December 9, 2007

Christmas Music Guitar Ensemble A Happy Success

Guitar players and other string players sought
to form ensembles at churches, schools, and other community settings
(read more about ensembles forming)

Mimi Hamilton, mandolin and Dale Reichel, classical guitar

Four musicians took to the living room stage at Summerville at Lake Mary Nursing Home for an afternoon recital of 11 new arrangements of classic Christmas music, followed by a round of congregational singing. It was a wonderful time of music and fellowship, and demonstrated once again that virtuosity is not required to enjoy time gathering together around "home-made" music.

The arrangements, though designed for a classical guitar quartet, had life breathed into them by a foursome using one classical guitar (Dale Reichel  -  Longwood, FL), one steel string guitar (Corban Martinez  - Clearwater, FL), one electric bass guitar (Sam Smith - Daytona Beach), and a mandolin (Mimi Hamilton, Altamonte Springs, FL). With a little help from a recording of the pieces played by Reichel's computer's synth, the musical ideas were conveyed, and by the look of the people there, everyone enjoyed the ride.

The pieces included

• Angels We Have Heard on High [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• As With Gladness Men of Old [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• Away In A Manager [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• Hallelujah Chorus (marvellous!!!) [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• It Came Upon a Midnight Clear [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• Joy to the World [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• Medley (O Little Town of Bethlehem, Angels From the Realm of Glory,
  Beautiful Savior, Hark the Harold Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful) [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• Silent Night [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• The First Noel [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• What Child is This? [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]
• What I Heard [hear ~~ see ~~ buy ]

Sam Smith, electric bass guitar and Corban Martinez, steel string guitar

Guitar players and other string players sought to form ensembles at churches, schools, and other community settings

If the Lord tarries, we hope to pull a few more guitarists into this for next year. It would be a thrill, for example, to hear 40 guitars do Hallelujah Chorus. It cooks!

Between now and then, plans are being drawn up to organize guitar-centered acoustic ensembles to play new arrangements of classic Christian Gospel music, just for the fun, just for the fellowship, and with a view to taking "the show on the road" and blessing whomsover, as we did with this sortie. If this sounds like something you'd like to get involved with, or if you have ideas, suggestions, or know of people or places where this might be a fit, please call or write. I'm looking for churches that would like to have an acoustic, instrumental, amateur ensemble organization started. The aim is to involve FAMILIES who have members wishing to LEARN to play music together with each other, and with other interested Christians.

Guitar players should be at least advanced beginners with a desire to learn to read music better and be able to play single note melodies (as opposed to strumming chords.) More advanced musicians who do not yet play guitar and who want to take a crash course on playing may also find this a good learning opportunity. Guitar instruction and help will be offered as needed. If you have the heart and desire, I'll teach you how to play.

To make the most of being part of an amateur guitar ensemble, folks should plan to:

• Participate heartily in the rehearsals and performance(s).
• Practice and learn written parts on your own.
• Have a positive attitude, good work ethic, willing to bless others with music
• You should have an acoustic guitar, preferably classical.
• Purpose: to bless people, learn to play better, meet new friends, learn ensemble skills, and have a great time. Basically FOR THE FUN OF IT.

For more information email play@harmonyathome.com or call 407-339-8466.