As a student of Converse University, rituals are a common thing on campus. One ritual that we hold at Converse is Lessons and Carols. It holds lots of value not only to the university, but to the community around it. As someone who has been a part of this ritual for the past two years. I can see the value of this ritual to the people around me. Some of the music is more meaningful to me just simply by how the ensemble sounds. The harmonies and the message we try to portray. One of my favorites is Once in a Royal David's City. I like the harmonies in this song and how it talks about the birth of Christ.
I know that for the Lessons and Carols that are held on campus we always intertwine scripture reading with songs or music that correlates to what is being said. This past year the Spartanburg Master Chorale sang the hymn: Myn Lyking. This song is a beautiful song and the chorale executed it perfectly. I really like the tenor and bass line. Harmony is my favorite to just about any song, if done correctly. The recording that I am attaching is the original composer's recording of the hymn. I really like how the chorale incorporated the organ rather than an orchestra. Regardless, both are amazing.
I'm just going to be real, I normally do not enjoy sitting there for what feels like an eternity and do little playing. However, this year was different. I thoroughly enjoyed our musical selections this year for the wind ensemble and I also got to play along with my students from Woodruff. This was, for me, a different type of proud. I'm a true band mom when it comes to my students and their musical pathways. I enjoy getting to see them grow and mature as musicians. I had three students that got to play in the ensemble for Lessons and Carols. I am hoping to make this a new ritual for the future and having my kids come in and experience collegiate level music. I love hearing how much they enjoyed playing with the ensemble.
ANYWAYS, I also enjoyed playing the almighty Sleigh Ride. It is always a must when it comes to Christmas time. Everyone loves it and it makes the soul feel right. My favorite part is when we start swingin' the melody. We play it every year. No other explanation needed.
I have to agree about Lessons and Carols. It is a special ritual that affects so many in the community. It is a time for everyone to come together during the holiday season and celebrate and experience music together. I too also love it when the wind ensemble plays "Sleigh Ride". It's one of my favs.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I've only been in one performance of Lessons and Carols, I can understand how difficult it may be to sit through an hour plus performance where you only play a little. I am also a sleigh ride enjoyer.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so cool that you got to play with your kids on Lessons and Carols! I had fun singing in Lessons and Carols, but I will never enjoy having to walk at the same time. So, though I love Once In Royal David's City, I prefer it when it's stationary.
ReplyDelete"Once in Royal David's City" is a classic Christmas carol, and it wouldn't feel like Christmas to me (as much) if we didn't sing it every year. The same goes for "Sleigh Ride". I have to agree with you about "Myn Lyking"; I think it was a good choice to sing that piece and the chorale did a wonderful job singing it!
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