January 16th, 2019

by Rey Lambatin, Choir Director

Traditionally, at the point of transition between the outgoing and incoming years, people make new year’s resolution. Something that will hopefully make them a better person or improve their situation. Make healthier choices: eat better, exercise more. Be better with relationships: spend more time with loved ones, communicate better, exert more effort to be more patient and understanding to people around us. Be better with finances: get a better job, be mindful with spending, or set aside money for savings.
​
However, it’s very seldom do we make resolutions concerning music to which we listen. Music is a part of our everyday life, whether by choice or not. We often hear it in public places: restaurants, elevators, different business establishments or even while on hold in a phone call. It is a proven study that music influences our mood or how we feel, thus affects how we react to certain situations or products. Slow music calms, upbeat music excites, and holiday music brings us to a spirit of spending. It is therefore important that we become more aware of what kind of music we listen to. The same way a lot of thought is put into choosing music for our choirs to sing: the worship occasion, historical relevance when applicable, connection to the readings and Gospel, and more importantly, the message the music brings to the congregation. As a minister of music, I believe that it is my responsibility to choose music that inspires and uplifts spirits, and delivers a positive message, whether singing in a worship service, a community event, or a social gathering outside of church. Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into a beautiful beat or melody without paying attention to the lyrics of the song. I hope that this coming year, 2019, we’ll have the “music resolution” to be more aware of what kind of music we listen to and let other people hear. May our music not only bring joy, but healing and inspiration to those hear it. A blessed New Year to everyone!
 

---