Reflecting on this past week at band camp, I am once again encouraged by today's students. We had a very positive week with over 300 band students on campus. Their spirit was uplifting and while I cannot say I heard zero complaints, I can say I heard very few. They worked hard, played hard, laughed hard, and stayed focused the entire week. There was a dedication to the goals of leadership, musicianship, and skill that was contagious, infecting students and teachers alike, pervading the camp at every level and infusing it with a blend of affirmation, responsibility, and purpose.
The camp though was and always has been hard work for very little monetary gain. In addition to the weeks of preparation, publicity, paperwork, finding staff, getting facilities ready, the week of camp is pretty grueling. Up early every morning, in bed at midnight with a full day of teaching, directing, and solving problems, it takes its toll by the end of the week. Yet my own role is somewhat minimal in that I get to direct the top band but don't have to worry about the weeks of preparation, a job for Corey and Cathy Ash. They did marvelously this year and are to be commended for their thorough approach to the complexities that form band camp. Incidentally, I had a blast directing the Wind Ensemble. What a great band and a wonderful group of students.
And now after a day of rest we head to Ridgecrest for music week. Usually we go to Glorieta but due to the lateness of music week at Glorieta, we opted for Ridgecrest. While I often wish more publishers were involved, and I believe if so we would see a greater influx of music ministers, at the same time there is no question that Mike Harland and staff at Lifeway do a great job. The music is always rich and full with an appropriate blend of old and new designed to teach and to worship. We enjoy playing in the orchestra, walking around the camp, spending time together, and drinking coffee (okay...I enjoy the coffee!). Mostly we feel comfortable letting Joel roam, knowing he will be safe, and allowing him the latitude to experience the camp in ways that are meaningful to him.
After a week in North Carolina, we return and get ready to go to Baptist All-State in Houston. Jordan is going on his 3rd year in Baptist All-State and enjoys it every time. Such a great opportunity to play his instrument for God's glory with other young Christian leaders. Sadly, for many reasons that cannot be articulated in a few sentences, Baptist All-State is much smaller than it used to be and no longer receives the financial backing from the BGCT due to the myriad of ministry needs around the state. While it is certainly understandable, it also makes for an untenable position, charging high rates in an effort to keep the organization legal, protected, positive, and solvent. Yet charging high rates makes it a group comprised of those students with access to resources. This then is the dilemma of churches today. Are we seeking the wealthy to support our institutions or are we truly committed to the mission of outreach for everyone? Are we as Baptists inclusive or exclusive? Is there a balance?
Nevertheless, in spite of the concern, Baptist All-State remains a positive experience for students and its 34 year history has produced hundreds of Christian Leaders. This reminds me of some truths--man seems inevitably to mess things up that are good, and yet God somehow finds a way to create good in spite of man's innumerable flaws!
Onward to North Carolina, Houston, then returning to direct 10 performances of the musical Annie. It all makes for an exciting summer. In the midst of these events, I have found time to do some counseling of former students, help some high school students, work around the house, clean up my office, start my book business, and watch my oldest son get married. Life is grand!
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