St. Dunstan’s music ministries includes the choirs (both the children’s and adult’s), and the musician’s collective, a loose conglomeration of musicians (both vocalists and instrumentalists) who do help us sing and play music for service; write special hymn lyrics; compose, transcribe, and engrave psalms, hymns, choral arrangements, and original music; provide special music on- and off-site in collaboration with wider church events; handle music library, technological, and licensing logistics; provide second-adult presences for children’s choir rehearsals; organize fellowship events; publicize off-site music events; and provide financial and material support.
2021 required continued adaptation of our musical activities to meet the challenges of covid-tide. Some highlights of what we accomplished include:
*facilitating psalm refrain and original Alleluia composition projects in Sunday School. (We did the original Alleluias in two parts: 1 and 2. They’re available here, at https://stdunstans.com/seeking-learning/what-does-your-alleluia-sound-like-part-1-noticing-some-alleluias/, and here, at https://stdunstans.com/seeking-learning/what-does-your-alleluia-sound-like-part-2-composing-your-alleluia/.)
*adapting musical offerings for 9am and 10am services
*piloting covid-safe musical activities at the 10 am service (e.g., an always-improvised, come-as-you-are, all-ages Orff bell ensemble; improvised congregational rhythm accompaniment on hymns; and a hybrid format approach to choral singing)
*continuing to offer and refine AuDivina, a listening practice using music not typically considered churchy to illuminate a theme. Check out our Courage-themed AuDivina list here, at https://stdunstans.com/category/audivina/.
*creating several virtual ensembles of varying configurations throughout the year
To all ensemble participants; guest musicians of all stripes; folks who manage the library and technology behind-the-scenes; donors; and the congregation: thank you for your continued support!
Submitted by Deanna Clement