Life inside the choir
You see their faces every Sunday, peeking out atop the red and white robes, their voices wafting through the sanctuary in time and harmony with sounds emanating from organ pipes. Have you ever wondered what the FPC choir is really all about and what actually takes place in the choir loft?
Our pastor often speaks of the FPC Chancel Choir as a community, so we took a little time to talk in depth with a couple of members about what this role means to them personally and how community is acted out among the group.
Jean Lemmon is a talented musician and is currently serving as choir president. In her eyes, the choir is an extra special small group. “Many of us are long-time members who have established deep friendships,” Jean explained. She also feels the choir has a good mix of folks who haven’t been participating as long and includes a wide array of ages and personalities, trained and untrained musicians, etc. “We laugh and cry together and support each other in a variety of ways.”
We sing music that pierces the soul
Jean Lemmon
Naming some of the ministries the Chancel Choir carries out among its members and throughout the Church body, Jean cited intercessory prayer, practicing hospitality (cards and meals during health issues or loss), and offering transportation to and from rehearsals and worship to some who would otherwise be unable to attend. The choir is also involved with mission projects outside the Church, the Lindsey House and Emerson Elementary being two of those. Being a part of this spiritual message is a privilege and responsibility.
“What truly makes the choir special is we sing music that pierces the soul.” Jean expounded, “The lyrics, melodies and instruments produce a blend that makes its way into our hearts and minds.” Jean says this is the result of teamwork. “We even have to breathe together,” she exclaimed, “becoming, in a sense, a singular organism. And, Music Director Ron Pearson frequently interjects a good deal of humor while also encouraging teamwork and continually emphasizing that the choir ‘leads the congregation in worship.’”
Dr. John Frame is another choir member who greatly appreciates the team aspect of the Chancel Choir and the worship that ensues. Dr. Frame has sung in choral groups his entire life and was most pleased to be invited initially to FPC’s choir by a young Louis Hedgecock during their high school days. Laven Sowell was choir director and John became involved in the Church’s youth group at that time.
Choir is a warm environment and I go home every Wednesday feeling happy.
John Frame
After going away to college and building his medical practice, Dr. Frame was eventually able to return to the choir he loved at FPC. He said his initial feelings of loneliness in the group after such an extended absence were short-lived as Larry Osterhout sort of “adopted him.” He feels most welcome in the choir and greatly enjoys the company.
“I love our musicality and believe it is extremely important that we lead in worship. We feed people’s souls and I am proud to be a part of that.” John went on: “Our choir members have shared values and our focus is the same whether it’s Wednesday evening or Sunday morning. We really care about singing high quality music, both technically and spiritually.”
Speaking to the spiritual aspect that truly makes this community a community, both Jean and John have much to say.
Jean explained, “At rehearsal, we are learning and growing together. It is a blessing to hear gradual improvement as the weeks go by. It truly does take a village. Jesus said, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ (Matthew 18:20) Through the choir, we can see the face of God.”
Dr. Frame says that for him, music is moving and creates spirituality even more than study. “Music is as strong a statement for me that there is a God as anything. The notes are analogous to the laws of physics. It takes a genius to put it all together! During med school, I was continually awe struck by the science of the human body, its ability to heal, etc., and I still am. Music and singing with this choir leaves me with that same feeling of wonder.”
On the wall the choir faces each time they gather, a calligraphy of The Chorister’s Prayer has been painted. Following rehearsals, they often repeat it as one voice to Him who has given them the opportunity and ability to be where they are, doing what they are doing. They take these words seriously:
