The Reluctant Musician and The Leadership Program for Musicians

By Father Ed Erb

“No way! Yes, I can play the piano - some. But what do I know about Church Music?”

“The organ – with pipes?!? Two, three, four keyboards – and those pedals! Anglican chant? I’ve heard about Gregorian chant in a music history class...”

 “So,” the rector says, “here’s the key to the organ, and the file cabinets of decaying music Do what you can. I trust you.”

You mutter a little too loudly for comfort, “God, help me!”

“I will. I send you help right here.”

The Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music has both simple and more involved offerings in mind to help the Reluctant Musician.

First of all, in each upcoming issue of Diocesan Life will be a Musicians’ Nugget” a short educational or practical item of explanation or advice.

Secondly, a database of Parish Musicians is being compiled. You will soon receive an invitation to spend a few minutes filling out a survey of parish needs and resources musical. This will help us provide what you need and want.

Finally, we look to reviving the Leadership Program for Musicians - a national educational experience particularly designed to help musicians with limited resources.

We can even provide a network where you can ask a question and get a quick response to a church musician’s “persisting questions.” Like, where can I find music for chanting the Psalms? Are we supposed to sing the Psalms. Psalms, what are Psalms?

Tell us what questions you have, what resources would be most helpful, and how we can best get the information - and training - for you to experience the joy and not the burden of singing God’s praises.

[The Rev. Edward K. Erb, edwardkerb@aol.com, the Rev. Hillary Raining, hillary.raining@gmail.com, and Canon Mark Laubach mlaubach118@gmail.com are members of the committee working on the Leadership Program for Musicians for the Diocese of Bethlehem.]