Photo by Stephen Ricketts Madeline Watson, left, Abby James and Debbie Ricketts stand in front of the Alamo during their concert tour of Texas. DAMASCUS ? What is the image you get when 72 young people get together to play music? It?s probably not what the youth of Damascus UMC and community were doing as they traveled as ?ambassadors of peace? on a mission trip for two weeks through the south performing classical music concerts in 12 different places. Their repertoire included requiems by Faure and Rutter. The 28-member St. Cecelia?s orchestra and the 44 Charles Wesley Singers, all young people, grades six through high school, left with 22 adults on two packed buses June 18 and returned July 3. It was the first time the orchestra and singers were yoked, said the Rev. Walt Edmonds who directed the group. Their performances focused on the theme of ?Grant Them, Grant Us, Peace,? and the repertoire was chosen ?to invite the peace of God into the eyes, ears and hearts of all those who see and hear.? The St. Cecelia?s orchestra started five years ago. Among the musicians today is a 9th grade harpist and a violin prodigy who is 10 years old. Membership in the orchestra is by audition, which draws in many from the community. At least 12 young people are members of Damascus UMC, Edmonds said. |
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