"We need more arrangements that are easier to play, so people can accompany hymns with less effort."
"Not everyone can sing these hymns."
"Today's listener doesn't understand the language, so we should update the language."
"It needs to be more accessible."
"I'm not a trained musician, but I can understand ___. Can you make resources that way?"
Church musicians frequently hear or receive these requests from parishioners regarding musical materials. My response is, are you sure that is really what you need? The musicians have been trained to look out for those needs and make those kinds of executive decisions. As these instances occur more and more, they only make the opposite point that that is what they don't need.
So your organist doesn't like isometric Bach settings, or pedal. He wishes that three-part settings of the hymnal could be available so he could just sit down and play hymns on the fly. Well, clearly he did have musical training to get to the point where he could sightread - what hinders him from going ahead and learning a four-part setting which supports all vocal parts in their original form?
"I don't have time to practice that. I have a job during the week."
Hmm. If this is continually going to take a back seat, your congregation deserves better than that. Maybe we need more trained church musicians who have that AS their job!
"So, how do you make any money doing that?"
That's a good question...
The thing is, every hymn you think of as easy was once hard for you. You learned to sing and pick up on a tune or read music when you were little. Then, by repetition in whatever degree, you memorized its patterns. What some think of as a "harder" hymn is just a less-coherent hymn, and may involve more repetition to memorize (but again, this may not be the same in all times and places). If you in a certain musical culture are expecting that a hymn will sound a specific way, you already have started learning it.
"But this is too hard for the modern-day church member." Why? People must have done it for years now, and survived. Standard changes of practice (like "you" for "thee," or musical notation) are allowed at the basic level, but if alterations are made with an outlook of accessibility, it begins to assume that people are not willing to learn. I know there's the 8.2-second average attention span to get past, but can't pastors and musicians teach people to learn, too?
I've done some reading about tone-deafness. Very few cases out there are lack of musical ear in a biological form. Most of a learning disability to do with music is 1. lack of musical exposure, and 2. not wanting to listen to others when they speak. Interesting. Being in an environment in which people make music (like a church) and learning to carry on a balanced conversation effects the difference.
Consider carefully if your congregation wants you to adjust anything for the sake of ease. Is it really a rare, necessary update? Or do you need to address the root of the problem instead?
Maybe so.
Monday, September 7, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Insert popular song title here...
Dear (your first name) (my future last name),
I'm writing you this list because I feel like it might be hard to get to know me, and I want to help you out. If I've already been your friend for a while, or you already read the stuff I write, you might have a better idea what I'm really like. Otherwise, if you've just met me and we're in the awkward stage of trying really hard to be sociable so everything works out - well, that's the hard part.
- You must be Lutheran, and of a synod that's very similar to mine. I'm not saying that people can't serendipitously find a mate across synodical lines. My dad and mom are an example - they turned out okay and made two exceptional children (just kidding...) Still, traditions in the case of music, the pastor's tone, how the church is run, etc. are central to worship life, and it's more beneficial to us both if they are shared. Typically the compromise with church attendance ends up in the husband's favor, and that's the hard truth.
- I tend to be the one that drags people to church. I want you to drag me to church! My favorite place to be is God's house, hearing His Word and partake of Holy Communion regularly with those I love. If you don't respect that, I must remember His day and keep it holy.
- My greatest fear is marrying a Christian who later falls away from the faith. While I understand each of us is responsible for the upkeep of our own faith (by the Holy Spirit's help), if one of us slips the other does as well. The burden is that of two people's eternal salvation, not just one.
- You have to be a musician - either know how to sing or play an instrument, and appreciate being around music. It's part of my lifestyle for good, and it's often challenging not having a family who understands. Then, I can share the closest part of my life with you.
- In my mind, there are usually ten different thoughts happening. Do I say this, or do I say the other thing? My awkwardness is the sound of them all trying to come out at once. (Writing usually solves it.)
- In groups, I have a difficult time acting like myself, because it's like a fight for conversational precedence. I never come up with anything cool to say that everyone else also wants to discuss. One-on-one time is how to find out what I'm really like.
- Food? Okay, I love food. I don't like eating too much, ever, but if my small size is an issue to people I will gladly eat a piece of chocolate cake and prove them wrong!
- Even though I may not have a lot to say, it doesn't mean I don't want to be around people. I almost always do - it feels better knowing that someone else is in the same room, if only to read a book. Not having others around scares me.
- Small talk is hard. When I have a casual conversation, I want to come away having learned something new. Sometimes it's confusing figuring out who actually cares and who doesn't.
- I'm sensitive, but always working hard to try not to show it. I only cry around those I trust.
- Adventures and things are the best. Seeing a random concert in a random city, going anywhere in a downpour, trying to make sushi, leaving surprise inside jokes at friends' houses, drive-in movies, nerf guns - oh wait, someone took the other nerf gun. Wonder who?
- Scrabble? You had better know what that is, my love, or you will soon. Also drinking coffee while playing Scrabble. Then again, you might have already approved of an espresso-bar wedding reception complete with Scrabble tiles and lots of class.
- I'm imperfect. Though there are lots of things I have yet to find out, I do know you have a sinful nature like I do. I will forgive you for it, because my sins are even greater in the Lord's eyes. I hope you will forgive me, too, and that we can absolve one another whenever it's needed. Christian comfort from God spoken by another is the greatest thing a marriage can offer.
That's all for now. I love you!
Me
Image from here.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Independence Day thoughts: what about children?
I hope you all have been enjoying the Independence Day weekend! Let's talk about a freedom that in recent years seems to be diminishing; one that people unwittingly overlook: that of children.
Every person from conception has the natural right to the committed nurturing of a mother and a father.
If any part of the above is changed, the child is no longer protected, and the parents are acting on their own interest - not that of the child's.
If a man and woman conceive a child, not intending to do so but understanding that it was possible, they still have a responsibility to nurture that child. In some cases, that might mean carrying the child until it is born and placing him or her in the arms of a mother or father who can. It is the least they can do.
If a man and woman conceive a child out of wedlock, intending or not intending to do so, they have still acted on their own interests. Some are concerned about a "biological clock." There is no reason, then, for a wedding not to take place first, for that is the only solid foundation on which a child can be raised. Others may figure they are "promised" to each other, will most likely get married, but jump the gun anyway. Nothing is definite until the wedding, and they are publicly recognized as husband and wife.
If a married couple conceives and raises children together, but then breaks the bond of marriage for a self-motivated reason, they have also acted against the protection of their children, especially of well-being. A child needs his or her parents to nurture him or her throughout growth, and this can only happen when the mother and father are already committed to each other and understand the duties included with that.
If two people of the same gender leave the very biological principle of conceiving and raising children behind and adopt a child to be theirs, that child has still been taken away from his or her right to the committed nurturing of a mother AND father, both of whom are needed in the equation of nurture. If an individual is in a heterosexual relationship, bears children, and leaves his or her spouse to join another of the same gender, that also constitutes the same selfish attitude seen above. They are without a mother AND father, the commitment is not intact, and the nurturing is not the same balance.
If an individual in a relationship acts contrary to biology and wishes to take on the appearance of the other gender, the person's children have also lost their right to at least one nurturing mother or a nurturing father. Typically, some part of commitment falls aside here, also.
Every point I have made above can be inferred from basic natural law (and common sense). Even aside from religious viewpoints, in the "temporal kingdom," it can be shown that children are in danger of losing this natural right.
I am a Christian, and believe that the other acts mentioned above are indeed sins. However, I can't argue anyone into believing that myself, by the points I have just made. Only God's Word can show you the true nature of these issues - turning from which will set you free.
Genesis 2:24
Exodus 22:16
Leviticus 18:22
Jeremiah 1:5
Romans 1:26-27; 13:10
1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18-20; 7:1-5, 8-9
2 Corinthians 5:8
Galatians 5:14
Colossians 3:5
Hebrews 13:4
Jude 7
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Then, read these:
Psalm 32:5
Proverbs 28:13
Luke 7:36-50
John 5:24
Romans 4:5; 5:1; 6:23
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 John 1:9
Many people have been celebrating independence from British rule, as well as continued freedom. I believe we also need a day of national confession and absolution. Recognizing what
we are doing against God's truth that will actually hurt in the end will fully set us free. I love my country and care about the future of its citizens - including the forthcoming adults who are being impacted by the examples adults show today.
Every person from conception has the natural right to the committed nurturing of a mother and a father.
If any part of the above is changed, the child is no longer protected, and the parents are acting on their own interest - not that of the child's.
If a man and woman conceive a child, not intending to do so but understanding that it was possible, they still have a responsibility to nurture that child. In some cases, that might mean carrying the child until it is born and placing him or her in the arms of a mother or father who can. It is the least they can do.
If a man and woman conceive a child out of wedlock, intending or not intending to do so, they have still acted on their own interests. Some are concerned about a "biological clock." There is no reason, then, for a wedding not to take place first, for that is the only solid foundation on which a child can be raised. Others may figure they are "promised" to each other, will most likely get married, but jump the gun anyway. Nothing is definite until the wedding, and they are publicly recognized as husband and wife.
If a married couple conceives and raises children together, but then breaks the bond of marriage for a self-motivated reason, they have also acted against the protection of their children, especially of well-being. A child needs his or her parents to nurture him or her throughout growth, and this can only happen when the mother and father are already committed to each other and understand the duties included with that.
If two people of the same gender leave the very biological principle of conceiving and raising children behind and adopt a child to be theirs, that child has still been taken away from his or her right to the committed nurturing of a mother AND father, both of whom are needed in the equation of nurture. If an individual is in a heterosexual relationship, bears children, and leaves his or her spouse to join another of the same gender, that also constitutes the same selfish attitude seen above. They are without a mother AND father, the commitment is not intact, and the nurturing is not the same balance.
If an individual in a relationship acts contrary to biology and wishes to take on the appearance of the other gender, the person's children have also lost their right to at least one nurturing mother or a nurturing father. Typically, some part of commitment falls aside here, also.
Every point I have made above can be inferred from basic natural law (and common sense). Even aside from religious viewpoints, in the "temporal kingdom," it can be shown that children are in danger of losing this natural right.
I am a Christian, and believe that the other acts mentioned above are indeed sins. However, I can't argue anyone into believing that myself, by the points I have just made. Only God's Word can show you the true nature of these issues - turning from which will set you free.
Genesis 2:24
Exodus 22:16
Leviticus 18:22
Jeremiah 1:5
Romans 1:26-27; 13:10
1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18-20; 7:1-5, 8-9
2 Corinthians 5:8
Galatians 5:14
Colossians 3:5
Hebrews 13:4
Jude 7
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
Then, read these:
Psalm 32:5
Proverbs 28:13
Luke 7:36-50
John 5:24
Romans 4:5; 5:1; 6:23
1 Corinthians 10:13
1 John 1:9
Many people have been celebrating independence from British rule, as well as continued freedom. I believe we also need a day of national confession and absolution. Recognizing what
we are doing against God's truth that will actually hurt in the end will fully set us free. I love my country and care about the future of its citizens - including the forthcoming adults who are being impacted by the examples adults show today.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Syllables are golden.
Today during my church music class, discussing how almost every hymn in Lutheran Service Book (and any good, standard hymnal) points to the eternal, my professor brought up "Jerusalem the Golden" (LSB No. 672). Sliced from a lengthy original version called "The World Is Very Evil" (available in the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary, No. 534), John Mason Neale's poem paraphrases Bernard of Cluny's verses starting with "Hora novissima." Its exclusive tune EWING matches of the English rendering so well, but I unearthed another uncanny (or perhaps canny?) feature today.
In its sixth phrase, where the tune leaps to the high E (I hope all versions are in C Major!) a key word rests on it for accent. Disjunct melodic tones create the effect of an accent, and this specific one heightens the sixth line just as Neale crafted it: "And NOW we live in hope;" "And LIFE in fullest glow;" "What JOYS await us there;" and "Have CONQUERED in the fight." For. Every. Verse.
See for yourself: http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/ELH1996/534
Composers of hymn tunes, chew on this with your bedtime snack (milk and honey grahams would be an apt choice).
In its sixth phrase, where the tune leaps to the high E (I hope all versions are in C Major!) a key word rests on it for accent. Disjunct melodic tones create the effect of an accent, and this specific one heightens the sixth line just as Neale crafted it: "And NOW we live in hope;" "And LIFE in fullest glow;" "What JOYS await us there;" and "Have CONQUERED in the fight." For. Every. Verse.
See for yourself: http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/ELH1996/534
Composers of hymn tunes, chew on this with your bedtime snack (milk and honey grahams would be an apt choice).
Friday, June 12, 2015
Memory levels saved.
Hi! It's little me again at graduate school. Pardon my tiredness as every morning this week has been an issue for me (no, really; I had Issues in Church Music at 8:30 a.m. each day!). Just got the not-so-daunting "midterm" test via email, but haven't done it yet, and brewed another pot of coffee as I do when extremely bored (which seems to mean alone and unmotivated, rather than lacking assignments).
Unconventional and unprecedented points that stuck in my mind over the first five days:
Worship is like bacon (it takes a while to make - there's no way to rush the process and have it turn out the same)
Bahama Mamas (coconut rum, Kahlua, something banana-flavored, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine) are really delicious!
Congratulations! You have a life. Pick one of the three: A. have a full-time job; B. stay at home and raise a family; C. be awesome at your instrument. I guess bonus points if A. and C. are the same.
The invocation is sacramental. We cannot invite God the Holy Spirit down, but recognize that "as two or three are gathered," He has promised to be with us. Aha!
The opposite of (instant) gratification is learning.
Living by oneself is extremely hard. It drives me crazy to get back to not a little noise, but complete silence. I hope I don't have to do this for the rest of my life!
It's possible to get sore ankles from "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" (BWV 625). Not cool.
Cookie dough is a type of sushi. Just think on that.
When you live by a Great Lake, you expect it to look the same every day, but it doesn't. I wake up with a new scene outside my window, and it is just lovely.
Worship's efficacy does not depend on having a satisfying experience.
Along with that, cultural patterns today make the upbeat, fast, exciting, loud, happy = good. Where is the room for solemnity, sadness, contemplation, and otherwise Lenten thoughts in church, then, if that is what we're accustomed to appreciating.
We read Marva Dawn's "Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down" for class, and it supplied great insights about worship and community life in a postmodern age. Many good quotes:
"Genuine love gives people not what they think they need, but what they truly need" (66).
"Many modern songs actually praise not God but how well we are loving Him" (109).
Citing James White: "Nothing is a better source for variety and interest in Christian worship that careful following of the church year."
Finally, it is a true blessing to attend school where my professors can discuss sin and grace, Law and Gospel, Church Militant and Church Triumphant, the theology of the cross, sacramental and sacrificial, quote hymns, and recite the Third Article explanation in class. Christian education is a freedom that I never hope to take for granted, and thank God for it every day.
Happy midterms! The Lord be with you all.
 |
| Just a little panorama with a picnic lunch. |
Unconventional and unprecedented points that stuck in my mind over the first five days:
Worship is like bacon (it takes a while to make - there's no way to rush the process and have it turn out the same)
Bahama Mamas (coconut rum, Kahlua, something banana-flavored, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine) are really delicious!
Congratulations! You have a life. Pick one of the three: A. have a full-time job; B. stay at home and raise a family; C. be awesome at your instrument. I guess bonus points if A. and C. are the same.
The invocation is sacramental. We cannot invite God the Holy Spirit down, but recognize that "as two or three are gathered," He has promised to be with us. Aha!
The opposite of (instant) gratification is learning.
Living by oneself is extremely hard. It drives me crazy to get back to not a little noise, but complete silence. I hope I don't have to do this for the rest of my life!
It's possible to get sore ankles from "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" (BWV 625). Not cool.
Cookie dough is a type of sushi. Just think on that.
When you live by a Great Lake, you expect it to look the same every day, but it doesn't. I wake up with a new scene outside my window, and it is just lovely.
Worship's efficacy does not depend on having a satisfying experience.
Along with that, cultural patterns today make the upbeat, fast, exciting, loud, happy = good. Where is the room for solemnity, sadness, contemplation, and otherwise Lenten thoughts in church, then, if that is what we're accustomed to appreciating.
We read Marva Dawn's "Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down" for class, and it supplied great insights about worship and community life in a postmodern age. Many good quotes:
"Genuine love gives people not what they think they need, but what they truly need" (66).
"Many modern songs actually praise not God but how well we are loving Him" (109).
Citing James White: "Nothing is a better source for variety and interest in Christian worship that careful following of the church year."
Finally, it is a true blessing to attend school where my professors can discuss sin and grace, Law and Gospel, Church Militant and Church Triumphant, the theology of the cross, sacramental and sacrificial, quote hymns, and recite the Third Article explanation in class. Christian education is a freedom that I never hope to take for granted, and thank God for it every day.
Happy midterms! The Lord be with you all.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Question of the week...
"So, what exactly is your job?"
Well, I have a lot of jobs. I'm a part-time student in two schools, and haven't had a summer vacation in years. I accompany services at my home church during the week, teach piano students there, assist with singing and playing for the senior choir, and also direct a children's choir, grades 2-4. During the year, I'm also taking organ lessons and preparing to give a recital, and starting work on my master's thesis doing research about a relatively unknown hymnwriter. When I'm not doing that, I accompany music students at my alma mater, plus work night shifts at the library while writing and reading academic literature.
"No, I mean, do you have a real job?"
I give up...
Well, I have a lot of jobs. I'm a part-time student in two schools, and haven't had a summer vacation in years. I accompany services at my home church during the week, teach piano students there, assist with singing and playing for the senior choir, and also direct a children's choir, grades 2-4. During the year, I'm also taking organ lessons and preparing to give a recital, and starting work on my master's thesis doing research about a relatively unknown hymnwriter. When I'm not doing that, I accompany music students at my alma mater, plus work night shifts at the library while writing and reading academic literature.
"No, I mean, do you have a real job?"
I give up...
Saturday, May 2, 2015
You had me at "Let's go to Barnes and Noble."
You may wonder what it is with the obsession. I'm always telling people about how we went to Barnes and Noble, and it's only fitting that I'm writing this post from one. We did - we are either there checking in, coming back, or making plans to go there "when it's not busy." That usually translates to "morning," but such plans never transpire as all of us get up late when we're at home - first me, then my mom, then my brother.
The two of us high school students had taken some homeschool classes at a church campus - pick and choose what you need to graduate, and we'll help what your parents can't do. Gaps in the schedule were bound to happen, and there were these awkward gaps of 90 minutes at a time where mainly my brother had no class. What to do? Drive back home - impractical. Wait in the car - fruitless and annoying. The Barnes and Noble with cafe a mile-ish distant beckoned as a non-controversial location to look academic while being "homeschooled" at the same time.
Finally, I had a class while my brother was busy, and got to be treated by mom for a change. Intro to Business lasted 12:00-1:30, and since I most certainly do not eat lunch before noon, aside from my two breakfasts (weird food rules...), this meant saving my appetite for a delicious treat PLUS a special coffee concoction PLUS a Seventeen magazine (buried in a Gramophone periodical or newspaper, or something).
The neat feature of that location is that while some Barnes and Noble cafes are crammed into an obscure corner (like the one I'm in right now), the thoughtful, strategically-mapped ones put it on a raised platform in the center. This way, you may silently observe all surrounding occurrences: the mom tracing her kids steps ("No, honey, you can't touch that. Mommy will find you a book to read"), the weathered old men with rumbly voices having a semi-quiet discussion, the teens trying not to act awkward while their moms shell over the credit card for their cafe order, and occasionally that middle-aged woman on the phone with her sister about the mom in the nursing home.
Step one: Reconnoiter the premises, and spring on the prime property. That means, the large four-person table over on the side with space enough for one or more laptops, a stack of cooking, magazines, a wobblier stack of fashion magazines, drinks, plates, and napkin piles (in case). If you have the fair fortune of obtaining a Midwestern "bar," snag yourself a fork to make it a piece of cake.
Step two: Leave the most decisive and stationary person to guard the table, who already has his or her order memorized. This trustworthy saying is recited to the designated orderer, who has been awarded enough cash and the B&N membership card to retrieve all items from the counter. If all goes well, the orderer will get the kind barista who remembers everything and smiles at people with his brisk countenance, who chatters to the one younger guy and the chirpy brunette girl while baking the premade frozen scones.
Step three: Someone, probably the same person, has to wait around at THE counter with three other awkward people leaning on the condiment island thing with "Thank You" on the wastebasket flap. What exactly does the vanilla shaker do, anyway? You wait and watch all the other easier-to-make drinks go by until your tall "light" recipe pops out of the blender, they call your name, and you grimace as you turn around the damp plastic cup to peek at the spelling. Miracle of joy: they got it right. Let's get the same barista next time.
Step four: Crack open your reading material, if previously collected. Otherwise, you have two choices: stare at your laptop while it figured out that yes, the wifi network HAS been detected, or convince another person to wait at the table for you so that one older couple doesn't take it. Hopefully this isn't the same person you asked before.
Step five: Food item? Okay, you have to stay and eat it - really slowly, so that the plate stays on the table and you look like a customer.
Drink item? You are now free to move about the bookstore. Now is the time to check out the music/DVD section, and attempt not to make it beep while you slip in. It inevitably does, and then you have to declare your intent to the alert salesperson with something jingly on his neck. "Just seeing what you have." We actually know what you have. Study the indie music so it doesn't look like you're actually eying the Top 40 releases, and spend a moment or two flipping over the vinyl bin for an extra 20 years of apparent wisdom.
Food and drink item? Well, drink first, and then end with reading and a treat. Still, make sure you get at least one bite of the two together. Otherwise you'll never know...
Step six: If you're trying to look like you're studying, you've done a decent job of it so far. Keep typing (that's what I'm telling myself now). People are probably not going to ask, "Are you in school? Is today a vacation day?" As soon as you peel open the sleek pages of InStyle, people have you pegged as one of those sorts of girls who orders chocolatey icy things and doesn't think critically. In the case that you have some books and periodicals mixed in for variety, make sure that there's at least one serious-looking tome in there. Like, "I go and read deep things for a nice break from reading more boring deep things."
Step seven: In the event that your literature and homework situation is really static (congratulations, I guess!) the people-watching alleviates it. Find at least one cute older husband and wife (let's face it, when they're together, they're all cute), one stylishly-dressed woman of unknown background, one mom holding a pacifying conversation with her tiny troop, and a man unaware of his loud political opinions.
Step eight: It's time to leave. Figure out how to not provoke others to shoplifting by leaving your technology on the table, and put away ALL the things you removed from their rightful places. The eyes are sometimes more than the reading capacity. Try not to run into the people waiting to snatch your four-person table upon exiting, and put back everything in the proper order. Make a run for the car, so strangers don't pause to interview you about why you don't have class. Of course you do; you're classy every day of the week. But especially when you're at B&N.
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