Tag Archive for: Jay Thomas

The Unplayed Melody

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The Unplayed Melody
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by Jay Thomas, Music Director

The poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, writes that “all life is being lived,” and then asks, “Who is living it, then?” As I reflect upon leaving this beloved community and wonder what lies before me, I want to explore what it means to live a life “like (the) unplayed melody in a flute.” Join us as we examine this mystical rumination on life, the similarities between the early years of the 20th century (when Rilke penned these words) and our current age of anxiety, and how music might serve as both balm and beacon during these turbulent times.

Hail, Queen of Playfulness!

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Hail, Queen of Playfulness!
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by Jay Thomas, Music Director

The Summer Solstice on June 21 heralds the start of summer with the longest day and shortest night of the year. The change of season also initiates in many of us a urge to spend more time outside. This service celebrates this turning outward while honoring some Pagan / Earth-based traditions connected to this pivotal time of year. In true Revels fashion, the service will contain elements of story and song, meditation and movement. Come play with us!

Our True, Original Course

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Our True, Original Course
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Rev. Kathleen Rolenz, Jay Thomas, Music Director, and Fellowship Member John Newhall

One of the ways in which people navigate themselves when lost at sea is to chart a course using the north star. There’s no denying that we live in a time of great change, and many have said they felt “at sea.” How do you navigate your way through conflicting narratives, alternative facts and the many pulls and demands of life in such a way that reflects what one poet calls “our true, original course?”

Excerpt from “The Buried Life” with the Fellowship Choir, Set to music by Jay Thomas

The Art of Improvisation

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The Art of Improvisation
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by Jay Thomas with Dan Van Sickle

Our transitional minister, Wayne Arnason, delivered a sermon in April on life as improvisation in which he discussed parallels between life and jazz improvisation. By exploring the nature of music improvisation in general, the Fellowship Music Director, Jay Thomas, will look to embellish upon those parallels.

Four-Handed Improvisation by Jay Thomas and Dan Van Sickle

art of improvisation 6-26-16