Trinity Lutheran Church

As I sit here writing a ‘music’ article for the newsletter, I am listening to a live performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, . It is being performed magnificently by the now 41 year old Joshua Bell who is playing the composition
on his 18th century Stradivarius violin (that cost $4 million!). Felix Mendelssohn composed
this beautiful work when he was 20 years old. Bell played as soloist with the Philadelphia
orchestra when he was 14 years old! A youth who fell in love with music and who was
valued and encouraged to develop his gifts led to what I was able to hear (as did many others in the audience and on television).

Another young violinist who loves (and can play incredibly!) both rock and classical music is 28 year old David Garrett, who is coming to Harrisburg in September. He wants young audiences who love rock music to know that Bach is just as fantastic. He also plays a Stradivarius violin . Remember, these pieces of wood are worth millions ($$$$) of dollars…and the youth are playing them!

I have worked with children, youth, and young adults over the years, in private lessons,
in church choirs, as guest soloists, and now in college classes. I am always curious to see which ones go on to become skilled, artists of their instrument. It is not always the
ones with the greatest natural talent who go the farthest, but it is nearly always the ones who have applied themselves in practice, wanted to share their talents, and who have been given opportunities to shine. I personally am grateful for the many opportunities that came as a result of church members being open and supportive of
me in my younger years. I would hope that in the coming months more of our youth and
children will be comfortable and willing to play a solo in worship or sing a solo. I know that I have asked some over the summer months if they would play or sing something for worship. I have not had much success in convincing them that I DO want
them to present a musical offering. I will keep asking and hopefully some will be willing to
take the “plunge”. Our Youth Choir, Youth Band, and Children’s Choir are just some of the few places that music connects with the younger members of our church. Parents, grandparents, church member… encourage the talents of our members…young or older. We have so much musical talent that gets used outside of the worship of Trinity. Why not
have that God-given talent used and shared as we praise God?