Join the Choir

Posted

Bell Tower Reflection 6/19/20
Benjamin Hanson

The virus has been hard on everyone, but due to my chosen path I am particularly attuned to the challenges faced by performing arts organizations at this time. Orchestras and other performing arts groups around the country have canceled their seasons and are preparing to either move online or radically rethink their approach to performances. These organizations are struggling with unforeseeable problems while working to remain solvent, including Santa Barbara’s own Camerata Pacifica.

The picture for choirs is particularly bleak. Ever since the now-famous superspreader event during a choir practice in Washington state that led to 86.7% of the singers in attendance becoming infected, choral musicians have been grappling with how and when to resume rehearsals and performances. Singing seems to be a uniquely efficient method of spreading the virus, and given the musical and logistical challenges associated with distancing in a choir, most scientists and choral professionals maintain that it would be irresponsible for choirs to reconvene in person for the foreseeable future.

The current reality is that you or I are not likely to hear live music in the way that we are accustomed to for many, many more months, including live concerts and live music in worship.

I write this not to depress you, but to encourage a new perspective. Just as our Sunday worship has moved from the shared space of the Parish Hall and back into each of our homes, so too must the music-making. There is no better time to dust off a guitar, piano, or other instrument to try to learn something new, and there’s no better time to sing a comforting hymn to yourself to ask for grace and reassurance. You could even try writing a song or poem. Remember, many of the Psalms were written by early Christians to sing in private gatherings in their own homes!

Furthermore, I want to invite you to sing along on Sunday. The virtual services that are posted every Sunday include two hymns with the music printed in the bulletin, just like when we were worshiping in the Parish Hall. I encourage you to join in with the hymns, just like how you would speak the prayers along with the video. The lyrics are even shown on-screen!

Many of the hymns will be familiar, and others might take a few verses before you catch on. Either way, please sing with me! Hymns, unlike music written for separate performers and audiences, are prayers whose words take on new life when you yourself sing them. They are designed for participation, without which they fall flat.

Instead of mourning the absence of live music, we can celebrate that we have all become members of the wider choir that sings songs of praise and prayer in the homes of the faithful all around the world. “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure” (2 Cor 4:16-17).

I ask you to try to find some music in yourself on Sunday, and maybe even throughout the week. J.S. Bach said that “the aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” If singing isn’t your thing, take some time to play an instrument, or hum a tune. Personally, I’m partial to whistling. Any act of beauty gives glory to God.

I’ll close with the oft-cited Psalm 150, which offers a spirited call to all Christians for full-throated praise of God through music. May it bring you inspiration and assurance this week and for the rest of your days:

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
     praise him in his mighty firmament!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his surpassing greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
     praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
     praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with clanging cymbals;
     praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!