sing-a-long

May 25 was Memorial Day weekend and the band was absent. My mind was going like--informal, summer beginning, loosening up, children, outdoors, summer Bible school. So instead of a set of contemporary, I gave a shot at Bible school songs.

Here's the list we sang: This is the Day, Allelu Allelu, Deep and Wide, Jesus Loves Me, and one other I can't recall right now.

I was slightly nervous, although I had explained to Hunter and he had given his full support. I had also checked with several choir members. But yet, how would it be received?

What I noticed was smiles everywhere. I noticed parents showing chldren how to do the motions on "deep and wide." And, people really sang.

when it rains

I hear it when I'm practicing the organ. The church is empty and quiet. I'm engrossed in music.

Then out of the endge I hear a thundering sound. I turn my head right to see out the windows. And it's merely rain. But recently more than "merely." It's cats and dogs.

By the time I got my camera to the door to the courtyard it was softly falling.

nursery music

It's a little dark, but look at this: "composer of the month." The kids in nursery school have great exposure to music.

To-do--get them to sing in church some morning. I've talked to Dawn about it. It's a little late in the school term, but maybe. I hope.

Dock rock

Last evening I had the pleasure of introducing the Christopher Dock Mennonite High School Touring Choir at the 7 p.m. evening concert. Director Rodney Derstine lead a mostly acappella concert spanning many styles.

This is a choir which has not succcombed to the pop sound. They excell in all the classic vocal and choral skills--great tone, great support, great blending, spirited interpretation.

I said in closing: you can pray without singing but you can't sing without praying. Our own Katie Clough stands middle row far left.

my hand on handbell

This week I worked Wednesday and Thursday. That gave me the great opportunity to observe the youth handbell choir rehearsal at 6:30 and then to play with the adults at 7:30. It's been two years since I did handbells.

I was subbing for Edie on the G6 and A6. Nancy was directing.

I'm thinking maybe two youth bell choirs would be better, with the youngest one using only the chimes. Chimes are a simpler instrument and damage is not likely.