Let There Be Music

It first appears in the fourth chapter of Genesis. Music.

“And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.”

I wonder if Jubal could have imagined what he started! Now from his lyre and pipe we have orchestras and symphonies worldwide, small quartettes, duets, rock bands, rap, operas, and rock stars. So pretty much since the beginning of time man has loved music both instrumentally and vocally and it has developed from the simple to the complex. But one thing is for sure, music is everywhere and in every language. Also in scripture, God seems to place a high value on music.

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It really began the day I heard a group of women perform an outstanding musical called “Adam’s Rib.” The four performers would take an interesting and often comical look at some of the women in the Bible that included creative and thought provoking music. I was particularly mesmerized by Trace Balin who was the main creator and writer of the musical performance. As I watched her, she was not only wildly talented but there was something about the way she exhibited pure, heartfelt worship into each of her parts.

A few months later as the Big Dream Board was beginning to plan each teaching session, I suggested music. None of us had ever seen a Bible Study that included music, but each one of us thought it could truly enhance the message of every book, yet we didn’t know where to begin. Then I thought of Trace and her vocal talent and love for Christ that was so evident on stage.

I had never met her and she had no idea who I was, but when I called her, she was so kind and gracious and immediately agreed to meet me for lunch. Over salads I explained our big dream and ended it with, “We need your help, and by the way this is a volunteer position!”

I expected her to politely decline or laugh hysterically but instead she immediately said “Count me in! I would love to help any way I can!” I was floored to say the least, but that began our first steps in creating and producing nearly sixty-six music videos.

Trace knew the most talented vocalists in the area. She knew almost every song ever written (OK, maybe not every song but it surely did seem like it to us!), so week after week as we would meet, Trace would often join us and teach us the ins and outs of the music business. It would be Trace who would contact various vocalists and musicians, choose the music, and offer excellent suggestions as to how to shape the filming. And it would be Trace who would introduce us to the legal aspects of music (something that would become the most complex part of production).

Above all, though new to our team, Trace provided encouragement that was invaluable. She was so enthusiastic about all we were doing. The fact that she had been a well known recording star and was successful in the music arena and the wife of a pastor made her encouragement even more impactful. She knew the business, and she knew the ministry and felt strongly we were going in the right direction. She literally filled our spirits with all we needed to continue with boldness down the road. As I look back on the journey, Trace was a God-given “rest station” providing refreshment, direction, and renewal for somewhat reluctant and anxious travelers.

About a year after we had begun production, Trace had to step down as music director when she took a full time job, but she first pointed us to another talented vocalist and music genius in the form of Jen Carrozza who continued on in the same generous spirit that Trace had exhibited until the project was complete.

And in the end, the music did exactly what we had hoped. It helped women better understand the message of the books and often pointed to a great and mighty God worthy of our worship. I think Jubal would have been proud.

I will praise God’s name in song.
Psalm 69:30