Remember that song from the early 70's - "There's got to be a morning after..."? Well, today is the morning after the conclusion of the annual conference of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. How can I possibly articulate what a wonderful impact the last five days have had on me?
I think more time is needed to digest what I took in; the most I'm capable of today is a brief overview:
- 2 brand new, hot off the press, hymnals.
- 3 very thought provoking plenary speakers: Alice Parker, Andrew Fullerton and Stan McKay.
- 4 hymn festivals - all included lots of sight singing, often in 4 parts, with 200+ people.
- 5 great workshops covering a variety of topics including Canadian hymn writers and finding and using hymns on YouTube.
- innumerable new friends and colleagues, all enthusiastic about music for worship in its many forms!
As I write, the sending song/benediction of our closing hymn festival is running through my head. I'm sure that was the intent of the organizers - that we go out singing something joyful and energetic which would propel us back into everyday life with the inspiration such a conference provides to those who attend. The song's tune name is GIPGIL - Go in peace, go in love!
2 comments:
So happy that you got the experience of a Hymn Society Conference! I saw you on their Facebook page during the week and was hoping to hear more about it.
I know that my first Conference in Berkeley CA in 2008 was simply unforgettable and I still often use the resources I picked up that week.
Getting back into the "real world" takes some time and effort but I hope you can tell us more when you get a chance.
To say it was "Wonderful!" doesn't really begin to cover such an experience, as you well know. Stay tuned - there is more to come! I almost feel as if I MUST write things down in case I start to forget although I know that isn't likely to happen. It doesn't surprise me a bit to hear you say you are still using resources from 2008.
Thanks, CWS, for reading and being interested in this newbie's impressions!
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