This year, 2011, Christmas Day falls on Sunday. This means two things: first, the longest possible Advent season; and second, church services, even for churches that usually just do Christmas Eve. That includes the church where I serve as Director of Music. I am delighted by this, as I believe strongly in Christmas morning worship in all events.
But for me, this year, a Sunday Christmas means one other delightful contribution to the holidays.
Along with Bill Powers, who continues to dazzle hearers with his skill on the classical saxophone, I have prepared four short medleys of beloved Christmas carols.
These will be broadcast on WLNG-FM, a well-known radio station out of Sag Harbor, Long Island that reaches (in the words of their jingle), “…six counties, three states, both shores, everywhere!”
They are also available 24/7 and worldwide on www.wlng.com; this makes their claim of “everywhere” entirely valid (even though they’ve sung that since before the Internet)!
Bob Aldrich, one of my oldest friends and one of God’s kindliest creations, invited me to make these tracks. I was—we were— thrilled to oblige him.
I wish for my old friends and former neighbors and parishioners on the East End the joy of sacred music at Christmas. I wish for all men everywhere the peace and goodwill the Nativity promises us.
