I had been hoping for more clarity in the world before trying to provide a fuller picture of my vision for Edwards Church Music once we get back into the sanctuary. But it has become clear to me in the last few weeks especially, that it could be a while before everything makes complete sense and schedules are able to be lined up accordingly.
So with that in mind, this past week Nicola and I gathered the music makers of Edward Church at our home for an evening of active music making, what I have come to call an Edwards Camerata. As when we welcomed summer in June, this time we welcomed autumn with a few hours of singing and playing instruments, just because the spirit moved us. At that event, I revealed my ideas. For the broader population here is what I have in mind for you to expect at some point when these options are safe and available to us.
We will see a reduction (from years past) in the number of Sunday services which are led by our full choir. But there will still be excellent music at every service—that’s our promise to you. The pandemic and our style of worship in the last year has shown us that there are many other musical expressions which need to be heard at Edwards Church. For example, we will hear a lot more from the pick-up choir that we have had at our outdoor services. The focal music of each service will be spread around a variety of small ensembles comprised of individuals who love to express themselves in a specific genre or style. These different ensembles will meet on short-term engagements, i.e., a few rehearsals, leading to a single song in a single worship.
[As a hypothetical: We schedule a three week sermon series on gratitude two months from now. I know of an perfect gospel song for one week, a reflective pop tune for another, and a mixed choir anthem for yet another. You find out about these opportunities in the Steeple and think that the gospel song would be a perfect fit for you. It rehearses for thirty minutes on a Thursday six weeks before its Sunday worship, forty-five minutes the week before, and then at 9:00 a.m. just before the worship. You sing the service and feel incredibly good that you have spread a joyful noise. Do you decide to take on another short-term ensemble, or will you want to sit this month out and just enjoy listening? It’s up to you! Some people will constantly have a schedule going, while others can come and go as their personal calendars or desires require.]
My hope is that this program means more people may be able to participate more often worship at Edwards Church. Gone are the days of needing to commit to a ten-month choir season to give your voice to God’s work!
For those who are not music makers, you will get to see great music presented by our fine accompanists Susan and Cheryl, our blossoming pick-up choir (the shortest-term commitment of all!), and a special ensemble at almost every service. And our beloved, full, robed choir will continue at select, special services, likely in each of our worship series.
Although we won’t begin in earnest for a while, I hope to begin correspondence and planning with the body of music makers very soon. So:
If you are interested in learning more and potentially becoming a part of at least one short-term, genre-based ensemble (even if you’re positive you’re already on my lists) please let me know to get you on my distribution list right away at rick@edwardschurch.org.
Exciting times lie ahead!
Rick Seaholm, Commissioned Minister of Music