In 1846 during the Mexican War, when President Polk sent an army into Mexico to end the tyranny and stop the takeover of Santa Anna, General Winfield Scott along with officers Robert E. Lee, Thomas Jackson, Franklin Pierce, and Ullyses Grant, led troops to a difficult but resounding victory, ending the reign of Santa Anna. Like all wars, there were times of bloodshed, fear, confusion, sorrow, challenges, and moments of great elation. For all its glory (if there is glory in war), unfortunately during one of the final battles, nearly 80 soldiers deserted the army.
We are not sure why there are deserters in war. Perhaps fear of death, or maybe even abhorence of killing, maybe indifference as to the outcome, maybe a girlfriend back home, maybe a broad questioning of why there are wars, fighting, death. Apparently many of the deserters were not of American descent and had migrated from foreign countries only to find themselves in the army, fighting a war over which they had no interest in being killed or killing for some strange mysterious property rights dispute they did not understand. Whatever the reason, 80 soldiers deserted. 50 of them were hanged due to their lack of contrite behavior, their satisfaction with their decision, their own indifference. But 30 of them displayed great humility and gave lip service to their own culpability and shame for deserting. General Scott decided to spare their lives but leave them branded forever. These 30 men were branded with the letter D on their cheek to display to the world for the rest of their lives that they were deserters.
What did those 30 do for a living after leaving the army? Did they live prosperous lives, terrible lives, isolated from humanity, productive lives, lives of despair and agony? We have no record of those 30 and it would only be conjecture to imagine their lives as branded deserters. Maybe they would have preferred death over permanent label or maybe it didn't matter all that much to them? Maybe the physical mark has no bearing on the character inside and nothing changed about the branded people. Since there is little to gain from this type of hypothetical theorizing, let's spend a moment of self-reflection.
What would your brand be if you had one? Is a tattoo a type of brand, a sign displayed for everyone to see? In some ways, are we all branded by our appearance? Tall, short, bald, blonde, glasses, beard, eye color, and the list continues. We carry with us a mark of some kind everywhere we go. It may not be a big "D" on the cheek, but it is something, and that something somehow, perhaps wrongly, represents something of ourselves to others.
For the Christian, we cannot nor should we brand a big "C" on our cheek for all to see, yet in my mind we should try to carry our faith with us everywhere we go. Not in an overt, offensive manner but rather in a comfortable display of who we are. That brand may be a smile, a sparkle, a joy, or a look of confidence, or contentment, or compassion, perhaps even courage. There are many ways to demonstrate the love of God in our lives. As the hymn says, maybe it is time to "Let Others See Jesus in You."
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Keys, winds, and strings
Many years ago a good friend of mine who is a very fine euphonium player and currently director of bands at a University in North Carolina mentioned that brass and woodwinds sound better playing in keys with flats. I asked him why he believed that and he reminded me that most instruments are built in flat keys.
For all its complexity and nearly unlimited combination of sounds, music--at least in our American world, given that other nationalities have a broader scale--is comprised of 12 tones before beginning to repeat itself. Because of the natural harmonic series, something that still gives me pause as I reflect on its remarkable properties, after 12 chromatic tones, the pitches sound the same except higher or lower. This is way we have a low A that sounds quite similar to a high A. The lower pitches use a slower vibration rate than the high pitches. When the vibrations double, the pitch sounds an octave higher. Although our system of 12 chromatic pitches has flaws and does not tell the full musical story, it is a fairly established system and gives us the variety of sound we generally require.
Music does not have to be in one particular key or another but most people seem to prefer what we call tonality in music, that is sound with a diatonic foundation to it. Composers and performers often branch out beyond a certain key and alter music chromatically to give it more variety and interest, but in the tonal world of music, they will gravitate to one key by the end of the song or piece. If all music were in the same key all the time, our ears would become desensitized to the same basic sound and we would likely lose interest in music. Being that boredom is the steroid of creativity, we enjoy hearing a variety of keys in music.
Back to woodwinds and brass sounding better in flat keys. I believe it is true. Instruments have the ability to play all the chromatic notes and great players can play comfortably in any key, but because woodwinds and brass are built at the factory in flat keys, the open sounds of these instruments provide more resonance than do sharp keys. Yet the converse is true for string instruments. They are built with open sounds that support sharp keys. This is why bands often play in flat keys and strings often play in sharp keys. The danger comes in the problem of all bands sounding similar due to their predictable usage of keys and all string music sounding similar for the same reason.
Now the issue comes when we mix the two. Excellent composers striving for musical variety yet still getting the best out of the musicians often insist on demanding performance that encompasses all keys and all notes available. This makes great music both challenging and musically satisfying. In the case of My Fair Lady, when we are in flat keys, the predominantly woodwind and brass sound is solid, full, comfortable to the ear. When we jump into sharp keys, the instrumentalists who are all professionals, do not sound quite as resonant, once again confirming the theory that winds and brass sound better in flat keys.
But as all great art must have tension, so too is music reliant on tension and repose. Thus this great musical, My Fair Lady, is strong due to its vast expression of sound of various keys. I applaud the composer and the arranger who put the music together. Now it is our responsibility to perform the music to the best of our ability regardless of the keys or the technical challenges demanded.
But bands need to beware of the problem of putting on the same clothes day in and day out over years. Eventually the clothes wear out and appear dull. So too is the use of the same few keys in band music. Thank goodness for aural variety as presented by great music. Strings have helped avoid the trappings of musical boredom.
For all its complexity and nearly unlimited combination of sounds, music--at least in our American world, given that other nationalities have a broader scale--is comprised of 12 tones before beginning to repeat itself. Because of the natural harmonic series, something that still gives me pause as I reflect on its remarkable properties, after 12 chromatic tones, the pitches sound the same except higher or lower. This is way we have a low A that sounds quite similar to a high A. The lower pitches use a slower vibration rate than the high pitches. When the vibrations double, the pitch sounds an octave higher. Although our system of 12 chromatic pitches has flaws and does not tell the full musical story, it is a fairly established system and gives us the variety of sound we generally require.
Music does not have to be in one particular key or another but most people seem to prefer what we call tonality in music, that is sound with a diatonic foundation to it. Composers and performers often branch out beyond a certain key and alter music chromatically to give it more variety and interest, but in the tonal world of music, they will gravitate to one key by the end of the song or piece. If all music were in the same key all the time, our ears would become desensitized to the same basic sound and we would likely lose interest in music. Being that boredom is the steroid of creativity, we enjoy hearing a variety of keys in music.
Back to woodwinds and brass sounding better in flat keys. I believe it is true. Instruments have the ability to play all the chromatic notes and great players can play comfortably in any key, but because woodwinds and brass are built at the factory in flat keys, the open sounds of these instruments provide more resonance than do sharp keys. Yet the converse is true for string instruments. They are built with open sounds that support sharp keys. This is why bands often play in flat keys and strings often play in sharp keys. The danger comes in the problem of all bands sounding similar due to their predictable usage of keys and all string music sounding similar for the same reason.
Now the issue comes when we mix the two. Excellent composers striving for musical variety yet still getting the best out of the musicians often insist on demanding performance that encompasses all keys and all notes available. This makes great music both challenging and musically satisfying. In the case of My Fair Lady, when we are in flat keys, the predominantly woodwind and brass sound is solid, full, comfortable to the ear. When we jump into sharp keys, the instrumentalists who are all professionals, do not sound quite as resonant, once again confirming the theory that winds and brass sound better in flat keys.
But as all great art must have tension, so too is music reliant on tension and repose. Thus this great musical, My Fair Lady, is strong due to its vast expression of sound of various keys. I applaud the composer and the arranger who put the music together. Now it is our responsibility to perform the music to the best of our ability regardless of the keys or the technical challenges demanded.
But bands need to beware of the problem of putting on the same clothes day in and day out over years. Eventually the clothes wear out and appear dull. So too is the use of the same few keys in band music. Thank goodness for aural variety as presented by great music. Strings have helped avoid the trappings of musical boredom.
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Fair Lady
Once again this summer I am directing a musical. It is difficult, long, demanding, stressful, and I absolutely love it! I now have several musicals under my repertoire belt and feel confident I could direct almost any show now. The years have allowed me to direct Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Music Man, parts of Camelot, and Cinderella not to mention several operas. It has all been fun, educational, enriching, hard work, and at times deeply meaningful. It is a heavy responsibility to determine the right kind of orchestra and the personnel for the orchestra. Some shows need more strings--a tall order in our area--whereas other shows need more winds and rhythm. Some shows require woodwinds to double on saxophones but others need a more "classical" woodwind approach. Brass players usually need to be well-rounded players who can play a little jazz, show style, and classical style.
Forming the orchestra depends on the show as well as the available personnel but somehow each year it all comes together. Normally I suspect a town the size of Brownwood would be challenged to do a full-length musical, but in Brownwood the talent is deep. We hear great players, great singers, and impressive acting. The sets are lavish, efficient, and completely appropriate to the show. Lighting and sound, always challenging, are nevertheless done well. This year the My Fair Lady production is amazing. A well-crafted, classy show with lavish costumes, fastidious and accurate sets, and acting demands that would challenge professionals. On top of that, the music is wonderful and difficult, requiring full range and styles. The orchestra is asked to play under the singers but maintain the stylistic demands of the score.
Aside from some lengthy dialog and emotional ambiguity of the story line, My Fair Lady zings along at a fast pace with a myriad of great songs and serious moments balanced by hilarity. Tender love songs are juxtaposed with energetic happy songs only to be interrupted by yet another song of anger or concern. All comes together to form one of the great musicals of the 20th century. I am blessed to be the conductor of the orchestra and blessed to be part of this terrific show.
Forming the orchestra depends on the show as well as the available personnel but somehow each year it all comes together. Normally I suspect a town the size of Brownwood would be challenged to do a full-length musical, but in Brownwood the talent is deep. We hear great players, great singers, and impressive acting. The sets are lavish, efficient, and completely appropriate to the show. Lighting and sound, always challenging, are nevertheless done well. This year the My Fair Lady production is amazing. A well-crafted, classy show with lavish costumes, fastidious and accurate sets, and acting demands that would challenge professionals. On top of that, the music is wonderful and difficult, requiring full range and styles. The orchestra is asked to play under the singers but maintain the stylistic demands of the score.
Aside from some lengthy dialog and emotional ambiguity of the story line, My Fair Lady zings along at a fast pace with a myriad of great songs and serious moments balanced by hilarity. Tender love songs are juxtaposed with energetic happy songs only to be interrupted by yet another song of anger or concern. All comes together to form one of the great musicals of the 20th century. I am blessed to be the conductor of the orchestra and blessed to be part of this terrific show.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
A little righteous irritation
Getting up early Saturday morning, going for a fairly short run, and deciding to take care of a few things, I jumped in the truck and headed for town. But my jaunt ended up irritating me with several of my pet peeves about the modern world. Stopping at McDonalds, and I must apologize to my brother who is a big McDonald's fan due to the quick but consistently cheap and flavorful food, I ordered a yogurt parfait and a sausage biscuit and a small orange juice. It was a small order and I paid cash for the food, receiving a little change in the change tray, and was handed the blasted receipt. I didn't want the receipt. I hate receipts. Just a stupid piece of paper that ends up crumpled in the trash. Granted it had my order number on it which the cashier had stated, but I memorized that number quickly and had not need for the receipt. I suppose that were I on a business trip, I might need it for tax purposes or record keeping, but a quick glance around revealed that everyone in the restaurant threw the stupid waste of time receipt in the trash.
I know the cashiers are taught to give receipts to everyone and often we see a sign that says something to the effect of "If we fail to issue you a receipt, your meal will be free," but to me this is a huge waste of paper and time and energy. I really would like the choice to ask that I not be given a receipt. In fact, the next time I order something I am going to state, "No receipt" just to see what happens.
But I got over that moment of irritation and sat down to eat my food. The orange juice was very good which surprised me considering how lame was the sausage biscuit. It tasted and felt like some sort of rubberized piece of vinyl sandwiched by thin plastic flakes disguised as bread. The yogurt had some good fruit in it but lacked the zing of good yogurt and seemed mostly like instant milk developed from powder. I must admit to being a little bit of a food snob these days and prefer organic tasting food not overly preserved. Still, I am the one who chose to stop there and eat the inexpensive, though rather generic food. My choice for sure, and I will probably do so again, and I will probably keep complaining about it!
My last errand of the morning took me to the drug store for some necessary items. I didn't get much but as I was checking out, the inevitable question arose, "Do you have your plus card?" I quickly and a little emphatically said no. The friendly cashier said, "Would you like one, it is free?" I again said no. I finished paying and left. But I am sick and tired of the stupid card thing. Some stores give you a "discount" for the products by presenting your card. Other stores allow for the "earning of points" which supposedly will give you free stuff later. Other places simply issue a set of coupons for other items in the store. But the truth is that the card is a tracking device. It monitors and records your purchases in order to provide the kind of products customers are seeking as well as to find a way to get you back in the store using appropriate coupons to your needs. Now all that sounds innocuous until you realize they are actually spying on you. It erodes your freedom and categorizes you in a funny sort of way. You become a thing, a consumer, a spender of money and they are going to use this great card to help you spend more money.
Okay, enough ranting. My irritations are not unusual and I have contributed to them by frequenting those establishments. But I also have a right to complain about it and a right to find other places to spend my money.
I know the cashiers are taught to give receipts to everyone and often we see a sign that says something to the effect of "If we fail to issue you a receipt, your meal will be free," but to me this is a huge waste of paper and time and energy. I really would like the choice to ask that I not be given a receipt. In fact, the next time I order something I am going to state, "No receipt" just to see what happens.
But I got over that moment of irritation and sat down to eat my food. The orange juice was very good which surprised me considering how lame was the sausage biscuit. It tasted and felt like some sort of rubberized piece of vinyl sandwiched by thin plastic flakes disguised as bread. The yogurt had some good fruit in it but lacked the zing of good yogurt and seemed mostly like instant milk developed from powder. I must admit to being a little bit of a food snob these days and prefer organic tasting food not overly preserved. Still, I am the one who chose to stop there and eat the inexpensive, though rather generic food. My choice for sure, and I will probably do so again, and I will probably keep complaining about it!
My last errand of the morning took me to the drug store for some necessary items. I didn't get much but as I was checking out, the inevitable question arose, "Do you have your plus card?" I quickly and a little emphatically said no. The friendly cashier said, "Would you like one, it is free?" I again said no. I finished paying and left. But I am sick and tired of the stupid card thing. Some stores give you a "discount" for the products by presenting your card. Other stores allow for the "earning of points" which supposedly will give you free stuff later. Other places simply issue a set of coupons for other items in the store. But the truth is that the card is a tracking device. It monitors and records your purchases in order to provide the kind of products customers are seeking as well as to find a way to get you back in the store using appropriate coupons to your needs. Now all that sounds innocuous until you realize they are actually spying on you. It erodes your freedom and categorizes you in a funny sort of way. You become a thing, a consumer, a spender of money and they are going to use this great card to help you spend more money.
Okay, enough ranting. My irritations are not unusual and I have contributed to them by frequenting those establishments. But I also have a right to complain about it and a right to find other places to spend my money.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Years of students
Partly due to facebook and partly due to getting older, many of my former students have been getting in touch with me and saying hello. Some are in music, some are not. Many are now parents and meeting the obligations of families, paying bills, working, and being productive citizens. Some have remained single. All this to say they simply became people! Yes, of course they were people before, but in my role as a teacher, my responsiblity was to teach them the subject matter at hand, whether that be horn, band, conducting, composition, etc. But maybe, just maybe in the process of teaching the subject, we also learned about each other and learned how to be better musicians, to be better people, to be productive, successful, disciplined, organized, and compassionate.
And there is no doubt that I learned more and continue to learn more from my students than I have taught them. From my students I learned to find joy in others' success, to be sensitive, to understand, to see the world broadly, to respect all kinds of people, and to embrace our commonality as well as our differences. When I think back on Steven, Laurence, Kevin, John, and many others from the Louisiana days, I am hoping they are doing well. Great people and very focused on success. I also remember a talented young man named Chris and another talented young lady named Kristine. Both students of mine back in the 80s.
Then onward to Stanton, Texas where I became a band director and taught all the instruments. Along the way, I kept teaching horn and had several successful students such as Sally, Laurie, Misty, and Stephanie. Laura and Sande were great too not to mention the countless band students I taught such as Matt, Kenneth, Dustin, and Stacy. Amy came over from another school for lessons and occasionally there were drop-ins looking for a teacher. Those were some outstanding years of working with wonderful students. Kacie, Belinda, Matt, Jan, Jason, and Brandie were just a few of the wonderful students from those years.
Then my years at Howard Payne as horn teacher and band director where Kenneth grew to be one of the stars and is now a successful conductor. And of course Sally, Sam, Lydia, Alex, Kailey, Taylor, James, Crissy, Misty, Emily, Mary, and for a brief time Jeff, all great talents. In some ways Cara ended up being the top player since she now plays in the New York Philharmonic. Now a couple of bright high school students come to take lessons and I certainly expect great things from Cody and Karley!
Can't ignore all the band directors, elementary music teachers, choir directors, orchestra directors, pianists, and music ministers who were in my classes and who are now teaching and influencing countless lives. Preston is amazing and deserves accolades for his incredible teaching skills. But I am just as proud of Pedro, Rob, Shannon, Liz, Becky, John and Scot and Jason, Riley, Joe, and Michelle. Lacey was an awesome teacher and I suppose I can a thread of credit for Olivia's success.
But truthfully while my students mean everything to me, my success as a teacher is due to my own teachers, parents, and all those who helped me along the way. The list of teachers who made a difference in my life is lengthy including Kirke McKenzie, John Faraone, Mike Hatfield, Lawson Hager, Loyd Hawthorne, Lowell Greer, Orlando Calderon, Celeste Myall, Bill Woods, Dan McAlexander, Tom Lott, and of course my parents. Really this list could go on and on naming the many influences in my life. And I would suspect each person mentioned could mention several dozen teachers who influenced them. No teacher operates in a vacuum or on an island and the world remains interconnected through generations, history, and the future.
I give thanks to my teachers and I give thanks to my students. We have shaped each other and grown in the process. Sure there were challenges along the way but it was all worth the effort as we work together making a difference in lives.
And there is no doubt that I learned more and continue to learn more from my students than I have taught them. From my students I learned to find joy in others' success, to be sensitive, to understand, to see the world broadly, to respect all kinds of people, and to embrace our commonality as well as our differences. When I think back on Steven, Laurence, Kevin, John, and many others from the Louisiana days, I am hoping they are doing well. Great people and very focused on success. I also remember a talented young man named Chris and another talented young lady named Kristine. Both students of mine back in the 80s.
Then onward to Stanton, Texas where I became a band director and taught all the instruments. Along the way, I kept teaching horn and had several successful students such as Sally, Laurie, Misty, and Stephanie. Laura and Sande were great too not to mention the countless band students I taught such as Matt, Kenneth, Dustin, and Stacy. Amy came over from another school for lessons and occasionally there were drop-ins looking for a teacher. Those were some outstanding years of working with wonderful students. Kacie, Belinda, Matt, Jan, Jason, and Brandie were just a few of the wonderful students from those years.
Then my years at Howard Payne as horn teacher and band director where Kenneth grew to be one of the stars and is now a successful conductor. And of course Sally, Sam, Lydia, Alex, Kailey, Taylor, James, Crissy, Misty, Emily, Mary, and for a brief time Jeff, all great talents. In some ways Cara ended up being the top player since she now plays in the New York Philharmonic. Now a couple of bright high school students come to take lessons and I certainly expect great things from Cody and Karley!
Can't ignore all the band directors, elementary music teachers, choir directors, orchestra directors, pianists, and music ministers who were in my classes and who are now teaching and influencing countless lives. Preston is amazing and deserves accolades for his incredible teaching skills. But I am just as proud of Pedro, Rob, Shannon, Liz, Becky, John and Scot and Jason, Riley, Joe, and Michelle. Lacey was an awesome teacher and I suppose I can a thread of credit for Olivia's success.
But truthfully while my students mean everything to me, my success as a teacher is due to my own teachers, parents, and all those who helped me along the way. The list of teachers who made a difference in my life is lengthy including Kirke McKenzie, John Faraone, Mike Hatfield, Lawson Hager, Loyd Hawthorne, Lowell Greer, Orlando Calderon, Celeste Myall, Bill Woods, Dan McAlexander, Tom Lott, and of course my parents. Really this list could go on and on naming the many influences in my life. And I would suspect each person mentioned could mention several dozen teachers who influenced them. No teacher operates in a vacuum or on an island and the world remains interconnected through generations, history, and the future.
I give thanks to my teachers and I give thanks to my students. We have shaped each other and grown in the process. Sure there were challenges along the way but it was all worth the effort as we work together making a difference in lives.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Church, good grief
It was with interest I read about the ousting of famed pastor Robert Schuller from the board. Having created a religious empire of sorts in California with a theology of trusting in the Lord, finding the good in all people, and demonstrating self-worth through positive thinking and lots of smiles, Schuller and his son are no longer a part of their original church. Schuller's daughters made some dramatic changes to the church, resulting in a drop in attendance, a decline in giving, and creditors calling for payback. Dependent on giving by members, if the people are not happy, the giving disappears. This is always true.
What went wrong? Was it a unique problem to that church? Or is it simply another manifestation of the two major issues facing the church today? I can sum up most problems with two words--style and inclusion (my analytical son will likely point out that I used three words!). According to the news article, Daddy Schuller practiced a form of worship in the old traditional model of hymns with an organ but daughters Schuller wanted something more contemporary and current. Daddy Schuller accepted all people in the church regardless of their sinful practices. Daughters Schuller wanted to exclude homosexuals based on Biblical principles. Style and Inclusion.
And the church divided on these issues, resulting in irreconcilable differences. Who was right? Which camp was the correct one? Maybe both are right and both are wrong. Or maybe there is no right or wrong, maybe just opinions and preferences. Maybe it essential to establish our personal standards, dig in our heels, and never sway from our perceived self-excellence. Or maybe we should have no standards of excellence and accept everything and anything in church? On the spectrum of total tolerance versus rigid behavioral expectations, what is the Christian approach? Or as Francis Schaeffer asks, "How should we then live?"
I adopt a personal standard that is based on my upbringing, my worldview, my own spiritual journey, and application of the Word. Yet I also seek truth and wisdom from many other sources, drawing from an eclectic mix of nationalities, religions, and practices. I contend that in some form or another, all of us do this very thing. We are products of our DNA and our environment, and our life experiences shape us and alter us over time. That said, while I do not subscribe to nor embrace homosexuality, I conversely do not disdane those who do. Other than believing it is not the preferred sexual approach and being aware of the Scriptural principal against homosexuality, at the same time I will never disallow nor condemn a practicing homosexual's right to live and worship in the way he or she sees fit. I am against it in philosophy and practice for myself, but also respect the rights of people to be who they wish to be as long as my own rights are not violated. Furthermore I posture that the church is the place for everyone and to exclude those not like ourselves is to create a small-minded, narrow theatrical facade with no more purpose than to be a kind of prison of like people. I am not interested in that church.
Regarding worship styles, I believe I am consistent in my views. Preferring an organ led hymn-based service, I have learned to enjoy and yes worship to other kinds of music. I am glad that people enjoy other kinds of music and remain convinced that it is our right to like what we like and to worship the way we want to worship. As a musician, I do tend to be rather opinionated about music and have great respect for those hymns with quality text and interesting music. And I do believe that the finest hymns are superior to the finest contemporary choruses, at least in terms of musical complexity and theological depth. But the poor hymns, and I recognize this is a subjective statement, are of little value, causing a higher regard for most modern choruses. In the end, regardless of one's opinion or preference, it belies a loving, tolerant practice to end a church over preference and over the inability to find common ground in worship styles.
It pains me to hear of a major church split or the closing of a church over these two issues, both of which are minor in the broad perspective of worshiping God. Church may indeed be frustrating and we will never agree on everything, but we can learn to tolerate our differences and turn the grief into good. It is worth holding onto the institution of the church. Each Sunday you may stand beside a homosexual or a radical contemporary or someone not like yourself, but I urge you to stay standing and remain firm to yourself while accepting others.
What went wrong? Was it a unique problem to that church? Or is it simply another manifestation of the two major issues facing the church today? I can sum up most problems with two words--style and inclusion (my analytical son will likely point out that I used three words!). According to the news article, Daddy Schuller practiced a form of worship in the old traditional model of hymns with an organ but daughters Schuller wanted something more contemporary and current. Daddy Schuller accepted all people in the church regardless of their sinful practices. Daughters Schuller wanted to exclude homosexuals based on Biblical principles. Style and Inclusion.
And the church divided on these issues, resulting in irreconcilable differences. Who was right? Which camp was the correct one? Maybe both are right and both are wrong. Or maybe there is no right or wrong, maybe just opinions and preferences. Maybe it essential to establish our personal standards, dig in our heels, and never sway from our perceived self-excellence. Or maybe we should have no standards of excellence and accept everything and anything in church? On the spectrum of total tolerance versus rigid behavioral expectations, what is the Christian approach? Or as Francis Schaeffer asks, "How should we then live?"
I adopt a personal standard that is based on my upbringing, my worldview, my own spiritual journey, and application of the Word. Yet I also seek truth and wisdom from many other sources, drawing from an eclectic mix of nationalities, religions, and practices. I contend that in some form or another, all of us do this very thing. We are products of our DNA and our environment, and our life experiences shape us and alter us over time. That said, while I do not subscribe to nor embrace homosexuality, I conversely do not disdane those who do. Other than believing it is not the preferred sexual approach and being aware of the Scriptural principal against homosexuality, at the same time I will never disallow nor condemn a practicing homosexual's right to live and worship in the way he or she sees fit. I am against it in philosophy and practice for myself, but also respect the rights of people to be who they wish to be as long as my own rights are not violated. Furthermore I posture that the church is the place for everyone and to exclude those not like ourselves is to create a small-minded, narrow theatrical facade with no more purpose than to be a kind of prison of like people. I am not interested in that church.
Regarding worship styles, I believe I am consistent in my views. Preferring an organ led hymn-based service, I have learned to enjoy and yes worship to other kinds of music. I am glad that people enjoy other kinds of music and remain convinced that it is our right to like what we like and to worship the way we want to worship. As a musician, I do tend to be rather opinionated about music and have great respect for those hymns with quality text and interesting music. And I do believe that the finest hymns are superior to the finest contemporary choruses, at least in terms of musical complexity and theological depth. But the poor hymns, and I recognize this is a subjective statement, are of little value, causing a higher regard for most modern choruses. In the end, regardless of one's opinion or preference, it belies a loving, tolerant practice to end a church over preference and over the inability to find common ground in worship styles.
It pains me to hear of a major church split or the closing of a church over these two issues, both of which are minor in the broad perspective of worshiping God. Church may indeed be frustrating and we will never agree on everything, but we can learn to tolerate our differences and turn the grief into good. It is worth holding onto the institution of the church. Each Sunday you may stand beside a homosexual or a radical contemporary or someone not like yourself, but I urge you to stay standing and remain firm to yourself while accepting others.
Monday, July 04, 2011
Marvelous Medema
Driving to Abilene to hear the Ken Medema concert, I shared with the family my memories of Ken Medema in the 1970s. Having heard him several times while a teenager growing up in El Paso, I am convinced his music has made a profound impact on my own music and in some broad sense an impact on my life. Arriving 30 minutes early to the concert, we sat near the front so as to see the keys on the piano.
He arrived on stage at 7:00, sat down at the piano and began to play a medium paced funk-style song called "Texas Fourth of July." It was a fun little song intended to reach the audience of over a thousand people. He then moved into a furiously roiling mass of rhythmic and harmonic joy that served as an accompaniment to Brethren We Have Met to Worship. Covering the keyboard and shifting quickly and well in and out of tonality and altered chords, the piece was almost inhumanly performed by the singer/song-writer. With mind-boggling technqiue, creative harmonic development, and incredible rhythmic energy, Ken Medema never let up with displaying his remarkable musical gifts.
One great song after another and throughout each one Ken Medema dazzled the energized audience with his stunning prowess. An average but versatile singer, his voice is powerful but a little strident at times. But his music and his performance is not about a pretty voice, it instead is about the text, the creativity, the energy, and the rhythmic power of the entire experience. In the middle of the concert, Ken has audience members tell him a story and he then creates a song about the story. One story involved attending a baseball game when the fog moved in and the balls moved in and out of the fog. Following the game was a fireworks display through the fog. Ken's song creatively explored the relationship of baseballs and fireworks in the fog and how our lives sometimes seem to reside in the fog until the light shines forth. It was a gorgeous song and not easily forgotten.
He ended the concert with a new version of his I See America, a delicious treat of musical experimentation that enhanced the meaningful text. This marvelous song was followed by a fun African song called Ubuntu where we sang and danced. I was sorry the concert ended and could have started it again. He remains the king of improvisation and Christian concerts and I am blessed to have the opportunity to hear this amazingly gifted musician.
He arrived on stage at 7:00, sat down at the piano and began to play a medium paced funk-style song called "Texas Fourth of July." It was a fun little song intended to reach the audience of over a thousand people. He then moved into a furiously roiling mass of rhythmic and harmonic joy that served as an accompaniment to Brethren We Have Met to Worship. Covering the keyboard and shifting quickly and well in and out of tonality and altered chords, the piece was almost inhumanly performed by the singer/song-writer. With mind-boggling technqiue, creative harmonic development, and incredible rhythmic energy, Ken Medema never let up with displaying his remarkable musical gifts.
One great song after another and throughout each one Ken Medema dazzled the energized audience with his stunning prowess. An average but versatile singer, his voice is powerful but a little strident at times. But his music and his performance is not about a pretty voice, it instead is about the text, the creativity, the energy, and the rhythmic power of the entire experience. In the middle of the concert, Ken has audience members tell him a story and he then creates a song about the story. One story involved attending a baseball game when the fog moved in and the balls moved in and out of the fog. Following the game was a fireworks display through the fog. Ken's song creatively explored the relationship of baseballs and fireworks in the fog and how our lives sometimes seem to reside in the fog until the light shines forth. It was a gorgeous song and not easily forgotten.
He ended the concert with a new version of his I See America, a delicious treat of musical experimentation that enhanced the meaningful text. This marvelous song was followed by a fun African song called Ubuntu where we sang and danced. I was sorry the concert ended and could have started it again. He remains the king of improvisation and Christian concerts and I am blessed to have the opportunity to hear this amazingly gifted musician.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Odds and Ends
Got up early and ran four miles this morning, but now am hurting some in the joints and muscles. It is that good kind of feeling of being sore but kind of physically productive at the same time. Running is liberating in many ways, outdoors, windy, primitive yet personal, and difficult without too much undue suffering. Yet, a physician mentioned this morning that running will inevitably harm the knees from the constant pounding. Makes me hesitate a little. Perhaps a few more years of this pounding and the knees will be okay. We'll see.
The church service was essentially patriotic this morning including Battle Hymn, National Anthem, Onward Christian Soldiers, and My Country Tis of Thee. The preacher spoke on our Christian and civic responsibility to society and to God, demonstrating through scripture God's reminders of our role as Christians. It all makes sense as we honor our country while giving thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. So why am I a little suspicious that we missed something today? Maybe it is my broad concern and question about people, believers, living in countries other than our own. It seems to be both arrogant and selfish to assume that we have it right, that our history did it all the right way, and we are doing everything correctly at the exclusion of other nationalities.
This is not to criticize our inherent patriotism, an essential ingredient in developing and maintaining national pride and dedication to democracy, but it is to question some of our assumptions that a militant Christianity is necessary for enjoying the privileges of living the way we do. It remains my contention that scripture, that all of Christianity, perhaps even all our lives, are about the Love of God and its working in the world. With love at the forefront, it makes war seem less ordained than previously suspected. Perhaps necessary at times but certainly not preferred, war and militance should never replace love and forgiveness--collectively or individually. With this conclusion, I find myself uncomfortable expending great energy singing about war regardless of its results. That said, I can never get enough study of American history and do indeed consider myself fortunate to live in this great land.
Reading Jeff Shaara's historical novel on the Mexican War. My namesake Robert E. Lee was an amazingly courageous and wise leader. But once again I am disappointed to learn how politics and political leaders often make decisions that hurt the individuals without any kind of help to the greater good. This is true regardless of which side of any war one studies.
Bored with discussions of the weather and wishing people could find more common ground in conversation than current climate conditions, it is true that the hot, extremely dry weather is contributing to our economic woes in this part of the world. The dangers of fires, the depleting drinking water, and the unplanted crops are playing havoc with our daily lives as well as the future. No matter how much technology improves our lives, without water we are nothing. Scary thought.
Proud of my son Jordan. He composed a beautiful piece for band called The Spirit Descending. It can be heard on youtube. A quick search for Jordan Tucker and The Spirit Descending will reveal a nice recording of the piece played by the top band at Howard Payne's Band Leadership Camp. Jordan is a remarkable talent with a bright future as a composer. It may be a tough road to "make it" but he certainly is capable.
Enough rambling for today. About to go hear Ken Medema who is giving a concert in Abilene. Wonderful pianist and vastly creative. Should be great!
The church service was essentially patriotic this morning including Battle Hymn, National Anthem, Onward Christian Soldiers, and My Country Tis of Thee. The preacher spoke on our Christian and civic responsibility to society and to God, demonstrating through scripture God's reminders of our role as Christians. It all makes sense as we honor our country while giving thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. So why am I a little suspicious that we missed something today? Maybe it is my broad concern and question about people, believers, living in countries other than our own. It seems to be both arrogant and selfish to assume that we have it right, that our history did it all the right way, and we are doing everything correctly at the exclusion of other nationalities.
This is not to criticize our inherent patriotism, an essential ingredient in developing and maintaining national pride and dedication to democracy, but it is to question some of our assumptions that a militant Christianity is necessary for enjoying the privileges of living the way we do. It remains my contention that scripture, that all of Christianity, perhaps even all our lives, are about the Love of God and its working in the world. With love at the forefront, it makes war seem less ordained than previously suspected. Perhaps necessary at times but certainly not preferred, war and militance should never replace love and forgiveness--collectively or individually. With this conclusion, I find myself uncomfortable expending great energy singing about war regardless of its results. That said, I can never get enough study of American history and do indeed consider myself fortunate to live in this great land.
Reading Jeff Shaara's historical novel on the Mexican War. My namesake Robert E. Lee was an amazingly courageous and wise leader. But once again I am disappointed to learn how politics and political leaders often make decisions that hurt the individuals without any kind of help to the greater good. This is true regardless of which side of any war one studies.
Bored with discussions of the weather and wishing people could find more common ground in conversation than current climate conditions, it is true that the hot, extremely dry weather is contributing to our economic woes in this part of the world. The dangers of fires, the depleting drinking water, and the unplanted crops are playing havoc with our daily lives as well as the future. No matter how much technology improves our lives, without water we are nothing. Scary thought.
Proud of my son Jordan. He composed a beautiful piece for band called The Spirit Descending. It can be heard on youtube. A quick search for Jordan Tucker and The Spirit Descending will reveal a nice recording of the piece played by the top band at Howard Payne's Band Leadership Camp. Jordan is a remarkable talent with a bright future as a composer. It may be a tough road to "make it" but he certainly is capable.
Enough rambling for today. About to go hear Ken Medema who is giving a concert in Abilene. Wonderful pianist and vastly creative. Should be great!
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