On Eagle's Wings

Monday, May 19, 2008

3:10 PM

Motives Questioned

Sometimes what people do makes you ponder what their true motives are. Here I am blogging, trying not to pass any judgements, but giving a more neutral stand to this scenario described below.

A renowned church choir conductor (popular in the local arts scene in some extent) has created a CD album featuring the choir's beautiful singing of his own compositions in order to help raise funds in a church funfair to aid the building of another church. They have also requested to perform 'Live' on stage in order to promote the sales of the CD. Everything they had done seemed to be heading for a good cause - to promote the sales of CD with the choir's beautiful voices under the baton of this musically talented conductor (who has already established himself in one way or another in the local arts context) performed live in order to raise funds more effectively. During the first performance, the emcee gave a flattering introduction of the conductor, followed by the choir's performance of 3 of the listed tracks. There is also a grand ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the parish priest. Some points to note during the preparation phrase: The choir was offered a suggestion to play selected tracks from the album instead of having to perform on stage as an alternative to promote the sales of CDs.

So here are some questions for you to ponder:

1) What is the true motive of the choir's intention of having this performance? To sincerely raise funds for the church or to use the good cause of raising funds as means to promote the choir and the conductor's profile in the church music scene?
2) Why did the choir refuse this 'humble' suggestion of playing selected tracks from the album instead of performing on stage?
3) Is there a need for this grand ribbon cutting ceremony to mark a debut of an album in church like some opening ceremony of a shop or a business?

Anyway, on a side note, I bought a copy of the album in recognition and support of their singing.

Disclaimer:
The purpose of this blog entry is not to criticise the actions of the choir or their conductor or whatsoever, but to encourage you readers to think beyond the surface. I will not bear any responsibility of any misunderstandings or judgements formed as a result of this blog entry. Criticisim will not be entertained but opinions are encouraged. :D

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
who abide in his shadow for life
Say to the Lord, "My refuge,
my rock in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up
On Eagle's wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
and famine will bring you no fear
Under his wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield

And He will raise you up
On Eagle's wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand

You need not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.
And He will raise you up
On Eagle's wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand

For to his angels he's given a command
to guard you in all of your ways;
up on their hands they will bear you up,
lest you dash your foot against a stone
And He will raise you up
On Eagle's wings
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun
and hold you in the palm of his hand