Making “Carols by Candlelight” During a Pandemic

Making music during a pandemic isn’t the same.  Nothing is the same for any of us.  But because a musician’s job is to play with others and for others, this pandemic can be particularly spirit crushing.  Working from home is not an option for most musicians.  So, I have been fortunate enough to be able to make music at home for my congregation with the use of technology and an amazing team of song leaders who felt called to continue singing and learn new technology. 
 
In November when I decided to plan a string quartet concert for the congregation, the thought was we all needed something to sooth our weary souls, and to help usher in the cheer of Christmas.  I didn’t realize how much getting together with those three ladies to record hymns and carols would mean to the four of us. We met on Sunday 12/6, fully masked, socially distanced when getting ready, and were seated farther apart from each other than the recommended six feet.  The moment we started playing and recording, we all felt it: the camaraderie of music we had been missing, the beauty of the music seeping into our thirsty souls to nurture us again, and the potential of a beautiful gift to nurture the souls of weary congregants gearing up for a holiday we usually celebrate together.
 
As thrilled as the musicians were to play together, we are equally joyful that the beautiful strains of “Silent Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels” and many your other favorites will be performed for you in a streamed concert  on Saturday, December 19th, at 6:30 pm.  The concert will  available on our Facebook page after the premiere time for you to view and enjoy as desired.   Thank you to musicians, Audrey Nowak, Lori Murphy, and Jane Finch; thank you to Pastor Dara for her part; thank you to Adam Watney for running cameras; and thank you to Brent Schuettpelz for his technical expertise to pull it all together.
 
Merry Christmas to you, Christ the King!
From the Music Ministry (and symphony friends). 

​Written By Heather Watney