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Hernando Today

Music: God's Great And Glorious Gift

Hernando Today photo by DAVE CASEY

Tim Howsare of Brooksville and Jody Bowes of Spring Hill will perform a concert at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Brooksville Woman’s Club building at 131 S. Main St. in Brooksville. The event is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines as part of its 20th anniversary celebration.

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN

Hernando Today correspondent

Published: January 31, 2009

Updated:

You don't have to travel far to catch exciting worshipful music inspiration and quality musicianship. Two outstanding concerts merit your attention at local churches in a few days, and this sampler notes some fine inspiring faith community music opportunities for 2009.

Consider two free and transforming afternoon church concert offerings next Sunday, Feb. 8:

At 3 p.m., the third annual Joseph Martin Concert - truly a "big production" with the Chancel Choir - offers the renowned composer and pianist and performers headed by Music Director Jack Evans at Spring Hill United Methodist Church. Spacious seating and outstanding sound systems accommodate 900, so treat yourselves by arriving early and hiring a sitter for wiggly toddlers.

The 80-voice choir received music scores last spring and has rehearsed fervently since then.

One choir member said having the dynamic presence of Joseph Martin rehearsing and directing is the spiritual highlight of the year. (This writer and fan would agree.) Martin's wife is/was the Disney voice of "Ariel," and she will be singing, too, enhancing composing comments and performance. CDs will be available. SHUMC pianist Ashley Ducale counts the concert as a worthwhile and challenging honor during her playing, while another choir member says it is "a third coming," as does Evans and his wife Helen, both music educators and retired teachers.

Martin is known for combining complex sections of well-loved hymns with themed original score and for narrating anecdotes that build ascending emotional thrall for the audience, choir and musicians. Evans gravitates toward choosing Martin's music when he attends national annual church music workshops and presentations.

"It's the best, and Joseph Martin transforms lives through his music and concerts," Evans enthused.

At 2 p.m. at Brooksville Woman's Club, Jody Bowes as music and youth director of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church - thespian and lounge performer - teams with Tim Howsare, community news editor at Hernando Today and organist/pianist at First Lutheran Church in Ridge Manor, for early Valentine solos and duets featuring love ballads, Broadway hits, jazz and classical fare with refreshments following.

The free concert with love offerings will benefit Healthy Families, and a representative will give a brief introduction and have a handout display. Healthy Families is a nonprofit organization that teaches parenting skills, offers resources and health and counseling aids for burgeoning new families.

A Massachusetts transplant, Bowes began her local church ministries in 2007. Her studies in music include sacred, classical and jazz voice as well as classical piano and organ. She has been lead singer in blues and rock bands. Recent local performances include vocals with jazz combo Southern Exposure, trumpeter Mike Tranchida and organist Keith Schenck in concert at St. Andrew's Episcopal. Bowes oversees frequent family music talent dinners and shows at the church fellowship hall, including a drummer who brought 100 drums and rhythm instruments to get every age in beat.

Howsare joined Hernando Today in April 2006. His music degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. embraces both classical and jazz. In Tucson, Ariz. he performed extensively and ran his own music booking company.

Pastor Delmar Gussdal of First Lutheran says Howsare's church keyboard artistry "leaves us all amazed and inspired."

Mark your calendar for the diverse music of the free choir concert at 3 p.m. March 8, at Nativity Lutheran Church under baton of their new music director and performer Barbara Olsen, formerly music director at a large church in Homosassa.

"Known for unusual demanding arrangements and selections, you will be moved, surprised and enlightened," promised Daniel Wee, retired minister, Bible study teacher and husband of lead pastor Kristen Wee, his wife.

First Baptist of Brooksville welcomes a new music director and composer, Mark Reeves. He directed large choirs and music productions at his previous church with 2,500 members. "Expect exciting traditional, praise and worship and assorted cultural hymnal and musical fare to please all ages and tastes," said Senior Pastor Matt Ellis, who reported that he and the congregation are enthralled to have Reeves aboard.

Christ Lutheran has a magnificent pipe organ and the artist to go with it, Music Director Keith Schenck. The church holds free concerts featuring the organ and brass ensembles, guest artists and touring large choirs. It also has a charming hand bell choir.

In addition to guest artists in concerts, several churches are now offering music for both traditional and praise and worship services, some on Saturday nights, and some with two services on Sundays to accommodate both worship music preferences.

Many youth bands and choirs bend to learn about traditional church music while the adult choirs and church members are introduced to contemporary Christian music tastes as at New Hope Missionary Alliance. The church holds a free annual community Christian music fest featuring assorted area church music groups along with family outreach including hot dogs, rescue unit reps, games and barbecue.

If you appreciate cultural diversity in faith music, visit the a Capella singing in Ukraine at St. Andrew's Ukraine Catholic Church, the local Pan Orthodox churches and Spanish Iglesias singing and music. While it isn't termed "music" per se, the imams of the local Muslim community sound lovely with prayer and recitations from the Koran.

You can enjoy Southern Gospel and Black Gospel fare in your visits or membership. Wesleyan Village church choir, musicians and frequent guest concerts guarantee excellent musicianship. Temple Beth David has fine concerts and dramas too, and includes violinist Jill Pfluke and other fine musicians in its membership.

A random sampling of musical clergy includes Chet Okopski at Grace Presbyterian on trumpet and blues harp, Terry Bailey on mandolin and strings at New Hope Assembly, and Family First Assembly of Spring Hill's Timothy Coats, wife and daughter. Son Jared Coats plays lead guitar for Providence Praise Band. Sample the Rev. Dr Carlan Hegelson, pianist, (with Wayne Raymond as pianist/music director/ director of Hernando Symphony Orchestra) of Spring Hill United Church of Christ.

Catch Pastor Fred Hinson of New Hope Missionary Alliance, internationally acclaimed vocalist Rev. Earl Harrigan of New Beginnings Life Center Church, Pastor Robert Barnes/guitar, percussion and vocals of Spring Hill Dayspring Presbyterian and Brian Brijbag youth ministry director and music wiz at First Baptist Brooksville.

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