Here’s to You, “Altitude” or Let’s Amplify “Altitude”“Altitude,” our youth band, consists of Lauren B., Brian H., Chris J. and Kyle and Ryan K. They have played for worship, fellowship dinners and an outdoor concert. They have “gone on the road.” Now they are leading our elementary children in learning new songs as a part of the church school curriculum. And do you know, some of their songs are their originals?
OK, now let me touch on a couple of subjects that may or may not be there—at least no one has mentioned either to me. (If I don't need to address them, good; let’s just forget I brought them up.) One: “This is music?” YEP. It’s the music of today’s youth. It’s as uniquely their generation’s as any popular music of any other generation. The other: “This is church music?” YEP. And these young people are aware that they play as much for the glory of God as an organist, string ensemble or any other makers of traditional church music.
It did me good beyond telling when “Altitude” entertained after a church wide dinner last fall. Their most enthusiastic fans were folks whose music of choice would have come from the Swing Era of the ‘30s and ‘40s. As long as we have that kind of understanding and appreciation across generational lines, we’re OK.
Now, a request for your consideration: “Altitude” has amplifiers for their instruments, which are their own. But they don't have adequate amplification for voice. And the system in the sanctuary is woefully inadequate; it was designed to project the spoken voice. When the band moves outdoors or goes on the road, they have to borrow equipment.
What if some adult groups in the church adopted “Altitude’s” needed amplification as a special project to help provide the kind of sound system they need? What if you and I as members could find funds—say the cost of a moderate meal out—to help meet the need? If that happened and if the next time you heard them, you could think with justifiable pride, “They’re a neat group of young people, and I helped make this possible.”
What if we all joined together to help AMPLIFY ALTITUDE? If you want to get in on the front end of making it possible, you can make your contribution to the church, designated for “Altitude.” (No, the session hasn't yet had this appeal before it for consideration. If I waited until the next meeting, I'd be another month in sharing the thought. And this needs attention now.) -- Robert E Shelton