April 23, 2024
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The story of Good Friday through song

Coal City United Methodist Church music director: ‘It’s not a normal concert’

By DENISE M

To trace, through song, Jesus' passion, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross. "It's not a normal concert," Shanan D’Agostino said, director of music ministries for the church, said. "We want the congregation to focus on what Jesus did for us, how he gave His life for us for all our sins. It's the ultimate sacrifice." The performers, 30 of them ranging in age from 14 to 79, are members of a local community choir that D’Agostino leads. Most of the members are from Coal City United Methodist Church, but some hail from other local churches and others are community members, D’Agostino said. "Anyone who wants to sing is welcome to sing," she said. D’Agostino said the choir will sing seven to 10 songs. Some of the songs are modern, but some are from choral music of the 1940s and 1950s, she said. "We try to do this twice a year," D’Agostino said. "We have done it on Palm Sunday before. This is the second year in a row we've done it on Good Friday. We like to do the whole passion story and felt that last year it went over really well."

To trace, through song, Jesus' passion, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross. "It's not a normal concert," Shanan D’Agostino said, director of music ministries for the church, said. "We want the congregation to focus on what Jesus did for us, how he gave His life for us for all our sins. It's the ultimate sacrifice." The performers, 30 of them ranging in age from 14 to 79, are members of a local community choir that D’Agostino leads. Most of the members are from Coal City United Methodist Church, but some hail from other local churches and others are community members, D’Agostino said. "Anyone who wants to sing is welcome to sing," she said. D’Agostino said the choir will sing seven to 10 songs. Some of the songs are modern, but some are from choral music of the 1940s and 1950s, she said. "We try to do this twice a year," D’Agostino said. "We have done it on Palm Sunday before. This is the second year in a row we've done it on Good Friday. We like to do the whole passion story and felt that last year it went over really well."

Last year scripture was added to the music, but D’Agostino wanted share the events of that first Good Friday solely through song, she said. About 100 people came out for last year's Good Friday concert, she said. By contrast, the 2017 Christmas cantata attracted about twice as many attendees, she said. And while some people enjoy expressing their appreciation for music by applauding, D’Agostino said the audience will be asked not to do so. "At the end, everyone will leave in silence," D’Agostino said. ------------------------ KNOW MORE Participants in the Good Friday choral concert are sopranos Deb Gowdy, Barbara Green, Fionna Hook, Sophia Jakubowski, Kayla Lockhart, Eva Miller, Sarah Moore, Kaitlyn Thayer, Sharon Watson; altos Carol Crawford, Kaylee Groves, Patti Holmberg, Brittney Kaluzny, McKenna Roach, Erin Shumaker, Cathy Smith, Helen Talty; tenors Bud Bruno Darrell D'Agostino Chris Kent Mike Kostbade Kerry Sharp Charlie Stewart Gavyn Williams; and bassists Ken Miller, James Reinbacher, Steve Smith, Kyle Wynn, John Zobel (Above, Gavyn Williams and Sophia Jakubowski rehearse for the Good Friday choral concert March 30 at Coal City United Methodist Church).

IF YOU GO WHAT: Good Friday Choral Concert WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. March 30 WHERE: Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 E. McArdle Road, Coal City ETC: The area community choir, directed by Shanan D’Agostino, will perform music reflecting the day of suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. INFORMATION: Call 816- 634-8670 or visit www.coalcityum.org.