How great thou art: A musical presentation by the IBC Orchestra
The violas
Music spells out eternity. It is the rhythm of life and the sound of one's emotion. The notes can bring back old memories back to life, may it be a bitter or blissful past. It puts magic in almost ordinary moments making them ultra special. Nevertheless, its melody is a splendid expression of piety.
The violins
The Iloilo Baptist Church (IBC) Orchestra was able to prove that faith and talent can indeed create a perfect harmony. Faithfuls gathered at the SM City Activity Center last October 20, 2006 to witness a showcase of musical prowess and extraordinary form of worship.
The Conductor, John Daven Narvaez
The musical presentation was dubbed as "How great thou art", taken from the title of a song written by Carl Boberg which was also included in their performance. The song reminds us of God's greatness as seen and felt on the things he created and done for mankind.
The Orchestra was composed of 84 high-spirited and equally-skilled believers, each has its own forte in different musical ensemble such as the strings (bass instruments, cello, harp, violins, and viola), the winds (bass clarinet, clarinets, oboe, piccolo, flute, and bassoons), the brasses (tuba, trombone, trumpets, and French horn) and the percussions ( sleigh bells, chimes, crash cymbal, triangle, orchestral bells, and tympani). In addition, a young gentleman named John Daven Narvaez, IBC's resident conductor, completed the set.
Pastor Rick Martin and Job
Gelladula, the youngest
member of IBC Orchestra
The IBC Orchestra was able to play fifteen songs,all in all, with varied level of difficulties. The classic Christmas song "O Come All Ye Faithful", which was classified to belong to the advance level, was perfectly played leaving the spectators with a levitating feeling amidst pleasing audio treat. On the other hand, Dennis Jerrigan's"You Are My All in All" highlighted the stringed instruments while Greg and Chuck Days' "Midnight Cry" gave emphasis to wind instruments. Likewise, the brass section was made prominent by Edward Perronet's "All Hail The Power". The percussion instruments were given a significant attention in Boberg's "How Great Thou Art" as sang by Miss Joan Mae Altura.
Joan Mae Altura
Other songs that were played during the event were "Three Wise Men", "There is Power", "Crown Him King", "No Cross, No Crown", "Were It Not for Grace", "Grace Flows Down", "Come Thou Fount", "The Majesty and Glory of Your Name", and "Hallelujah, What a Savior".
Pastor Rick Martin formally
introduces the orchestra
Listening to the IBC Orchestra is more than just fun. Their music is guaranteed to soothe the ailing soul and to lighten up the sagging spirit. It is a relaxing way of communicating with one's self and with our Creator.
For these earth-bound angels clad in red gowns and ties, nothing beats the greatness of God and his gifts -- love, life and music.