An Epiphany from ‘the least of these’

Today is Epiphany, when we celebrate Christ’s arrival among us, and revelation as the Savior of all. He came as a ‘mere’ child. Because of the recent visit of a young African choir, I am thinking today of the youngest and most vulnerable among us and the music they create.
There is a long tradition in the West of children’s choirs. Attached to cathedrals, colleges and universities across Europe, choir schools taught boys to read, write and especially to sing music for the liturgy. The levels of musical achievement were quite astonishing.

In some places, as at King’s College, Cambridge, the presence and composition of the choir was written into the very foundation of the institution. At King’s, 16 choristers were specified, and their duties in addition to singing were to wait at table in the dining hall. Choristers (and alas, no girls were allowed such an opportunity in this 15th century world) were chosen for their ability, and from amongst those in need. The choirs were an important avenue to secure an education and a better future. Many ‘middle management’ leaders came from these schools, and not surprisingly, many distinguished musicians.
In 18th c. London, the famous Foundling Hospital rescued the orphan and the abandoned child – both boys and girls. In this case, “Hospital” refers to “hospitality.” The children were quickly organized into a choir, which not only provided beautiful music, but raised awareness of the institution. Handel brought his Oratorio The Messiah here repeatedly.
In this country, the young African-American adults of Fisk University’s Jubilee Singers helped fund that critical institution, at a time of great financial need after the Civil War. They toured across America and Europe.
Today, there are several Christian missions in Africa piloting a similar course. This past weekend, the congregation I serve at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Austin hosted one such group, The Asante Choir. Originally founded by a young Rwandan man to help the orphans left in the wake of massacre in Rwanda, Asante’s mission is now expanding to Uganda. HIV/AIDS has left its own trail of human destruction here. This choir tour is raising support for the physical boarding school they hope to build, just as they have done elsewhere. They are singing for their supper, their education and their future.
Our group included the first choir of Ugandans, many of whom lived in extreme poverty just one year ago. In that time they have become an impressive group, by any standard. They sang very well, and the joyful energy of their dance was astonishing. Every child demonstrated a lovely, relaxed – and focused – demeanor. Their music concentrated on African songs, just as we had hoped, bringing their tradition to us in Austin.
At Shepherd of the Hills last Sunday, we looked ahead to Epiphany, as many churches do. We sang “We three Kings” at the Offertory. Much to my surprise and delight, just a few feet behind me at the organ console, 22 young Ugandans launched into the carol – from memory. It was a stunning moment, a beautiful joining of cultures. The choir did not prepare this, it was simply an Epiphany serendipity.
Christ burst upon this world in an even more surprising manner long ago as an infant, reminding us of who we really are – children of God. And so we are. No exceptions. Blessed Epiphany!
 
Kevin McClure is Director of Music and Lecturer at Seminary of the Southwest, and Director of Worship and Arts at Shepherd of the hills Lutheran Church in Austin. He is married to the Founder and Director of the Austin Girls’ Choir, Sara Burden-McClure.