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News from the Director
of Music
Music at St. John's
will host its sixth annual
Handbell Festival on
March 3 & 4, 2012.
Guest Director,
Eileen Laurence conducts
the workshop rehearsals and
the concluding program, open to the
public at 4:00 pm Sunday, March 4.
Repertoire includes Ms. Laurence's own
award winning composition,
Lament and Dance, in
addition to Levels 2 - 3 compositions by
Michael Bedford, Arnold Sherman, Michael
Helman and Joel Raney. Participating
choirs will also present solo pieces.
For more information about our guest
director, the festival schedule and
repertoire, or an an application
please click here |
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I'm going on a journey, and I'm starting today. My head
is wet, and I'm on my way.
God's mark is on me; it's on you, too.
God says he loves me, and he loves you, too!
From the hymn: I'm Going on a Journey, st. 1 by Kenneth D. Larkin
The new year began in Florida. We journeyed there to spend time with Mom, my
brother, his wife & two nieces. We met up with former neighbors recalling
events from the 60s and sharing present joys, struggles and faith journeys.
The days were lively and colorful. I wanted to cherish each moment.
Returning home, we flew through time, as Pastor Noack had predicted, from
the wise men presenting gifts to the baby Jesus to Christ being baptized
some 30 years later, in less than 24 hours. This Epiphany season we journey
with Christ as he calls his disciples, teaches by example and with
authority, heals the afflicted, casts out demons and is transfigured. A
parallel journey begins Ash Wednesday, as we are reminded of our mortality
and our need for Christ and his mercy. Again we return to Christ's baptism
and immediately we find him in the wilderness, tempted by Satan and then
preparing people for his - and our - journey toward the cross and soon-to-be
empty tomb.
The Venerable Bede (672-735) wrote the following: 0 Christ, our Morning
Star, Splendor of Light Eternal, shining with the glory of the rainbow, come
and waken us from the grayness of our apathy and renew in us your gift of
hope.
That word grayness brought to mind bare trees on a cloudy, wintery day; it
reminded me of the tiny black & white television Rex & I had when we were
first married; it caught my attention once again as I worked on the spring
choir schedules, with each-ensemble in a different color, but with a printer
that only prints in grayscale. How very dull!
But Christ stands ready, if we let him, to bring springtime, new growth and
the very highest definition in color to our lives, He being the very source
of all that is! So, in the words of the hymnist: "Listen, listen, God is
calling, through the Word inviting, offering forgiveness, comfort and joy!"
(LSB 833) "Come follow me," Christ says. Now is a perfect time to actively
share in that joy and that journey begun at your baptism with fellow
believers here in this place! And if making music adds to your joy, come and
join in with one of the ensembles that strive to assist the church's song.
Music Events Coming up
The American Guild of Organists CHILDREN'S CHOIR FESTIVAL with guest
conductor Teri Larson takes place Saturday, February 4 at 3:00 PM.
St. John's Treble and Youth Choirs will be joining with youth choirs
throughout Suffolk and also those linked to the National Association of
Pastoral Musicians, Rockville Centre Chapter for a day of singing in
preparation for the concluding festival service at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
Church, 53 Prospect Road in Centerport, NY. All are welcome to attend the
service. A free will offering to defray the festival costs will be received.
ST. JOHN'S HANDBELL FESTIVAL is coming up on March 3 & 4, with the
concluding program on Sunday, March 4 at 4:00 pm. Eileen Laurence is
our guest conductor this year and at present we have 8 choirs plus orphan
ringers participating. Assistance is needed in set up, clean-up and
hospitality (ushers & reception). Willing volunteers, please see Rex or
Cindy Holden to let us know how you can help.
St. John's MADRIGAL DINNER is also on the horizon — on Friday, May
4. The Singers of Long Island SOLI, together with talented folks from
St. John's return with music of the Renaissance and beyond to entertain you
and fill your ears, eyes and bellies in a proper medieval way. Save the date
and plan to join us for a creative evening back in time!
About
Music at Saint John’s
Saint John’s Lutheran Church is committed
to a music ministry for the glory of God and the edification and inspiration
of those who worship in this place. God’s Word is proclaimed through the
reading of Scripture, preaching, and in song; in Psalms, hymns, anthems, the
Ordinary of the Divine Service Liturgy and additional liturgies of the
church. Instrumentalists, too, sound forth in praise of Almighty God and
move us to a more profound "Alleluia".
The Royal School of Church Music based choral program challenges singers to
strive for excellence and growth in their commitment, musical skills and
understanding of the important place of music in the church’s liturgy. This
affiliation also enables Saint John’s choristers to participate in a variety
of festivals and choir training programs. There are choirs for all persons,
aged 8 and above, directed by our Organist and Director of Music, Cynthia
Holden. Saint John's also offers a week long summer Church Music Experience
for musicians, aged 8-15.
Saint John’s Youth and Adult Handbell Choirs rehearse weekly from September
to June, utilizing the church’s three octaves of Malmark Handbells and 4
octaves of hand chimes. Instrumental music teacher, Rex Holden is the
Handbell Director.
Saint John’s Youth Brass meet weekly on Sundays at 9:45 am, directed by
trombonist and music educator, John Passannante. An Adult Brass Ensemble is
also active in the parish, playing for Christmas, Easter and at various
other services throughout the year.
Opportunities also abound for soloists, instrumentalists, accompanists and
ensembles in the liturgies of the church. Persons wishing to know more about
Music at Saint John’s, or those who desire to contribute their time and
talents are invited to call or visit Cindy Holden, Director of Music in the
music office
631 589 3202 x 104 E-mail
raholden@aol.com
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