I was in
Rochester, MN June 22-24 with our Celebration Ringers participating in the Area
7 Handbell Festival Conference. This event happens every other year, and our
ringers’ enthusiasm for this event has always been strong. After 2014, this
year is my second time going to the event, and I enjoyed it again with our
ringers. Learning some new things about the instrument and technique may be
important, but personally, learning to be a player in a group, in this case a
BIG group of about 400, was even more important. Directing a musical group is
pretty different than playing under someone else’s direction, and it’s a very
essential experience to be a good director.
Another
pleasure is meeting all the devoted and enthusiastic ringers and directors from
many other places. It was an encouraging moment to share the joy of making
music with the same goal of glorifying God as His children.
I will have
another learning and sharing moment in participating in the American Guild of
Organists national convention in Kansas City the week of July 2. Summer is a
time dedicated to growing and learning for many church musicians, and I will
enjoy it.
Thank you
for your support and prayers for me and our church choir members, and I believe
that we all will share the fruit of our efforts during the coming choir year.
