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Questions Asked of a
Jazz Church Musician
by Chuck Marohnic & Sanctuary Jazz
How does music help us feel the presence of the divine?
Music allows us to transcend the spoken word through the aural exchange
of a much broader language. This language is capable of expressing
the complete human experience. It is also important to realize that
music happens in the present moment and that is precisely where
God is—not in the past or future, but in the here and now.
How does God speak to us through music?
Music affords us the opportunity to fine-tune our hearing in ways
that we do not totally comprehend. I believe that music offers a
myriad of sound scope contrasts with silence, loud and soft, high
and low, big and small. There is something about opposites and how
we learn to appreciate something through becoming aware of its opposite
value. How often do we say how precious life is to us after we experience
a death? God speaks to us through his Word. The Word can only be
heard in true silence. However, to truly appreciate the scope of
Silence, one needs to hear the more complete sound scope of contrast.
As a musician, how do you prepare yourself to receive and express
God's message?
Personally, I practice daily meditation. It is called Centering
Prayer and it is a practice of learning to be silent. It is in this
silence that I have the best chance of hearing God. When I emerge
from this silence I find it easier to hear music and to play or
compose.
Is there a relationship between music and prayer?
Yes. Prayer is the practice of placing oneself in God's presence.
True prayer is ego-less, a total giving of oneself to God. Music
is the language of musicians. It is the musician’s conduit
to Eternity. A creative musician, at some time and place, will come
face to face with the Creator. When that happens, we are given the
gift to become co-creators with God expressing His love.
What is your hope that the music will accomplish at the service?
The music has only one purpose and that is to serve the Word. It
is my hope that I can offer myself completely to God through my
music and that if it is His Will, it will touch the hearts of those
who are listening.
What inspires one doesn't necessarily inspire all. Is the only
answer multiple services with different modes and methods?
There is no way to track inspiration. We are not keeping score on
who gets it and who doesn't. That is the work of God. What is essential
is to allow ourselves to be open to the Presence of God and to try
to facilitate that experience.
Is there anything more reverent about the traditional hymns,
and conversely, anything less reverent about music that gets your
toes tapping?
The style of music has nothing to do with reverence. Church musicians
often play traditional hymns in an uninspired way. Conversely, one
can hear a group of musicians playing in a club and realize that
they are, in fact, communing with God. This occurs on almost every
serious jazz bandstand. In fact, it is in many cases the very reason
why these musicians play their music.
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