Band together as one...
By Adam Messenger (Head of Middle School)
"A body isn’t really a body, unless there is more than one part. It takes many parts to make a single body. That’s why the eyes cannot say they don’t need the hands. That’s also why the head cannot say it doesn’t need the feet." (1 Corinthians 12:19-21)
Life isn't meant to be done alone. God has designed us to need others: to give, to receive, to flourish in community.
Once again this year, the Year 7 students embark on a journey into the world of music.
Each student will learn an instrument for a semester and play in a band setting.
In this program there are no stand-outs, no solo artists, no super stars.
It is an opportunity to learn to work together, to balance, to blend.
As I ponder on these moments in band, I can see some amazing life lessons for us to glean from.
Appreciating differences
Paul in 1 Corinthians spoke of hands, eyes and feet - but we could equally say that the flutes cannot say that they don't need the trumpets, or the trombones can't say that they don't need the tenor saxophones. Each instrument offers something different. The rich tones of the clarinet are no less important than the majestic sound from the trombone.
We need each other - what you offer to this world will be different from your neighbour, but each of us is valuable in God's eyes.
"Don’t be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3)
Listening to others
It's vital that each person in a band isn't just focusing on what they are doing but listens out for what the other instruments are doing. It's in listening to others that we develop a sensitivity in music, and a sense of balance of tone and tuning. In a band there is instant feedback if you are out of time or tune with everyone else.
In life, listening is just as important: we listen to learn from others, to grow in empathy, to focus on someone other than ourselves.
"My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry" (James 1:9).
Learning resilience and persistence
Inevitably, every person playing an instrument will come up against roadblocks. Whether it's trying to reach a high note, getting fingers around a faster rhythm, not being able to play at the right volume. It can be difficult when you try time and again, but don't seem to be moving forward. It's through diligence, focus and a growth mindset that a musician will be able to overcome hurdles and frustrations.
If we're honest, we often want life to be convenient for us and as pain-free as possible. But in reality, there are constant obstacles and difficulties that come our way in all spheres of our life. We can let them get us down, or we can know that there is a God with us who can enable us to rise above and experience growth and character amidst and through the storm.
"And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us" (Romans 5:4)
In a band…in life… we are part of something bigger and have the opportunity to work with others to create something amazing and of worth. Whether it's our sporting club, church, work or family, God has given you gifts and talents to contribute, but also areas of lack so that you rely on others.
Each of us needs to pick up our instrument and play our part in His glorious symphony.