MUSIC NOTES

Sumer Is Icumen In*

The end of the choir season, June 29th, is fast upon us. The handbell ensemble ended its season on the 1st of June; the Jubilation! choir on the 8th, with the children literally jumping with excitement in their presentation of “Every Breath I Take” (the “na-na” song).

The Offertory anthems in June by the Senior Choir have been a smorgasbord of musical styles. On June 1st we sang the contemporary Christian anthem “Go Forth in His Name” for the new Confirmands. The next Sunday heard the powerful gospel song “Praise His Holy Name.” On June 15th we presented Bach’s timeless “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” singing one verse in English and another in German.

Coming June 22nd to the 9:15 service is “I Am Delivered,” with Matt Recio playing trumpet, and with drums and bass from our Contemporary Worship Band. “I Am Delivered” combines three songs of different styles themselves: the gospel song of the title, the spiritual “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” and the Lutheran hymn (#403) “Lord, Speak to Us That We May Speak.”

Not to be outdone, the men of the choir on June 29th will present two songs, also contrasting in style. The first is Christian Do-wop, if there is such a thing, a song called “Take a Step.” The second is an African benediction in Zulu, “Hamba ni kahle (Go Well and Safely).”

*“Sumer Is Icumen In” (Summer is a-coming in) is the 12th century title of an English canon, the oldest written secular song we have. This year we look forward to the ordination of John Hickey July 12th, and beyond that to a summer of fun and planning. Come September the new season of music at CLC begins. I’ve asked one musical friend in the congregation to dust off his tin whistle for the occasion.

Music at Christ Lutheran is a standing invitation for everyone so inclined to find a place in our musical family. It’s part of what it means to “make a joyful noise.” Another part is the joy it gives the music-makers. As plans are made this summer for a new season of music, please consider including music-making at church in your own plans for yourself and your family.

Corodon Fuller