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Music Matters

November 2011

A Small Group of Thoughtful People

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

Recently I was invited to attend the signing of a proclamation by the Governor of the State of Kansas at the state capitol in Topeka. Due to the ongoing efforts of a few in the Wichita American Guild of Organists chapter, October was proclaimed "Sunflower Organists Month" in Kansas!

In this state's sesquicentennial year, volunteers from the chapter are making efforts to contact organists in every one of the state's 105 counties, to become better acquainted, to share educational opportunities, and to express mutual appreciation of and enjoyment of music. The main goal of the project is to increase awareness and appreciation for the organ throughout the state.

As I stood in line with three dedicated volunteers from Wichita, plus members from the Topeka and Greater Kansas City chapters who came to show support, what was most striking to me was what a small group of dedicated volunteers can do. They came up with an idea, developed it, and followed it through -- because it's important. And that is the strength of our communities.

For the American Guild of Organists, each initiative, each chapter meeting, each recital, each convention, each election of officers, each newsletter -- the list goes on and on -- is possible only through the ideas, efforts, and dedication of individual volunteers who work to make these things happen. We all have contributions of time, talent, and finances that we can make to ensure the success of these efforts. And when our individual efforts are combined, we can create huge changes! We can change how the organ as an instrument is viewed by the public. We can change how many organ programs are offered by our states' educational systems. We can change the number of organs installed in churches, synagogues, and concert halls. We can change what the month of October 2011 is called in the state of Kansas.

The same is true for each of in our worshiping communities.  Each is only one person … a congregation may be only a small part of a much large faith tradition … a faith tradition may be only a part of a much wider world.  But if each one of us is dedicated to improving our musical worship, wherever we serve, we can do it.

What can you change, today?

—Jan Kraybill

If you have suggestions or ideas for future columns, please contact:

Jan Kraybill
Principal Organist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA

or

Pam Robison
Worship and Music Support Specialist
Community of Christ Headquarters
Independence, MO, USA