Greetings, friends. The release of this newsletter falls right on the cusp of knowing some things in general terms about Edwards Church Music this fall but not yet having full details figured out yet. One of the greatest things I’ve learned during the pandemic was that music helped get many of us through a very difficult time. People made music in their own spaces, and evaluated their own singing (Multi-home Ensemble) before sending it off to be combined with other voices. People sang for their first time ever into professional microphones with headphones monitoring their performance (Studio Choir). People, some of whom had no training prior, experienced lifelong learning (Music Appreciation Class). People, bursting with a need, managed to meet safely to record themselves in small groups, without leadership or involvement from staff. People who never sang in our choir have graced our outdoor chancel throughout the summer (Pickup Choir). You can see, there are new skills and interests being explored throughout this period that are giving Edwards Church Music far greater reach in our community. It turns out these short-term opportunities are just what people have been seeking.
Every one of these opportunities for musical expression are worth keeping as the world adapts itself moving forward. We’re still not able to comfortably rehearse shoulder to shoulder indoors weekly, but our current structure of worship wouldn’t call for that or merit the risk anyhow. Throughout the fall as we learn more, my plans will become clearer to you. For this year, possibly beyond, it is safe to say that we will not have a choir that stands robed in front of you to sing an anthem every single Sunday from September to June. But in some ways there will be even more music at our services than you’ve come to expect in past years. How’s that? Stay tuned. We’ve been given a space here to observe the limitations placed upon us by the ongoing pandemic and determine ways to continue adapting. All the makeshift ensembles you heard in our Zoomed services had their merits, and each helped my friends grow in multiple ways that need to continue.
This fall we will continue with our Sunday morning Outdoor Pickup Choir. Keep your ears open for Debbie’s call to join the singers for select hymns and you too can be a part of it! My Thursday night Music Appreciation classes will continue on most Thursday nights in our homes at 6:30. I also plan to hold a Camerata outdoors to welcome the fall (details to follow) as we did to welcome summer. (And I’m anxious for a welcome winter mittened Camerata too!) Finally, our Studio Choir recording sessions will return soon. I’m still figuring out repertoire and protocols surrounding the safety measures we should employ this time around.
That is a lot of great chances to listen to and enjoy musicmaking together. I aim to begin an active mail list exclusively for keeping track of the many events that will be coming up. Please, even if you assume you’re on my list, express your interest in receiving targeted music messages, and I will ensure you don’t miss a beat! (rick@edwardschurch.org)
Rick Seaholm
Commissioned Minister of Music