NORWICH – The United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church is inviting one and all to attend a one-day seminar Saturday– the second in its Water from the Well music workshop series.
The full day of activities will include a 10 a.m. keynote address on church composition by Joseph Martin – a renowned composer in Christian circles – and will include lunch at noon. A music reading with Martin will follow at 1 p.m., during which the noted composer will answer any questions participants may have.
“Joseph Martin is one of the most prolific composers of church music,” stated UCC Music Ministry Associate Tom Rasely. “Our choir performs quite a bit of his music and this is an opportunity for the community to come and hear from an internationally respected composer.”
At 3 p.m., those in attendance at the 11 West Main church will have an opportunity to join in a “Director’s Choir,” that will prepare a pair of Martin’s anthems, to be performed during Sunday morning’s worship service. A 7 p.m. concert will follow a two-hour break for dinner on Saturday, featuring Martin, his music and selections from the United Church of Christ Music Department staff.
The first Water from the Well seminar featured well-known church composer Allen Pote, according to Rasely. It’s always exciting, he added, to meet the people who create the anthems the UCC choir sings with regularity. In addition, it’s inspiring meeting the person behind the music, said Rasely, learning more about their creative process.
According to Martin, the greatest joy is seeing musicians gather to celebrate their gifts.
“For a composer, it is a particular pleasure to hear one’s dots and dashes vibrated into life,” he added. “I never tire of partnering with churches and community chorus directors in designing events that will be useful to their musical and spiritual goals.”
Martin said the conference will be a time of discovery and discussion on his creative process and how that can intersect with and inspire others, their musical gifts, as well as their ministries.
“We hope to connect with these gifted people, with helpful resources and techniques to increase their knowledge and to energize their spirits,” added the composer. “I will be sharing from my heart the stories behind the songs and offering suggestions on interpretation and performance.”
The rehearsal and preparation time, reported Martin, will be both challenging and encouraging. The composer and pianist added he’s “looking forward to this day of music and praise.”
No reservations are required for Saturday’s event, which will cost $25 per person upon arrival. Organizers would, however, like to know how many people those attending plan to accompany them, so appropriate arrangements can be made. The 7 p.m. concert Saturday is free and open to the public, although free will offerings will be accepted. For more information, call 334-3434. For information on composer Joseph Martin, visit www.martin88.com.