A Musical Light in a Dark Place

“Renovare,

The life in your MANCI “Christmas Concert” program music was so moving, fascinating, and inspirational that even the hearts and minds of non-Christians who do not accept Christmas - Muslims, Jews, and even a Luciferian- were filled with joy, hope and wonder. Your instruments, virtuosity, diverse selection of pieces, and your very welcoming and sharing approach toward your audience has been the talk of the institution. The music reading students and others are eager to (hopefully) hear and learn more from you both. 

Listeners were humbled by the privilege they were given to hear the fruits of your many years of self-sacrifice, struggle and labor you obviously dedicated to the mastery of your instruments and performance, and your ability to teach and share with others. 

Thanks be to you for bearing a musical light into this dark place that gave sight to the blind so they could see a higher love and intelligence. Thanks also be to everyone in your lives who invested themselves, and their precious time, energy, efforts, knowledge and resources to help you attain the high level of musicianship and professionalism you both demonstrated here.”

When one is sitting alone for yet another hour of practice, it can be easy to wonder if all the effort is worth it. This letter, passed onto us from one of our audience members at the Mansfield Correctional Institution (MANCI), was such a humbling affirmation that all the time spent preparing to bring a concert to life really is worth it.

It was such an honor to be invited to perform at the MANCI for the first time this week, and so encouraging to receive these words.  Over 55 men joined us for a Christmas concert, and we closed out the evening with a sing-along of carols they requested. The men eagerly shouted out requests and sang along, to the surprise of the prison guards and staff members. None of the employees expected the men to make requests or sing - it was a special moment to see how willing the men were to participate in making music!

It’s amazing how, regardless of your worldview and religious affiliation, music can be a vehicle that brings hope. As we continue sharing music throughout communities in Northeast Ohio, we pray that hope will continue to be spread through the work of our hands.