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Lenora Thom
Music Director
April 2011
One of the key elements of my job is service planning – choosing, week in and week out, many pieces of music which uplift and inspire us, while capturing the theme(s) of the service. Sometimes this is not an easy task! But I always enjoy this creative challenge. The process begins with a sermon theme, offered by Mark or guest speaker/worship planners, which gives me a starting point. I then look for a choir anthem so that I may begin rehearsing weeks in advance. Once the anthem is in place, I then study hymn choices (usually selected by worship planners), readings, affirmation, and any other service elements (e.g., New Member Welcome) that might give me a “hook” for other musical decisions. I like to have the music be as cohesive as possible – sometimes there is a certain musical style that dominates, or a composer or group of composers that is represented. Week to week, I like to vary styles, eras, nationalities, organ/piano choices, etc., so that there is great variety. I am thrilled to have two wonderful choirs and many talented soloists to feature as well.
Recently, Mark asked me to work with him on a new service order, which we have been trying out this past month. The Offertory is earlier, the Postlude has “morphed” into a “Musical Response” following the sermon, and the entire flow of the service feels different. This, too, has been an interesting challenge: Does the new order alter the nature of the Offertory music? How can I find the “perfect” response to the sermon we’ve just heard? I care very deeply about enhancing each service with ALL the music I present, making sure that the pacing, mood and selections are all appropriate. I welcome your comments about this recent change!
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