It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas in the Michael Kelley Choir Room! The whole Dayspring-Tempe Music Program is in high gear for this most festive of seasons.
Here’s a list of music activities coming your way this month:
Second Sunday, December 8
Second Sunday will once again highlight the choir’s music. This month, of course, the theme is Advent and Christmas!
Friday, December 13, 7 p.m.
MESSIAH Sing-Along! I’ll be leading the Dayspring Choir, members of Cantilena and Euphony, and a small instrumental ensemble in this do-it-yourself sing-through of Handel’s MESSIAH. There’s no rehearsal involved, just come and sing this wonderful music—or just come and listen. I’ve also written and lectured extensively on this work, so I’ll share some insights into the music along the way. This is a wonderfully informal and intimate way to experience one of the great works of Western music. Don’t miss it! (Admission by donation; $10 minimum suggested)
Sunday, December 15, 4 p.m.
Longest Night Taizé service. Not everyone is in the mood to sing “Joy to the World” in December. This quiet service is for those who would like a more contemplative experience. Perhaps you lost a loved one this year or had some other challenge in your life that makes celebrating at Christmas seem challenging. Or perhaps you are just seeking a moment of peace amidst the bustle of holiday preparations.
Sunday, December 22
During the 10:00 a.m. service, the cherubs, children, and youth present their Christmas musical, “Sing With Us: The Christmas Story,” arranged by Teresa and Paul Jennings under the direction of JulieAnne Weissberg and Grace Templeton. Julie and the kids ALWAYS deliver, so you will want to make a point to be there! This performance is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Then, at 4 p.m. that afternoon, join members of the choirs for Christmas caroling in the neighborhood! Watch the “Reflections” weekly email for more details as we get closer to the date.
Christmas Eve
Music will play a big part in all four Christmas Eve services at Dayspring.
3:00 P.M.: Jazz pianist Beth Lederman leads us in beloved Christmas music in Arcadia.
3:00 P.M.: The solo quartet will sing beloved Christmas hymns and anthems in Tempe.
5:00 P.M.: The family service will feature the children and youth choirs under the direction of JulieAnne Weissberg in Tempe.
For our evening services at 8 and 10 P.M., we will have a string orchestra and the Dayspring Celebration Chorale in Tempe. The orchestra will play Torelli’s Christmas Concerto as a prelude (come early!) You’ll also hear them in arrangements of several of the hymns we’ll sing in the service, and they will join the choir for the anthem. These services promise to be especially magical and meaningful.
DayspRingers Holiday Events
In addition to playing in the December 8 service, there are several opportunities to hear the Dayspring Handbell Choir, DayspRingers, this month. Friday, December 6; Saturday, December 7; Friday, December 20; and Saturday, December 21: The bell choir will appear at the Desert Botanical Gardens from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. during Luminarias.
A word of prayer
Hanging in the choir room is this prayer, which we occasionally say at rehearsals and before services. We offer it to you in the hopes that it may inspire you.
Let our tongues find a new voice,
let music arise from a deep place,
for God is all-loving and notices
all the pain and sorrow in the world.
Let us sing for justice and love,
our deeds matching our chorus.
Let our voices soar in praise,
singing in the midst of joy and sorrow—
singing because music is the spirit of God.
Amen.
May this season be full of joy and celebration for you and your family.
Director of Music Ministries