Music/Song

Songfest

A song service converging old and new, local and global led by Calvin University Worship Pastor, Paul Ryan, and the Student Chapel Team

November 17, 2021
A Light to the Nations: A Service of Lessons and Carols

In an era in which narrow nationalisms are emerging yet again in so many places around the world, how important it is to dwell with the countercultural, global vision of Isaiah’s prophecies. This Lessons and Carols service will be held in person at LaGrave Avenue CRC and livestreamed on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 3:00 and 6:00 PM, EST.

November 16, 2021
Kyle Meyaard-Schaap on the Arts as a Climate Tipping Point

Music and the arts have fueled major movements for justice. Evangelical Christians have the potential to shift climate action. That's why Christian leaders and musicians are creating worship songs and candlelight climate vigils to address climate crisis and work toward environmental sustainability.

October 8, 2021

Gerardo Oberman leads songs from "Santo, Santo, Santo: Cantos para el pueblo de Dios / Holy, Holy, Holy: Songs for the People of God"

Gerardo Oberman demonstrates and talks about five songs as part of the CICW series "Songs from the hymnal 'Santo, Santo, Santo: Cantos para el pueblo de Dios / Holy, Holy, Holy: Songs for the People of God.'"

August 27, 2021
Everyday Faith: Possibilities, Limits, and Callings, with special guest Jeremy Begbie

Music and language form the backbone of nearly every public worship service, yet we don’t often reflect on the implications of this pairing. What is the relationship of music and language in Christian worship, and how might we best utilize them—separately and together—to give God glory and to form the faith of worshipers? Watch this webinar with Professor Jeremy Begbie of Duke Divinity School, who helps us think more deeply about how we can do justice to the primacy of the Word in worship while also honoring the immense powers of a non-verbal medium such as music. Dr. Begbie is interviewed by Noel Snyder, program manager at CICW.

August 17, 2021
Emmanuel Olusola Fasipe on Yoruba Baptist Indigenous Choruses

The most recent Yoruba Baptist Hymnal includes Orin Idaraya, the indigenous choruses relevant to one of Nigeria's largest people groups. Learning how a Nigerian music scholar analyzed these short songs can help your congregation evaluate whether it offers a balanced musical diet in worship.

July 26, 2021

Pearl Shangkuan on 10 Bilingual Choral Pieces

Pearl Shangkuan, director of choral activities at Calvin University and director of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, reflects on her top ten bilingual sacred choral pieces.

July 21, 2021
James Abbington on Planning Henry “Hank” Aaron’s Funeral Music

Although news coverage of public figures’ funerals often focuses most on speakers and eulogists, music is crucial. James Abbington thought pastorally while planning music for baseball star Henry Aaron’s homegoing.

May 11, 2021

Kate Williams on the Coronavirus and Sacred Music

When COVID-19 forced churches and schools to go virtual, GIA Publications helped church music ministers and music educators adjust. Some digital adaptations are here to stay because they help connect music ministers, worshipers, and music educators.

May 11, 2021
Lucie Eddie Campbell: A Mother of Gospel Music

James Abbington was inspired to insert an old gospel song before the eulogy at the funeral for baseball star Henry “Hank” Aaron. The reaction prompted him to honor the heritage of Lucie E. Campbell, an influential Black gospel musician whom many people have forgotten.

May 11, 2021
Tune Our Hearts to Sing Your Grace

Beloved Hymns of Faith Led by Calvin University's Campus Choir, Capella, and Women's Chorale

April 22, 2021