Singing in Pandemic Times

As human beings, we are singing, musical beings.  At the most basic level our hearts beat and our lungs breath in simple rhythm, and at the most advanced our brains facilitate a musical interaction between our body, one another, and the universe at levels we are only starting to comprehend.  Even though we all do not love music equally or respond to it in an equal manner, music provides us with something of great value that lives deep within us.  The intrinsic nature of music is often forgotten in Western cultures where music is often seen as a decoration or extra, as opposed to Eastern cultures where often there is no word for music because it is an essential part of life. 

What would the quality of our humanity be like if music did not exist?  We have all had a glimpse of this during the pandemic.  With singing cast a superspreading act, we have found ourselves in a “strange and foreign land.” And while current research has suggested proper safety protocols greatly reduce the risk, out of love for each other, we still wait to be able to sing together again. 

I am grateful that during this time Saint George’s has placed important emphasis on music in our collective life. Our choirs still meet, just over zoom.  Our choristers age 3-18, equipped with fun chorister kits, rehearse and deepen their musical knowledge each week.  The Saint George’s choir continues to rehearse for upcoming virtual choir projects and to sing Compline together apart each Thursday night at 8:30 pm. (Do join us through the worship livestream link!)  The intrinsic nature of music in our lives and worship is why we still sing in our online worship. So, yes, go ahead and belt out those hymns at home and know others are doing the same.  You will find it good for your soul! 

Music helps us to order and make sense of creation, to tell and hear the whole truth, and to live into the fullness of God as the creative beings we are called to be. The gift of music offers us the message of scripture on wings of song that find nesting places in our hearts where words alone cannot go.  

For the music of creation,

For the song your Spirit sings,

For your sound’s divine expression,

Burst of joy in living things:

God, our God, the world’s composer,

Hear us, echoes of your voice –

Music is your art, your glory,

Let the human heart rejoice!

-- Shirley Erena Murray

Soli Deo Gloria!

Ben Keseley, Minister of Music