The Musical Ensemble: Nearly 40 Years of Making Music
It started, as good things sometimes do, with an invitation: bring your instrument to family camp and make some music.
That was in the late 1980s. Professional flautist Glenda Williams encouraged people attending one of the church’s weekend family camps to join an impromptu musical gathering. Age didn’t matter. Nor did musical experience. If you had an instrument and wanted to have a go, you were welcome.
The idea proved rather more durable than a weekend.
With Glenda’s leadership, and the early support of Norman Henry, the group evolved into the Musical Ensemble we know today, providing music for the church’s monthly family services. Almost 40 years later, it is still bringing musicians together to play.
The instruments and the people have changed over the years. The current ensemble includes piano, violins, cellos, clarinet and flute. Some members bring considerable musical experience; others simply enjoy playing and being part of a group. That mix has always been part of the ensemble’s character.
There is no audition process or expectation that everyone will play at the same level. The important things are a willingness to participate, to listen to the other musicians and, of course, to enjoy the music.
Listening and Playing in the Musical Ensemble
Anyone who has played in an ensemble knows that making music together involves rather more than playing the notes on the page. You have to listen to what is happening around you, keep an eye on the conductor or other players, adjust your volume and timing, and sometimes abandon what you thought you were going to do in favour of what the music needs.
It is a useful exercise in cooperation — and it can be a lot of fun.
The ensemble has also provided a place for friendships to develop. Over the years, musicians have come together not simply to rehearse and perform, but to share an interest, learn from each other and contribute to the life of the church.
That sense of connection was evident following a recent Sunday Cafe-Church service. Congregational feedback highlighted the pleasure of hearing the ensemble play, but also the way the music elicited deep memories and emotions and helped create a sense of connection during the service. For the musicians, that experience works both ways: there is considerable satisfaction in creating something together and sharing it with others.
Ensemble Music Beyond the Traditional
Church music is often associated with hymns, choirs and pipe organs. Yet small instrumental groups have a much longer history in Christian worship — indeed, they pre-date the pipe organ by many centuries.
And music does not have to be specifically written for worship to have a meaningful place in church life. Instrumental music can provide atmosphere, reflection and enjoyment without needing to be labelled either “sacred” or “secular”. Sometimes music simply gives people another way to participate and connect.
That has certainly been true of this ensemble.
Its history began with an informal gathering at a family camp, rather than with any grand musical plan. Its longevity suggests that something about the idea works. Give people an opportunity to bring what they can do, put them together with others who enjoy music, and see what happens.
The Musical Ensemble Today
Nearly four decades later, the music is still being played.
The Musical Ensemble continues to change as musicians join, move on and return, and as different instruments and musical interests find their way into the group. What has remained constant is the original spirit of the invitation: bring your instrument, bring your enthusiasm, and join in.
There is always room for another musician.
Rehearsals: Fridays, weekly
With the Church Congregation: One Sunday per month
More Information: Contact Jane in the Office
More about our Special Interest Groups
