The Joy of Making Music to the Lord

Tom Harrocks, an active member of our church and instrumental in bringing pastor Sue to Knox, once shared a story in how he became involved in music. His roommate in college was trying out for the chorus team and asked him if he would like to tag along; he agreed and after his roommate sang, the professor asked Tom if he would like to try-out. Tom said he was only accompanying his friend but would give it a try. The result: he made the chorus team and his roommate did not. Tom's interest for music blossomed and it became a major love in his life.

Similar to Tom's experience, I started playing guitar in the Army. I was 18 years old. I had no idea at the time I was starting something that would be so influential in my life. I thought I was just passing the time to avoid boredom on those long nights away from home. But opportunities to play music continued after returning home so I kept on strumming. These opportunities came through sharing music with others: my sister and brother (both musical), friends, and my wife JoAnn.

Sharing music, that's what it's all about. As the song says, "hide it under a basket, NO, I'm going to let it shine." I was watching a program about Pete Seeger recently, and he commented that his most fulfilling moments in music is when the audience sings along with him. Sharing and participation..it brings such an energy and enthusiasm to the whole experience.

I don't believe I would have continued to play the guitar if I wasn't able to share the experience with others. And that opportunity to share came at Knox years ago (early 1980's) thanks to our former pastor, Martin Miller-Hessel. Martin really liked the guitar for introducing more contemporary songs to the congregation. In addition, he felt a stringed instrument was similar to what King David played (lyre). I played one Sunday a month and we called it 'Folk Sunday'. Other folks would join me up-front so we were quite strong vocally.

Right now, I'm playing more music than in the past. That is because Pastor Sue started what we call a 'blended service', a combination of the piano, guitar, organ, conga, flute, etc. I particularly like it because some songs are better suited for the piano or organ than with the guitar.

One of my biggest 'joys in music,' is playing with Nancy Kucich. I just think the flute and guitar blend so well together and she's a big help with Sue and I vocally. And it's the vocals (singing), that's what it's all about, not the guitar. The guitar brings harmony and rhythm to a song but it's the singing that brings the melody and praise to our Lord.

I'm particularly grateful to everyone at Knox. Our congregation is not shy when it comes to singing or being introduced to new music. And it's always fun to hear a rhythmic hand clap during a song. I remember Harrel Davis, our interim pastor before Pastor Sue, once had me repeat a song because he wanted to see the 'joy on the faces' of the congregation once again.

Our church is blessed with wonderful acoustics. Many fine musicians have commented about how wonderful the sound is at Knox. So let's sing praises to our Lord and while we are doing it, don't forget to look at the joyful faces around you.