Whitefield Seniors Michael Baldwin and Ethan Powell shown on far right with Mr. OkieSeveral Whitefield music students were recently featured in local worship services during the Easter season.
Seniors Ethan Powell and Michael Baldwin were both hired to play trumpet and cello, respectively, and lend their voices to the music at Dunwoody Presbyterian Church, where Mr. Okie serves as the worship director. Leading the congregation through Easter classics such as “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and “I Know that My Redeemer Lives,” Ethan and Michael were tasked with interpreting orchestral parts for each song. The trumpet in particular played a featured “descant” on several of the songs. In addition, both students sang tenor and bass, respectively, on the great English choral anthem “This Joyful Eastertide.”
After the service, the pastor and congregants showed their appreciation for the unique instrumental flourishes in this special service and the choral prelude.
The students also appreciated the opportunity. Michael remarked, “I really enjoy the opportunity to worship through my instrument.” He also noted that he enjoyed playing traditional hymns because they had such great instrumental parts that were fun to play.
Seventh-grader Howard Allen played a featured saxophone solo at First Christ Cares Church. His family and congregation were thrilled with the performance, and Howard also appreciated the opportunity to edify his church body with his musical talents.
These students also have Whitefield mentors who have encouraged them in their gigging. Mrs. Quiros, band teacher and fine arts director, and Mr. Okie, choir teacher, have both lent their talents to Easter services for years. We are especially proud of the public performances by talented and enterprising Whitefield students which underline that talents should be shared to benefit others. One does not need to be a “professional musician” to experience the joy of playing music and worshipping through these musical offerings.