Making a joyful noise
“It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold.”
In this edition of Tidings, I have been blessed to interview two of our wonderful volunteer singers who will be joining with the angels’ songs in declaring the birth of our Lord Jesus. Ed Slier and Jaclyn Metcalf have been pillars of our musical programming for years.
Ed Slier has been serving in the Chancel Choir for 34 years, and has sung at Christmas and Easter for at least 32 of those years. Ed’s love of the Christmas season and its music really begins with Advent and the songs of longing for the Savior’s coming, culminating in the grand mystery of Christmas. Ed is a musician of the highest pedigree, having an undergraduate degree in theory from the Eastman School of Music, and a master’s degree in piano performance from the University of Arkansas. He holds himself to high standards of performance, and takes great joy in the beauty and talent of our choir.
“I used to respond more to the hymn tunes musically, but as I became a Christian, it’s the words that have had the greatest impact on me.”
– Ed Slier
“There have been times when my own sense of professionalism has been in the way,” said Ed. “Ed Slier, the artist, has a hard time focusing on worship. Then came COVID. After months without choir, when we started back, I was so grateful. As Calvin said, I was ‘pricked in the heart,’ and realized that I couldn’t be judgmental about what happens with the music anymore. I look forward to singing much more spiritually now and make a joyful noise to the Lord.” Ed encourages the congregation to stop and think about the text.
I asked Ed about his favorite Christmas carols and choir anthems. He said, “They are all great, but I can’t stand still to the John Rutter arrangement of ‘The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.’ My feet must move. I guess that’s not very Presbyterian, but I love it.” He went on to say, “I think most of all, I enjoy getting back to focusing on this text and that’s what it’s really about.”
O come let us adore Him
O come to us, abide in us, our Lord Emmanuel
Jaclyn Metcalf has been singing at First Church since she joined the Youth Choir in 1997 when the choir led the worship service. She has provided vocals every Christmas season since then except for one. I asked her about what meaningful experiences and music she has enjoyed over the years, and she said, “I have sung ‘Born in the Night’ for many years as a solo. That song has always meant a lot to my mom which makes it special to me. It’s a simple song that really encompasses all Christmas is about. I also often sing with my siblings, usually ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.’ She also noted it is always a special treat when I (Eric) join with them. She also says she particularly looks forward to singing minor key carols and singing with her sister, Julia. “I love it all,” she said.
“The rehearsing of the content ... ingrains the miracle of Christmas in my mind.”
– Jaclyn Metcalf
When asked how singing at Christmas has impacted her faith, she replied, “The rehearsing of the content and the repetition ingrains the miracle of Christmas in my mind until I don’t remember not knowing it. Because of this, I don’t get mired down in doubt about the miracle of Christmas; it just is. It colors the lens I see everything through.”
I asked her what she might like to say to the congregation about Christmas. She replied, “My snarky response is that we’re here more than Christmas. It’s just the start of the story. Come back and find out what happens. It’s good news! Coming only for Christmas is like walking into the bakery and getting that first whiff and then walking out. Come in! Taste and see the Lord is good. Get some calories, yo!”