Music
PEDAL POINT
Dear Friends,
My family and I were away this past weekend to celebrate Kathi’s birthday with a trip to Austin. We took time to commune at one of the large city churches on Sunday morning. For me, it was also a time to see what music others are using in worship. One of the delights of this particular service was the music played by a small instrumental ensemble—two clarinets and tenor saxophone. They played a movement from a sonata by Handel as a prelude to the service. The music helped to set a marvelous atmosphere of quiet and expectation, making us ready to receive the gift of God’s Word.
Now Handel never heard clarinets and saxophone,—the Chalumeau, a precurser of the clarinet, was just barely on the scene during his lifetime—but these instruments served very well to bring his music to life. It was a welcome contrast to the sound of the organ—with its own distinctive power and beauty—that pervades most worship.
This experience made me think once again: Where are the instrumental musicians in Victoria? Does anyone at First United Methodist Church play an instrument? Maybe you do, or you know someone who does. Let’s put that gift to use in God’s house. Call me at FUMC or at home (485-9080) so that we may make use of this talent and bring additional diversity to our music ministry.
Peace and Love,
David.
