As we enter the season of Advent, the Christian traditional time of expectant waiting and preparation we … <pause>… [record scratch — isn’t that what we have been doing most of this year?]. I know that I have been asking that question a lot. This question brings to mind the beckoning of a mindful Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God”. These well-fitting words encourage us to put down the busy-ness of life, surround ourselves in the stillness, and know God. This is where music speaks to me. Music helps me to find stillness.
In our services for Advent, I encourage you to stop and contemplate the natures of God. Possibly the music will help you to be still and thus know God. As I have been busy planning music for this season, I am looking forward to being still and expecting the beautiful music of Advent and Christmas. Here is a little bit of what music is happening in Advent this year.
A significant part of music for Advent will be provided by the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI). This comes about by the nature of the music outreach programs at Nativity, which is to provide space for community organizations. The North Carolina Chamber Music Institute is one of the groups that we have been able to welcome in our building. NCCMI in turn is glad to offer an abundance of music for our services this month. With anticipation and delight I look forward to the music of the Advent offered by various ensembles from NCCMI on each Sunday this month.
The North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI) was founded by Nativity members Elizabeth Beilman and Jimmy Gilmore. NCCMI creates opportunities for close to 80 young people to study and perform chamber music. This involves a lot more than practice and learning to play a musical instrument. The students are coached by professional musicians, many from the NC Symphony. In addition to learning music through regular practice, the students study music traditions, public speaking, organizational skills, and independent working with their peers. The result in these young musicians is an exceptional integration of confidence, poise, and a rich musical experience.
In addition to the NCCMI groups, we will also have singers from our choir (a small virtual choir piece for Christmas) and musicians from our congregation. So be expectant, and be prepared for the music that speaks to you and encourages us all to be still and know God.
Soli Deo gloria,
Jason Pace