Blogging Along the Brandywine:Contemplating jazzy Lutherans and other mysteries

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After attending a musical event Sunday night (read on) I
asked myself, “How does the secular become sacred?”

So I’ll ask you. When you think of powerful sacred music used
in worship, what is the first instrument you think of?

OK, are you ready for this?

The hydraulis, a large calliope-like instrument was the
predecessor of the modern pipe organ. Invented in the third century B.C., it
was soon used in Roman competitions and amphitheaters. Powered by water
pressure, this ancient instrument had a loud blaring sound. A favorite of the
Emperor Nero, they bellowed away and excited the crowds as lions made hors
d’oeuvres of some poor gladiator or unlucky Christian.

Associated with secular and profane, it was banned from
early Christian worship. However, in 757 A.D. the Emperor Constantine II sent
an organ as a gift to Pepin the Short, father of Charlemagne, and eventually
found its way into the early church.

Another case in point: Six summers ago I took a vacation to
beautiful San Antonio, Texas.

The city is best known for its five great missions (walled,
medieval-style communities) built in the 18th century along the San Antonio
River. All still hold regular Mass, save San Antonio de Valero, re-named The
Alamo during the infamous battle 1836 in which it was all but destroyed.

One Sunday afternoon as we approached Mission Concepción, I
heard the unmistakable sound of a Mariachi Band coming from the church just
like one that had serenaded us the day before along the glittering River Walk.

The rich sound of over-sized dreadnaught guitars, violins
and trumpets soared out the open windows and through the towering palm trees.

Seeing my surprise, one of my friends said, “Oh it’s just a
Mariachi Mass.”

So, last Sunday night I was invited to one of the Jazz
Vesper Services held several times a year in the Calvary Lutheran Church on
south New Street in West Chester.

Jim Sullivan, long-time professor at the School of Music at
West Chester University, heads the group of professional musicians. Sunday’s
event featured Sullivan on piano, the incomparable Denis DeBlasio on baritone
sax and flute, George Rabbai on trumpet and flugelhorn, Bob Carl on the
5-string fretless electric bass and Philadelphia’s Tony Vigilante on drums.

One of the highlights was an exciting fast-paced scat-singing
duet between DeBlasio and Rabbai. Known as “trading fours,” each performer did
a rapid 4 measures before a seamless segue to his partner. The musical
excellence left me breathless.

But despite a traditional hymn, scripture reading, the
Lord’s Prayer and brief message by Pastor Daniel J Krewson, I found myself
wondering whether this was more jazz concert or church service.

During the ’60s and ‘70s I introduced the folk music of the
day into my home church, which included both solo performances as well as
leading my junior choir in songs by Sister Miriam Theresa Winter with guitar
and tambourine. So the extent of my doubt surprised me.

What’s the answer?

Maybe Winter’s song, “Mystery,” says it best:

“It’s the song of the universe as the eons fall away,

It’s the song that the stars sing and all the planets play,

It’s a song to the Power neither you nor I can see…”

Perhaps its whatever brings your spirit higher and closer to
your God.

Amen to that!

About Sally Denk Hoey

Sally Denk Hoey, is a Gemini - one part music and one part history. She holds a masters degree cum laude from the School of Music at West Chester University. She taught 14 years in both public and private school. Her CD "Bard of the Brandywine" was critically received during her almost 30 years as a folk singer. She currently cantors masses at St Agnes Church in West Chester where she also performs with the select Motet Choir. A recognized historian, Sally serves as a judge-captain for the south-east Pennsylvania regionals of the National History Day Competition. She has served as president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates as well as the Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford where she now curates the violin collection. Sally re-enacted with the 43rd Regiment of Foot and the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment for 19 years where she interpreted the role of a campfollower at encampments in Valley Forge, Williamsburg, Va., Monmouth, N.J. and Lexington and Concord, Mass. Sally is married to her college classmate, Thomas Hoey, otherwise known as "Mr. Sousa.”

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