Leader of the Band

Last night brought back a lot of memories.  We heard the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra.

Coming from KY where all the rednecks live (at least that's what the outside world thinks) I experienced some world class opportunities.  One of the things my school system did in Louisville was take us to the symphony.  It was a bus trip that got us out of class and that's the way we looked at it.

But my life was transformed the first time I heard live music played by an orchestra.  I had always loved music and enjoyed listening to our hi fi, turning up the bass and "feeling" the music.  But nothing compares to the opportunity to hear live music played.  I remember sitting on the edge of my seat in the balcony, eyes darting back and forth to the different sections of the orchestra that were called to play by the conductor.

The music would ebb and flow...first quietly, then with all the vigor the instruments could muster at the hands, arms and lips of their players.

Passion was on the faces of those who played.  They weren't just running a bow across some strings, they were talking with deep emotion using the instrument that had become a very part of them.  It was drama without words and stirred our emotions.

Last night I was reminded again of the pomp and circumstance of an orchestra.  The first chair in the violin section was a focal point of the orchestra.  In fact, first chair in any section carried with it respect and leadership.  Aside from the tails, it's fun to think about the duel of the first chair with others who are competing for their spot.  It's as intense as a football game can be only they were knocking instruments and not helmets.

Respect was conveyed and appreciation was humbly accepted.  The various instrumentalists were caught glancing back and forth at each other, obviously enjoying the making of music with each other.  The first chair was pointing out things and drawing their colleagues to more depth.

The featured guest soloist between focus times, stood there with great facial expressions feeling the music and with glances to each section calling them out to higher levels of accomplishment to give the audience an opportunity to share in the emotional exilaration with them.

Back to the first symphony I saw as a teen...the conductor!  I remember sitting there watching the whole thing unfold and saying to myself that I wanted to be a conductor.  I wanted to practice with the different sections of "instruments" in a organization until they had their part down and then blend them all together to play the "piece".  I wanted to help others reach their full potential and mix together with others to delight the "audience".  I wanted to conduct.

It's obvious that watching an orchestra play that they didn't sit down 15 minutes before the performance and pull that off.  It took hours of coaching and practice to bring them all together.  The same with any organization.  No one can make lasting changes overnight.  It takes a long time to change the culture of an organization whether it is religious or secular.

I still want to be a conductor in the lives of an organization.  Where is that stage for me, Father, to bring glory to you?