My head really is in the clouds this week!! The outpouring of love and support I’ve experienced from current Sanctuary Choir members, and former singers is most heartwarming. During the thirty-two years I served as choral director and voice teacher at WCU, there were many students who were faithful members of our church choir. They were solid voices and trained in music, and certainly, significant contributors to the offerings of our music ministry. Typically, there were four to seven singers from WCU each year. Our choir members made them feel welcome, as did the congregation. Several served in leadership roles as children’s or youth choir directors, and also as pianist. It won’t surprise you to know that these former students are still active in their churches--some are choir directors, several are pastors, and many others are the people who continue to serve as singers and musicians. First Baptist of Sylva, you were their church home during their university years, and for that, I am most grateful.
Music ensembles, like athletic teams and other groups which work together toward a common goal, form a special bond. Leaders and members must all work together if success is to be realized. A great leader without talented and committed members, can do nothing. A group of highly talented members needs leadership to provide direction toward the goal. Because of this dependency on one another, a close relationship develops. Joy and satisfaction is manifest in a job well done, and team members take pride in the results that are achieved. And. . .we want to do it again, and again, and again. . .
That is why some sixty-five singers (plus our eighteen current choir members) have decided to come together this Saturday and Sunday, for a few precious hours of fellowship and making music. I can’t wait to have my eyes make contact with their eyes as I conduct them. Once again, God has richly blessed me.
Bob Holquist