A piano recital last Friday featuring 23 music students of Katie Redenbaugh and Jean Bell pulled me heart-first into the Christmas spirit.
The Christmas recital was hosted at Fair Haven Christian Church, where Bell’s husband is the worship minister and both Jean and Katie serve on the worship team.
I had previously met only one student before the recital, but little Anna Zimmerman’s piano rendition of “Jingle Bells,” Emerson Barnes playing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and Adena Hayse’ “A Winter’s Journey” melted my heart.
The Bopp family was a force with Hannah Bopp playing “Silent Night,” Micah Bopp performing “Night of the Tarantella,” Lauren Bopp with “Angels We Have Heard On High” and Jacob Bopp performing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
As I soaked in the joy, I looked around the audience and thought about all the hours the children had practiced, the labor of love of the parents driving them to lessons and the months of encouragement from their teachers.
Giovani Armoto blessed us with “Amazing Grace” and “Total Praise” while Andy Hayse mixed it up and played “Christmas Canon Rock” and “Build your Kingdom Here” on an electric guitar.
Elli McAdams played piano and sang “Hills and Valleys” as her mother accompanied her on cello — it was quite beautiful.
I don’t like to brag, but my daughter was easily the tallest student — an added bonus was that she can drive herself to lessons. Phoebe, 22, decided to begin piano lessons this fall, and while a bit reluctant when Katie initially invited her to perform at the recital, she played and sang “Mary Did You Know.”
I was quite proud (and quietly plotted how I could accompany her on tambourine at her next recital).
The inside of the program included Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
and the government will be upon His shoulders.
And his name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The young budding musicians not only shared their talents, but shared the peace of their faith.
In case you were wondering, Fair Haven Christian Church is located at 1476 W. County Road 300 South, Franklin (just south of Bargersville off State Road 135). Sunday morning services are at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m. — with a 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service. You are invited.
