Music

It seems like I always start my newsletter pieces like this, but I really do always feel this way: it’s hard to believe that we’re already at the beginning of another year!  In this case, the beginning of my fourth year at Epiphany and my second year playing double duty as organist and music director.  I’ve had a great time improving my organ skills-I’m certainly no Cory Westby, but I”ve been enjoying the challenge and I think mostly getting by.  I owe a great deal to those who have allowed me to take time off by subbing for me:  Barbara Hubbard and Jacob Drasher, and I’m especially proud of Jacob’s accomplishments-playing a service is no easy task (much less four!), and he managed it with facility and aplomb.

As we enter the autums, we resume our normal schedule of choirs: Chapel Choir meets Wednesdays from 7:30-9 and Folk Choir on Sundays from 10-10:30 and both choirs present anthems at either the 8:30 or 11:00 service.  All are fully welcome in both groups: no auditions are held, nor is any experience or musical knoweldge required-just a lvoe of praising God through song!  Both ensembles are a wonderful way to serve Epiphany by enhancing the experience of worship, not to mention a great time of fellowship with fun people and the unmatched joy of lifting your voice and your hearts in praise!  Folk Choir will begin meeting on Sunday, September 4 and Chapel Choir will have its first rehearsal on Wednesday September 7.  Why not give it a try?

Additionally, when Sunday School resumes, so with the YOuth Choir, which oes much of its continued existence to the ministrations of Erika Livermont-I would not be able to do it by myself (my time being stretched to the limit between services) and Erika has been a tremendous help to me in all aspects of running it.  We meet briefly before Sunday School and sing in church about once/month, always at the late service.  Lastly, I would still like to see our set of hand bells utilized by an ensemble-a hand bell ensemble would be a wonderful addition to our music ministry, and would be engaging and accessible to both complete beginners and those with some experience reading music, etc.  Stay tuned for more information…

Finally, I can’t tell you waht a joy it’s been serving Epiphany for the past three years-I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know so many wonderful people and having so many spiritually meaningful experiences through music…it has truly been a blessing, and I can’t wait for another glorious year!

Robert Bolyard

Director of Music