A personal and professional profile

Buddha in a Jade Mountain (Qing Dynasty) Posted by permission of the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art, Memphis, TN PERSONAL PAGES     Home Page     Biography     Reading List     Favorites     Travels     Saints & Seasons       Advent       Christmas       Epiphany       Lent       Easter       Pentecost       Ordinary Time PROFESSIONAL PAGES     Resumé     Philosophy     Archives     Repertoire Lists      Larger Works      Adult Repertoire      Youth Repertoire      Childrens Repertoire      Handbell Reperoire A CELEBRATION OF GOD'S GRACE God heals, and the doctor takes the fee. --Benjamin Franklin

Philosophy of Music Ministry We sing and play to the Lord because the Lord has placed a song in our hearts, and our gratitude for a changed life wells forth in a song. At Messiah, we have opportunities for people of all ages to sing, and for most ages to ring handbells and play instruments. The center of our heart music is the congregation's singing where everyone can express their Christian joy. In addition, we encourage those who have developed musical skills, or would like to, to participate in one of our musical ensembles where personal and spiritual growth takes place in the context of a community of faith. Following is an outline of goals of Messiah's music ministry. (For a narrative version, click here.) Congregational Song & Worship Leadership(Read more) Teaching new hymns Sing for special events (Weddings, funerals, etc.) Congregation singing with choirs Soloists & ensembles in worship Choirs as worship leaders rather than as performers Music Notes in the worship folder Spiritual Growth(Read more) Prayer beginning and ending rehearsals Devotions The music and texts we sing Music listened to in worship Discipline and accountability required for music making Maximize Participation (Read more) Recruitment (formal and personal) 3 choirs for children 1 youth choir 3 adult choirs 5 handbell choirs Orchestra Volunteer leaders, accompanists and assistants, chaperones Communication with ensembles Repertoire (Diversity & Quality) (Read more) Commissioned anthems (2004) Global song Extracts from oratorios Music from all historical periods Music for combined forces Community Building (Read more) Prayers & Praises at rehearsal Absences (calls & follow-up) Birthday celebrations Epiphany and spring parties Secret pals Pancake Supper Sunshine (birthday cards, etc.) Musicals Leadership & Skill Development (Read more) Church music conferences Choir Retreats Workshops (Voices United) Soloists in Worship Choir Leadership meetings Choral Festivals (Choristers Guild & Choral Conductors Guild, Kaleidoscope) Handbell Festivals Musical and vocal instruction as part of rehearsals Service (Community/Church)/ Outreach (Read more) Retirement Community Concerts (Greensprings, Hermitage & Retreat Sundays) Messiah Spring concert Handel’s Messiah Receptions