The members of the Music Committee thank you for your ongoing prayers and encouragement during this time of transition within the music ministry. We ask that you continue to pray for not only the committee but for the men and women who participate in glorifying God through voice and instrument and for all those who teach our children in Schola Cantorum and Praisemakers.
The music staff did a terrific job this past spring and summer keeping the music ministry running smoothly and providing quality music for our planned events and services. During the summer months the Music Committee was tasked to evaluate and possibly reconstruct the music ministry to fit our needs until a new music director/organist is found.
The Music Committee thanks God and acknowledges his sovereignty over all things and his provision for us, providing the following musicians to fill these interim positions.
Luke Carlson has agreed to take on the role of interim choir director. Not only will Luke direct the choir, but he will also coordinate all aspects of the music ministry until a new music director is found. Luke, a former assistant and member of the music staff, is fully acquainted with the workings of Tenth’s music ministry. He received his doctorate in composition from the University of Pennsylvania this past spring and is now busy preparing for the choir’s first rehearsal on September 15 and their participation in evening worship beginning September 21. Luke is looking forward to continuing the tradition of preparing and presenting music that will glorify God and helping to make sure that the logistics behind the music making are in place and running smoothly.
Bryan Anderson has agreed to stay on as interim organist/pianist for the evening services, Monday choir rehearsals, and special services and concerts. His talents are well known to you. Bryan has played organ for many of our worship services and concerts during the past few years. We thank God for Bryan’s willingness to use his gifts at Tenth as he finishes his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Alma Zensen is our interim organist/pianist for the morning worship services. You have already heard her this summer. She has over twenty years of experience as both an organist and choral director and has agreed to help Tenth Church in any way possible during this interim period. She and her husband, Richard, have been members of Tenth since 1993.
The Children’s Music Ministry continues this year with Judy Harvey as director. Praisemakers, for 4- and 5-year-olds, meets Sunday mornings, with children going to the class during the second hymn in the 11:00 service. Schola Cantorum, for grades 1–6, will be meeting Sunday evenings from 6:00 to 7:40 in the 315 S. 17th Street building, beginning September 28. These programs are a wonderful opportunity for our children to grow in their ability to participate in and appreciate the worship we offer the Lord in music as they learn the elements of music, the historical and spiritual importance and meaning of great hymns of the Church, and as they participate in primary and junior choirs.
The Music Committee is pleased and grateful for the grace God has shown us in providing all of these fine musicians while we wait upon him for a permanent music director/organist.