As many of you know, I play oboe in the Panama City Pops orchestra. I LOVE it. We have a major concert tonight. It will be a celebration of Panama City's 100th year and it is at the civic center. Two guest composers have written pieces for the occasion. And we have been rehearsaing our butts....er, I mean, lips off this week. So, needless to say, music has been on my brain. Last night during rehearsal I was missing the good ol' high school band days and thinking about how much I learned from band. I was fortunate to be in an incredible music program with great teachers.
This train of thought led me to think about the parallels between music and my faith. And here's what I came up with (During rests,I jotted them all down on an old bulletin).....
1. First and foremost you have to watch the conductor. Without him, everything gets off track. But if you keep your eyes on him, you won't miss the beat. The parallel is fairly obvious I reckon'.
2. Strive for perfection- always trying to get better, play more musically. Perfection is the goal even when it's attainment seems impossible. I think Paul talked about this one. ; )
3. My lesson teacher in HS always told me, "Katie, when you make a mistake, you have to keep on going." I would tend to grimace or stop playing when I messed up. I had to learn to leave that missed note behind and move on to the next one. If I didn't keep going, I would miss more and more notes, and maybe stop playing all together. Isn't it the same way in life, in faith? We make mistakes but we have to choose whether to quit or to learn from them and move on. Look all the Biblical giants- remember all the mistakes they made? And yet God uses them for His Glory!
4. The POPS conductor is always saying, "Listen to the room, blend." This is true for Christian community. The goal is to work together, listen to each other, and strive for one common goal.
5. Last night in rehearsal, the conductor asked several times where a part was. "Where's my snare part? Where's that F #?" If a part is missing, the Conductor notices. Every player is important, no matter how insignificant the part may seem.
6. Sometimes you have a solo and that's your time to shine, so play it strong and play it right. Solos can make even the most seasoned player nervous, but when a solo appears in the music, everyone is counting on you. So practice that part extra hard and then give it your all. Sometimes in our walk with God he calls us to take a risk, do something a little scary. It make us nervous but God says "This is your time, you're prepared, Go for it! Shine!"
7. This week a player in the orchestra was out of tune. The conductor pointed it out and the player responded, "I don't think it's me." Humility is the key. Know when you're off base and be open to correction. If not, people may cringe when they hear what you have to say cause you let yourself stay just under the pitch.
8. Our conductor is constantly telling us to smile (difficult to do playing oboe) and have fun! Music is fun and so is the journey of faith so don't forget to enjoy it!!! Just think of what the final concert will be like!! : )
Bethany update- she's five months now and can sit up on her own. She is still chewing on everything. She is eating rice cereal, sweet potatoes, bananas, and apples now. She's a very good eater! She is starting a little separation anxiety and cries whenever I leave the room. But overall, she continues to be a very happy little girl!!!
This train of thought led me to think about the parallels between music and my faith. And here's what I came up with (During rests,I jotted them all down on an old bulletin).....
1. First and foremost you have to watch the conductor. Without him, everything gets off track. But if you keep your eyes on him, you won't miss the beat. The parallel is fairly obvious I reckon'.
2. Strive for perfection- always trying to get better, play more musically. Perfection is the goal even when it's attainment seems impossible. I think Paul talked about this one. ; )
3. My lesson teacher in HS always told me, "Katie, when you make a mistake, you have to keep on going." I would tend to grimace or stop playing when I messed up. I had to learn to leave that missed note behind and move on to the next one. If I didn't keep going, I would miss more and more notes, and maybe stop playing all together. Isn't it the same way in life, in faith? We make mistakes but we have to choose whether to quit or to learn from them and move on. Look all the Biblical giants- remember all the mistakes they made? And yet God uses them for His Glory!
4. The POPS conductor is always saying, "Listen to the room, blend." This is true for Christian community. The goal is to work together, listen to each other, and strive for one common goal.
5. Last night in rehearsal, the conductor asked several times where a part was. "Where's my snare part? Where's that F #?" If a part is missing, the Conductor notices. Every player is important, no matter how insignificant the part may seem.
6. Sometimes you have a solo and that's your time to shine, so play it strong and play it right. Solos can make even the most seasoned player nervous, but when a solo appears in the music, everyone is counting on you. So practice that part extra hard and then give it your all. Sometimes in our walk with God he calls us to take a risk, do something a little scary. It make us nervous but God says "This is your time, you're prepared, Go for it! Shine!"
7. This week a player in the orchestra was out of tune. The conductor pointed it out and the player responded, "I don't think it's me." Humility is the key. Know when you're off base and be open to correction. If not, people may cringe when they hear what you have to say cause you let yourself stay just under the pitch.
8. Our conductor is constantly telling us to smile (difficult to do playing oboe) and have fun! Music is fun and so is the journey of faith so don't forget to enjoy it!!! Just think of what the final concert will be like!! : )
Bethany update- she's five months now and can sit up on her own. She is still chewing on everything. She is eating rice cereal, sweet potatoes, bananas, and apples now. She's a very good eater! She is starting a little separation anxiety and cries whenever I leave the room. But overall, she continues to be a very happy little girl!!!
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