January 7, 2015

Dear Singer,
The purpose of this letter is to invite you to participate in "Joining in Song II: A Festival of Hymns
and Gospel Music" to be held Saturday, February 7 at 5:00 PM at Bethel AME Church in
Tallahassee (choir rehearsal from 9:00am to noon).
Following a similar format as last year, a large choir is being assembled for the event that will be
comprised of singers from Tallahassee area churches and school music organizations. By singing
contemporary African American gospel music, European American hymnody and choral music, and
music shared by both traditions mostly tried and true we hope choir members will experience
familiar and new repertoire, all the while building community with whom they join in song.
Brandon Boyd and Ryan Luhrs, who are both FSU doctoral students in choral music and church
musicians in the area, are coordinating this years festival. Our goals in organizing this event are to
encourage new relationships between church groups and ethnicities, provide a quality experience of
music that may be within or outside one's tradition, and conduct research on the perceptions of
participants. As a result, you will be invited to complete an optional survey at the conclusion of the
days rehearsal.
During the festival itself, the music will be interspersed with brief readings, reflections, and prayers.
To some, the event will feel like a worship service, and to others it will feel like a concert. Even
though we are drawing from music of the Christian tradition, anybody is welcome to participate or
attend. The whole event will last about an hour.
There will only be one rehearsal the day of the event from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and the music will
be passed out at that time. We anticipate that this program will come together quickly given the
accessibility of the music and a handful of strong singers in each section who have already
committed to participate.
If you participated last year and plan to do so again this year, we encourage you to invite others.
Your personal invitation will likely mean much more to potential participants than hearing from us.
If you have questions or suggestions, please dont hesitate to email.
If you are interested in singing in the choir, please email Ryan at ryanluhrs@yahoo.com with
your name and voice part.
Sincerely,
Ryan Luhrs, Co-Director
ryanluhrs@yahoo.com
Brandon Boyd, Co-Director
baboyd0622@gmail.com

Some Additional Selling Points:

1. This event simultaneously serves to focus on unity and diversity. We gather as an ecumenical
community, but at the same time acknowledge the unique cultural contributions of the
African American and European American traditions. Members of the choir will represent a
cross section of much of Tallahassee, bridging age, ethnic, and denominational differences.
2. Its free! Outside of personal travel expense and bringing a three-ring binder, there is no cost
to the singers. There will also be no admission cost for the audience/congregation.
3. This is an opportunity to sing in a large choir for those of you who typically only get to sing
in a small group.
Planned Choir Selections:
Perfect Praise
Siyahamba (both languages)
Prayer for Peace Cherwien
The Heavens are telling (from Creation) Haydn
I Dreamed a World Thomas
My, Lord, What a Morning
Planned Congregation Selections:
Every Praise is to Our God
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
For All the Saints
It is well / When Peace like a River
God Welcomes All John Bell
Oh, Give thanks to the Lord
Schedule:
Saturday, February 7

9:00AM-12:00PM
4:00PM
5:00PM

Rehearsal at Bethel AME

Warm-up/Touch-up rehearsal
Festival of Hymns and Gospel
Music at Bethel AME Church
501 West Orange
Tallahassee, FL 32314