc. Our snowbirds John Sergey, Craig Endicott, and Richard Boettcher are back in the choir until right after Easter! The tenors and basses are really happy to have the extra help. If you are a snowbird and you sing in the choir at your home church, join us for the Sundays that you can.
This coming week, we will be singing “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name” a traditional spiritual arranged by Brazeal W. Dennard with Tom Haughney as soloist. Last week (in case you were curious)for the introit, Marcia Dobbin, John Sergey, and I sang solos backed up by the choir on “I Want Jesus to Walk With Me,” and Bud Longley, John Sergey, and Richard Hathaway sang the opening sentences on “Open Our Eyes.”
On the 29th of January, wear your tartan and get ready for the sound of bagpipes and drums. We will sing “What Shall I Bring to the Lord?” by Robert Lau with a text-based on Micah 6:6-8 and connect it to “What Does the Lord Require of You?” by Jim Strathdee. And “Celtic Blessings” by Linda Scholes and Mary McDonald. The Kirkin’ of the Tartan is a favorite service at SSPC that celebrates all families no matter their lineage. Again, the Coastal Highlanders will be the pipe and drum band. They were up in Savannah at First Presbyterian this past fall at my recommendation and really blew them all away! If you have sensitive ears, bring earplugs, but for the most part, our sanctuary soaks up the sound, and it’s quite tolerable.
Upcoming – Faith Enrichment Conference for the Savannah Presbytery – Feb. 3, 4 – I will be leading the music for worship, and we will have a quick, put-together choir on Friday evening. A few of our staff members will be participating. Sign up and Come and see!
The Sacred Music Festival will occur on the same weekend with a concert at the end. The festival features Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, composer and conductor. The concert “Sing for Community, Sing for Peace” is at 5 pm on February 4th at St. Simons United Methodist Church. It is free and open to the public.
Also, free and open to the public is THE ISLAND CONCERT ASSOCIATION. We are almost at our fundraising goal, so if you haven’t joined, please help us by doing so. There are brochures in the church on various tables or go to http://www.islandconcertassociation.org The first concert is on Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 pm and features Ukrainian pianist, Anna Bogolubova.
Love & Gratitude,
Rhonda
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