The decorations are up, earlier and earlier each year it seems. The invites to parties are in the mail and the practices for the concerts of seasonal music have come and gone. It is time now to enjoy the season, to live it, and this weekend things get very serious here in Marion: This weekend is the Christmas Stroll, the Holiday House Tour and the Church Holiday Luncheon. There are friendship dinners ahead, cookie swaps and many holiday treats to enjoy; and yet, the spirit of the season is escaping me so far. No snow, grey rainy days: it just doesn't feel like Christmas, yet. But....perhaps soon, I do have hope. You see, for me, it is the music that moves me away from the crazy and commercial aspects of the season and into the season of the heart.
Wouldn't you know that Tabor is a big part of this weekend, perhaps the most important part. This Sunday, December 9 at 7:30 pm (come early if you want a seat), our traditional Lessons & Carols service will begin. I have no doubt that at the end of the evening I will be filled to overflowing with the spirit of the season, ready to enjoy the rest of December's events with the appropriate perspective. The acoustics in the Wickenden Chapel simply drive the music into your soul--well, I guess, only if the music is good. And that is where our Tabor students will not disappoint. Their voices are beautiful, en masse, and indeed, we have some very accomplished soloists as well.
There are probably 100 students involved between the different choruses and the madrigal singers. They process in by candlelit and they sound at first like the only voices on earth. Then slowly, the Chapel fills with the sound of the full chorus and we all join in; it is very moving. We have made it a family tradition, as many alumni and friends have done. If you have not experienced our service in the past, you are missing out. Please come and join us!
Another December tradition is the Winter Concert, which was held last night. It is not all about Christmas music, thankfully, but a mixture of traditional and more modern orchestral and ensemble music for strings, wind and jazz. The students did a wonderful job with some difficult music, and it was really fun to listen to their accomplishment.
Not many things are offered for the pure enjoyment of others. Our students have been hard at work this fall to deliver to us two lovely performances. What a great gift it is to enjoy and delight, and indeed, wonder at their bountiful talents!
Many thanks to all our musicians and to their teachers who have so patiently guided them.
Now let's head out and enjoy the season!
