MTC #159 - Affinity Towards Endings

I really wish there were someway to actually describe music with words. You can describe it technically--what pitches are involved, what the rhythm is, how fast or slow, etc. etc. But there's just no way to describe what happens when all of that is put together--how it moves you or affects you. How it stirs the soul. How it bring to mind certain images and feelings and memories. How it enlightens and enriches feelings you already have. 

I suppose that's the miracle of music, though. It's truly indescribable. 

Mack wrote a piece awhile back for the ACDA convention in 2015 (I think), simply called "Epilogue". To this day, I almost can't get through it without tearing up as it invokes so many emotions. (If I were a betting man, I'd bet that that song is somehow, someway, tied to Christ's Second Coming). There's another song, one we sang today, called "Benediction" which he also wrote (some time ago) and I was reminded of how much I love that one, too. So here I am with two songs I very much love, both tied to "endings." Interesting. I suppose there's something unique and special about endings. Lots of things have happened, and when we speak of our lives, indeed, A LOT of things have happened. Ups, down, twists, and turns, and then finally, things slow down and each of us has become someone we've been working so hard to become. I can't say I know how that feels, exactly, as I'm not near the end. But I, like you, have gone through a lot of endings in life--an end to a project, an end to a particular phase in life, an end to a treasured vacation, and end to an experience. And at least for me, it's at those endings I have an opportunity to reflect and grow, learn and appreciate. 

And besides, endings always lead to new beginnings.
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In other news....I know many of you are wondering about the choir's visit to D.C. to sing at the Inauguration. Unfortunately, I can't say ANYTHING about it until it's all over. But I do plan to give a detailed account of the experience upon my return. I CAN say I'm excited and thankful to go back and be a part of it. 

Until next time, God be with you.