CHOIR APPRECIATION SUNDAY
On June 5, we recognized our hardworking choir and amazing Music Director Jay Wilcox. Below is an excerpt of the moving tribute by choir member John Brunson:
It’s a joyous occasion to recognize the music ministry at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Oak Park. Our liturgy is lifted by our music tradition, a diverse tapestry of psalms, hymns and anthems that spans five centuries. It’s a body of work that knows our strengths, but also seeks to inspire and comfort where Christ is needed most…come what may.
On a personal anecdote, I know that I am never closer to the holy spirit than when I sing these sacred pieces in communion with you all. The Choir commitment is pure joy; the collaboration with fellow singers, the study of the words and the mastery of the written score bring deep meaning and peace so missing in our point and click world today.
But of utmost recognition is the journey we share with our musical director Jay Wilcox.
He is a kind perfectionist; he truly respects the liturgy and the music with the structure and execution required, but he wraps it in a delivery system of laughter, joy, and love.
We all remember the last two plus years where we were separated by circumstances, and where we so dearly missed our in-person community. But the band played on. Jay went down to the DIY store for sacred musicians, and quickly pivoted into digital mode. It kept us in touch with a plan; we sang our parts into I-Phones while listening to a track of the music plus Jay singing our parts. He then wrapped up each singer’s parts into a blend and mix that might just have been better than our Sunday live efforts…but that’s not the point.
He kept us connected….to the music, to Christ, to each other.
And we are eternally grateful.
Jay is a published composer. The Choir has had the privilege to perform his piece, “Welcome All Wonders." I will excerpt a portion of the text as it is witness to what it took to get us through….
Eternity
Shut in a Span
Summer in Winter
Day in Night
Heaven in Earth
And God in Man
Welcome All Wonders
Please join me in recognizing our Epiphany Wonder, Jay Wilcox.
Tags: Music / Worship with Us