BEYOND THE HORIZON: Community of Christ Sings!

Jan KraybillPrincipal Organist for Community of Christ and The Dome and Spire Organ Foundation

Look beyond the horizon.What can you imagine?

Ever-more-vibrant musical expressions of Christ’s mission!

A new day in church music!

PHILOSPHICAL

Hymns of the Saints – 1981 Primarily 4-part hymnody from

European hymnic heritage Some forays into other styles and

cultures Title reflects content Three supplements stretched stylistic

boundaries: 1993, 1999, 2004

Community of Christ Sings Stylistically wider range, but still

plenty of part-singing Title reflects content Content reflects two goals set by

leadership Communicate, reflect, and imagine the

church’s identity, message, mission and beliefs

Help us all value and appreciate the global nature of the church

Hundreds of contributors

CCS has much to offer, contains much to learn

Languages Styles Instruments Concepts Balance

Challenge: Creatively embrace the chance

to learn and grow Devise solutions for your

environment

Reward: Musical and spiritual renewal

Wider sense of community,

faith, church and God

Bottom Line

Community of Christ Sings will help the

church stretch and grow theologically.

Shouldn’t it also help us stretch and grow

musically?

PRACTICAL

1. “A characteristic of a good leader is never to doubt the capacity of the people he’s leading to realize whatever he’s dreaming.” Benjamin Zander, conductor of Boston

Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Orchestra, co-author of The Art of Possibility

“My job is to awaken the possibility in other people.”

Definition of success

2. Fall in love with words and poetry Ancient forms Stanza forms Song forms Visual and aural beauty of words in

unfamiliar languages Concepts, stories, and images used for

God, humanity, community, faith, etc., etc., etc.

3. Research the story behind the music Personal contacts Hymnary.org Hymnals by single authors Books Web searches CCS page layout

Use and share this information

4. Printed page is just shorthand – like notes for a sermon. Find good aural models to follow. Personal network Conferences CCS Audio Recording product Other recordings, YouTube Other web-based archives

5. Join networks of musicians to learn from and inspire each other Dome and Spire Organ Foundation –

for more than just organists! Piano Club – for more than just

pianists! The Hymn Society in the U.S. and

Canada – for more than just hymns! The American Guild of Organists Choristers’ Guild

6. “Translate” for your environment and your people What can we do? What speaks to us? What is the definition of success for us? What do we need to ensure this

success? Insert music into every aspect of your

congregation’s life CCS indices as tools

7. Be open – embrace the opportunity to be a beginner New instruments New languages New ways of doing things Guided mastery – self efficacy Patience Create a community of unselfconscious

beginners who learn and rejoice together

8. Look for your next horizon! Here are mine from this 5+ year project:

Theological umbrella Vocative particle O MOTU: audio, technological, Finale,

database Guitarists’ community, guitar chords Guitar playing

BACK TO PHILOSOPHICAL

It’s a journey

You are not alone

You will not be perfect the first

time

Different ≠ Difficult

Have fun!

Q & A