be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything – Ephesians 5:18-20
Yesterday, when writing about Saturday’s Bach recital, I said the pipe organ may be the most remarkable and magnificent musical contrivance ever devised. But I was wrong; the most spectacular of the instruments is the human voice.
I was reminded of this truth Sunday evening at the Keihin Auditorium, where the 2025 Tarboro Music Festival wrapped up with a wide-ranging concert featuring works by Beethoven, Bach and Brahms.
The orchestra performed wonderfully, the guest pianist – virtuoso Caleb Harris – played with both talent and passion, and featured soloist Rebekah Ambrosini sung with signal clarity and grace… but the principle instrument on the stage was the Tarboro Choral Society and the members of the choir sang their hearts out.
The baton:
The other instrument I have to mention is the baton. Just a small, light sliver of wood, but in the hands and the imagination of conductor/impresario Nettie Jean Williams the baton is more akin to Harry Potter’s wand, dreaming up the impossible and then with a deft flick of the wrist and the right magic words – Adagio, fortissimo, pianissimo… – the orchestra, and the choir, bursts into song and the music is sublime (ditto assistant conductor Josh Dumbleton).
Again, our community seems reticent to embrace the tradition that Tarboro punches above its weight in the world of the cultural arts. The Keihin Auditorium should have been overflowing with people gathered to enjoy this rare experience.
The musical giftedness and the hard work and the years of education and the countless hours of practice represented by the musicians on stage Sunday evening is truly impossible to quantify. But I do understand that the opportunity to witness such a confluence of talent and commitment, and to enjoy the rich sounds of orchestra and choir together does not happen very often.
So thank you, Nettie (and executive director Kelly Anderson), for your vision and your passion and your commitment.
This was another rich weekend of welcoming community and beautiful music, gracious hospitality and elevated cultural expression. Is it any surprise that we love this place so much? – DEREK
Hi Derek. Wonderfully written as always. A choir director once told me that the only instrument truly created solely by God is the human voice—and that thought has always stayed with me. It’s such a beautiful thing when you really think about it. Unlike any other instrument, the voice isn’t crafted by human hands or tuned with tools. It’s part of who we are, shaped by our breath, our emotions, our experiences. It comes from within—literally and spiritually—and carries with it a piece of our soul every time we sing or speak. Maybe that’s why the voice can move people so deeply… because it’s not just sound, it’s spirit in motion.
Great to hear from you, Scott. And your voice has always been a favorite of mine. Peace and blessings on your ongoing journey.