Music of the Season
Christmas music is already filling the sound waves – on the radio, in stores, in the TV ads, etc. The music brings to each of us memories, some good and some not so good, of childhood, family and celebration. Most likely you have your favorites among the carols and popular tunes that speak of the coming of Jesus, giving of gifts, Santa Claus, shepherds and wise men, Christmas trees, snow, bells and all the other images of the holidays.
Here at Scarritt Bennett Center we are celebrating the music of the season with a series for free concerts that are open to the public. The concerts are held in Wightman Chapel at 1:00-1:30 pm on the indicated dates. See more about the concert events…
December 3 Harry Robinson, guitar with Bryan Ward, piano and Steve Klinck
on percussion
December 4 Jazz Christmas with Connye Florance, singer; Kevin Madill, piano
Ike Harris, bass; Matt Davich, woodwinds
December 5 Sam Levine, saxophone with Russell Davis, piano
December 6 Karen Renée Robb, vocalist and Friends
Christmas and seasonal music can bring solace and peace to the soul in this time of fear of terrorist activities, suspicion of refugees, and violence and suffering around the world. Henry W. Longfellow wrote “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” in 1864 during the time of the Civil War. Here are several stanzas from his carol:
I heard the bells on Christmas day And in despair I bowed my head
Their old familiar carols play, “There is no peace on earth,” I said,
And wild and sweet the words repeat “For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men. Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
Come and join us at these concerts as peace and good will for all God’s children is sought.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, quarterly retreats, and art exhibits.