As we bring to a close the frenzy of holiday preparations, late-night rehearsals, tax deadlines, and the cold winter months, we turn our attention to other adventures and a new agenda…the end of the school year, summer vacations, preparing the garden, and opening the beach house. Life leads us in perpetual cycle of beginnings and endings. We cherish each turn of the road despite the associated stress and challenge involved. So it is with our church. Many changes and adjustments, with more to come, yet we remain steadfast in our purpose and eager to see what God brings into our lives.
The music program at St. David’s remains strong, with a professional quality adult choir, enthusiastic congregational singing, and continued variety within the musical settings of the Mass. Our on-going research into solving the acoustical problems of the sanctuary has been one of the focal points this year, and will remain a top priority until all areas of concern have been addressed. We were happy to once again offer the congregation a Choral Vespers service; something the choir particularly enjoys, and seems to have become a tradition at St. David’s. Our sights move now to the possibility of participating in an International Choir Festival in Europe next summer. This will take much planning and a true commitment, significant fundraising, and generous moral support as we prepare the music, arrange our schedules, and dig through our pockets. All are invited to join the choir on this trip, even if you are not a singer. The location is Bern, Switzerland, June 15-18, 2005, with optional tour package included. Plan now to attend our upcoming business meeting for more details. Date will be forthcoming.
As you may know, I have been asked to be the “Artist in Residence” this summer at the Kanuga Conference Center, North Carolina, for the Solo Flight Conference. This is indeed an honor, and large responsibility, as I will be one of the keynote speakers, as well as a performing musician. I am happy to represent St. David’s Episcopal Church for this event. For those of you who have never been to Kanuga, it is a beautiful and restful campsite, situated on a lake, in the Smoky Mountains; the perfect setting to enjoy music. For those of you who are single (widowed, never married, divorced), please consider joining me for this experience over Labor Day weekend.
Once again, thank you to the choir members for their hard work and dedication yet another season, and thank you to the congregation for faithfully supporting my efforts as your musician.
