Orchestra
Bible research shows the topic of `music’ is mentioned in the Bible over 800 times! Something so prevalent in the Word of God must be eternally important to our faith and church. As skilled musicians, it is our duty—our calling— to utilize our talents for His glory and praise. Where did our talents come from if not Him? The Temple Orchestra plays not only for performance value but acts as worship leaders for our church. We have a service to provide and attempt to do so as often as called upon. Requirements: To be a member of the Calvary Orchestra, one must possess a basic level of proficiency and possess a godly attitude toward ministry as described below.
A basic level of proficiency means at least a high school level in playing experience or current participation in such an instrumental group. Even though we do rehearse all music performed, some orchestrations require at least this level of ability.
Second, a godly attitude covers the way in which we rehearse. In a group of such diverse levels of ability, it is imperative that everyone practices at their best. Do what you can at home before our weekly rehearsals. Mark your music in any manner you deem appropriate. Be prepared to be rehearsed. When a part is incorrect, don’t take it personally if we stop and work that section with just your group. And don’t think that you don’t need rehearsal if you can play the part perfectly. Some of your fellow members will master the music better if they have you to follow. God is able to use us all in rehearsal—the professional and those of us just “making a joyful noise”!!!
Finally, being a member of such a group requires accountability. Though performance can be enjoyable, being in the CiS Orchestra is a spiritual calling and deserves our consistent attention to improvement as well as worship. We should be proud, but also in awe of the responsibility we have as leaders of worship in celebration services. To His glory and not our own… How To Join? The easiest way is to show up for a Wednesday night rehearsal. We practice every Wed. from 7:00 until 8:15 in the orchestra rehearsal room, an upstairs room almost above the choir room. You may also contact the Minister of Music, Phil Ferguson, Music Secretary, Sandy Cooler or myself through any of our contact means to arrange for a meeting or get directions. Additionally, feel free to come down front on any Sunday morning service to meet one of us and arrange to join. There is no audition to enter the CiS Orchestra and everyone desiring to use their musical talents for the glory of God are welcome! Attendance: Commitment to being in our God-called place is the basis on which that calling stands. The majority of all information is presented at our weekly rehearsals. The music we present to our church family is seen, rehearsed and readied on Wednesdays. Without the faithful attendance, we may be unable to adequately provide the necessary accompaniment for that week’s anthem. Our music speaks to the hearts of his people and, if we are not able to practice correctly, this can hinder the spirit intended by the song’s writer. I and many of our members believe in God’s power and that “all will work out in the end” but this comfort in God’s grace should never be used to sacrifice a proper dedication and commitment to a ministry in His name.
Only through adequate and prompt attendance can we rehearse properly. Before rehearsal, please plan for the inevitable needs of warm-up, tuning and inspection of your instrument. If you are aware of an upcoming absence please contact me or mark the orchestral calendar as soon as possible. If an emergency arises, call my cell phone or the church number to let us know. We all have other responsibilities to family, job and the like but alerting one of us to any possible conflicts or emergencies will allow us to organize rehearsals and performances more effectively. More importantly, this will also allow us to minister more effectively one to another as a family!
To Contact Us:
Chris Miller
Email: cdlcmiller@bellsouth.net
