I teach Vocal and Instrumental Music
at local school
in the Midwest. I would like to take you on a journey through a year of a new band student.
Those first few months the students learn a lot about musicianship. They learn how to sustain a note with breath support, how to count with proper rhythm, how to play a note with proper embouchure, and most importantly how to play as an ensemble. The ensemble in my classroom is referred to as my team. I am merely the coach and the band serves as the players on the team. Our team learns to work together, support, and encourage one another. It’s amazing the improvements and the transformation of the band students after a few months as opposed to the beginning.
Those first few months the students learn a lot about musicianship. They learn how to sustain a note with breath support, how to count with proper rhythm, how to play a note with proper embouchure, and most importantly how to play as an ensemble. The ensemble in my classroom is referred to as my team. I am merely the coach and the band serves as the players on the team. Our team learns to work together, support, and encourage one another. It’s amazing the improvements and the transformation of the band students after a few months as opposed to the beginning.
In the beginning some of the
other teachers walk past my room, nod their heads and smile. They often ask
“how do you do it?” I tell them I hear sounds that I wish to hear in the
future. The sounds they are referring to are the sounds much like that of a car
accident or traffic jam. These well meaning kids envision themselves on a stage
as a solo performer. But in the beginning it is a challenge just to play one
single piece of music
together. It’s hard to explain to others how I can be hopeful despite the chaos
and noise.
Much in contrast, by Christmas
time the students begin to make recognizable music. The teachers again pop in my
room and this time they dance, or sing the songs the students play.
Fast-forward to May. …The
students have learned to play their parts for a concert piece and learned to
play together with the 6-8th grade students. It is pretty impressive
as to how well a group of 11-13 year olds can play nicely together. If each had
continued to push to be a solo performer, they couldn’t have achieved
individually what they could do as a team. When they learned to work as a team
the woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections all played their parts and the
result was beautiful music.
Paul wrote to the followers
of Jesus in Rome:
“In Christ we, though many,
form one body, each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts,
according to the grace given to each of us”
Romans 12: 5-6 among the
gifts Paul mentioned are prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving,
leadership, and mercy (vv 7-8). Each gift is to be exercised freely for the
good of all (1Cor. 12:7)
Romans12:10 (NIV) Honor one
another above yourselves
The goal is cooperation, not competition.
The definition of Concert
is “agreement in design or plan; combined action; harmony or accord.” This is God’s plan for His Children through their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to be devoted to
one another through the love of Christ.
In retrospect we are all “onstage”
before a world that is watching and listening each and every day. In God's Band there are no soloists in God’s
concert band, every instrument is necessary. Music is most beautiful when we all
play our part in harmony with others.
Prayer:
Lord, we trust You to be the
Conductor of our lives. Please provide us with the ability to play Your song of love and share your grace together in concert
with your children we meet each day. Help us to find your presence and beauty in each and every note,
please provide us with opportunities through our music to reach the hearts of your children so they may be drawn to you.
May your Spirit guide us
through every measure so that I might be the instruments of your peace and
proclaim your glory with glad voices. Amen
In God's band, there are not soloists, but all instruments are necessary. The music we play is most beautiful when each team member plays their part in unity with others in the band.
