MUSIC NOTES for APRIL
On May 2nd at 2:00, Norway Grove will be hosting our second annual “Celebration of the Arts” concert. This is an afternoon concert celebrating the wonderful talent at Norway Grove. Last year, members of all ages participated, and more than 75 people attended this delightful event. The recital also featured a dedication ceremony for a third octave of tone chimes generously donated in memory of Mary Kelley by the Kelley Family. A freewill offering was taken as a fundraiser for students who traveled to New Orleans for the ELCA National Youth Gathering last July.
This year’s recital will feature a dedication ceremony for another generous gift to our music department, a Kawai MP-5 Digital Keyboard. Jean Kiefer and family are donating this 88-key portable keyboard in memory of Fred Kiefer. The keyboard should arrive the week of April 12th, which will give us plenty of time to play around with some of the great sounds and features on the instrument before the recital.
The Kawai MP-5 is approximately 45 pounds, has weighted keys which offer a similar touch to an acoustic piano, and comes with 256 high quality instrument sounds; including several beautiful piano, electric piano, and organ sounds that will compliment the Kawai Grand Piano currently in our sanctuary. The keyboard we have purchased also comes with a carrying case with wheels, a keyboard stand, a folding bench, and a damper pedal. It does not have internal speakers, so presently the sound will come through the church sound system and an external speaker will need to be purchased in the future. After much research and several trips to area music stores, I feel we have done a great job of finding an impressive professional instrument at a surprisingly affordable price.
The addition of this keyboard allows us to become more mobile in our ministry. We will use it at our monthly outreach services at Parkside Village and Walnut Grove Assisted Living Center. The Praise Band will be able to take it to our concert at Jefferson Square in August, as well as opening up the opportunity for participation in other community or outdoor services. It will allow us to be more creative in our music ministry as we find more ways to utilize it during church services and youth events. It also enables us to move the Yamaha Clavinova back downstairs to be used during Sunday School music time and occasional choir rehearsals. We are so grateful for this amazing gift!
If you are interested in participating in the Celebration of the Arts recital, please contact Jill Buchheim or Elaine Jaeke. We love to celebrate the talent we have at this church! It is also worth noting that a freewill offering will be taken this year as a fundraiser for Norway Grove’s Relay for Life team. The relay will be held at the DeForest High School on July 30th-31st. This is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Norway Grove is proud to have organized a dedicated team for several years.
Jill Buchheim, Music Director