The Resurrection Center
Wilmington, DE
Saturday, November 11, 2017
For many people, November 11th means the remembrance of Veteran’s Day. It is a solemn day to remember those who fought and gave of their lives to serve in the United States Armed Services. From the American Revolution to our conflicts of today, it is a day to honor those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. This year, I have the joy of celebrating Veteran’s Day with a Thanksgiving Cantata held at The Resurrection Center in Wilmington, DE. This year, the theme will be honoring all the branches of the military and is called “Spirit of a Grateful Nation”. The Cantata begins at 5:30pm and is held at the church, which is located at 3301 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19802. http://www.trclive.org/Events?fldMonth=11/1/2017&fldEventID=505345&fldOccuranceDate=11/11/2017
I began a relationship with this church in 2015. I was contacted by Dion Lemond, music director of the cantata and asked to come down to be the lead trumpeter. I had never been to the church and had no idea what to expect. In 2015, they began hosting their Thanksgiving Cantata to give thanks to the Lord for all that we have. I was honored to perform in their first ever event and it was an incredible experience. The choir and soloists, consisting of almost 30 voices are incredible singers and perform with such great passion and joy to the Lord. But, I had no idea when I got there that in addition to the great singers was a 20+ pc. orchestra to back them. Wow, the only word I could describe the experience was Awesome! It began as a gig I had to go to in Delaware to a very rewarding musical experience with great people who were there to give their praise to the Lord.
After this experience I was asked to perform in a Christmas Cantata in Dover Delaware in December. It was another great experience. I only wish it was a little closer to home so I could invite everyone to experience it. I was also fortunate to be asked to perform in the cantatas again in 2016. When you play in something like this, you can’t help but to meet great people. One of the musicians I met is a saxophone player and vocalist named Chip Bailey. Chip is a great guy with an even greater attitude on life. He always had a dream to record his own live album. Well, that came true on March 4, 2017. I traveled again to Wilmington to be a part of his project, a live CD and DVD recording for Chip’s first album. I was so proud to be there to help him realize his dream and I cannot wait to hear the CD when I meet him again in November.
A cantata glorifying the Lord is always worthwhile to me. But, with this years cantata honoring those who served in the military it can only make it that much more special. The arrangements we are performing are full orchestrations many of which come from the library of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. They include America the Beautiful, You are Worthy, Faithful to the End and Spirit of a Grateful People to name a few.
Although the travel is too far for most locals to attend, if you wanted to be truly moved by a great experience, this would be it. I am glad for experiences and opportunities to improve who I am and help to make me a better person. I hope to share my thoughts and experiences from this event in the near future.
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