THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995 TAG: 9512130174
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
LOCAL CHURCHES are vibrant with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Everywhere, it seems, choirs and musicians are fine-tuning seasonal productions.
Saturday evening, Metropolitan Baptist Church celebrated the season with an informal gathering featuring musical and dramatic talents of members. Sunday's worship included a sacred concert by the church's flourishing, 21-piece Youth Band, directed by John Jenkins and assistant Larry Driver.
``We have members from age 9 on up,'' Jenkins said. The group incorporates people from various races and a number of Tidewater communities, as well as a cross-section of local schools.
Metropolitan's choir director, Gwen Taylor, said, ``This band is one avenue for us to help the community and make a difference, especially in the lives of young people. Some of them wouldn't be involved in church if it hadn't been for this group.
Jenkins said, ``Music really is a universal language that bridges differences. I especially enjoy the camaraderie of this group.''
In last Sunday's concert, arrangements included ``O Holy Night,'' ``White Christmas'' and ``Jingle Bells.''
The 75-voice combined choirs of the church will present a mini-concert of selected Christmas music on Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. The church is at 125 County St.
This Sunday at 5 p.m., a Christmas Festival will showcase the musical talents of East End Baptist Church.
``It's almost like Christmas stew - a little of this and that,'' said Karen Croston, music director of the church and coordinator of the production.
Featuring choral numbers by the church's six choirs, with the combined strength of 140 voices, the festival will incorporate a variety of musical styles - carols, anthems, gospel arrangements and spirituals.
Narrator Mary Scott will weave together Scriptures and choral numbers to tell the biblical account of the first Christmas. Featured instrumentalists include flutists Marcus Artis and Amber Massey and trumpeter Travis Jefferson. Marshe Copeland will offer sign language interpretation to one number, and Kay Jefferson will perform worship choreography.
As a church musician with a vision, Croston sees participants in this year's program inspiring and paving the way for others. ``I see this as an opportunity to open doors for others to find a place of ministry as singers, worship dancers and instrumentalists . . . I see an orchestra in the making just a few years down the road,'' she added.
``Our choirs have worked hard all year long,'' Croston said. ``Now it's time to enjoy a simple, relaxed celebration - to truly enjoy the reason for this wonderful season.''
The program also will include the Gail Harts Dance Company, performing a number from Kirk Franklin's new Christmas album.
The conclusion to Sunday evening's ``Christmas Festival'' will be reception with homemade holiday treats and hot apple cider.
East End members also will gather for worship on Christmas morning at 10 a.m. The church is at 523 E. Washngton St. Call 539-3324 for additional information. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Karen Croston, music director of East End Baptist Church, will lead
the Christmas Festival on Sunday.
by CNB