Today at 3pm we had our first Music Recital of the semester. It was my turn to give the introduction and welcome, so this is what I said:
Welcome to this afternoon’s recital. I’m going to start us off by reading a familiar story from Matthew 25.
Matthew 25:14-16, 19-23
14“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. ……
19“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’
21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Those of you who are performing today: God has entrusted you with talents, and you have been developing them through your practice time. What we hear today reflects your investment in what God gave you.
In the story of the talents, each person did not keep what he had earned; he gave it to the master. You also should be giving your talents back to God. These are HIS talents that you have developed, not your own. Usually think of talent as something that is ours, but it’s really His.
How can you give your musical talents back to God? Playing music can be an act of worship if you are more concerned about giving God the glory than having people notice you.
Matthew 6:1 says
1“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.
So play instead for God, with the goal of His glory, not your own.
Now, to everyone in the audience: Don’t worship the performer; worship the God who created these students, and thank Him for giving them the talents that allow us to enjoy beautiful music this afternoon.
There were several singers and pianists in the recital. Orchestra played 2nd to last. Our first piece was “Song of the Sea Mariner,” one of the kids’ favorites. The second was “Londonderry Air.” Though a slow piece, it is much more challenging than it sounds. The kids did a great job of playing triplets and eighth notes at the same time and not getting confused by each other.
Our third and final piece was “Meryton Townhall” from the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack. It starts with a 2-measure violin solo. The boy playing the solo started before I had put my arms up (you should have seen the surprise on everyone’s faces – including mine!). The rest of the group hurriedly got their instruments into playing position in time to come in, but the rest of the piece was a bit rocky. The boy who started realized he had started a little too fast, so he was trying to slow down, but the 2nd violins were charging ahead at the fast tempo. Somehow everyone stayed together and we ended together, but I could do with a little less excitement!
Here is the orchestra after performing, excited from the adrenaline rush and glad to have made it through the recital.
It’s a fun bunch of kids. I’m blessed to have them this semester!
