How Can We Keep From Singing?

Dumbarton’s music program provides a unique opportunity for budding musicians and established performers to hone their talents. Want to sing a solo or play an instrument at a service? Have a unique idea for a Sunday celebration? You’re on!

Playing guitar at Dumbarton about once a month is “a real gift for me,” says Joe Friebele, who takes weekly guitar lessons. He plays in an ensemble of string instruments that includes Melany Burrill, Cheryl Conway, Sarah McKnight and Miguel Carter as regulars. “Getting four to eight hymns, an offertory and music for meditation ready in a short time has helped me with sight reading and also learning the pieces quickly,” he says.

Likewise, Mike Doan, who is taking voice lessons, has enjoyed the opportunity of singing in the choir and taking part in a few solos and duets. “Some have been successful, and I’ve bombed, too, but I feel comfortable in such a friendly, supportive congregation,” he says.

Barbara Marvin, who is a classically trained, experienced soprano, appreciates the fact that Dumbarton's music program includes everyone and tries to include music geared toward as many tastes as possible.  She also enjoys the opportunities for musical collaboration with people with wide and diverse talents and levels of experience, but she thinks that the program and the worship experience through music could benefit from somewhat stricter standards or higher expectations.

The music program is led by Rick Latterell, a graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., who has a master’s degree from Boston University and a J.D. in law from the University of Minnesota. An experienced pianist and singer, he also sings in Washington area choirs and performs with a modern dance company. Rick accompanies the hymns when the guitar group is not playing and often plays piano and occasionally sings during offertories.

Rick directs Dumbarton’s choir, which performs once about every three weeks but more often during Advent and Lent. The chorus sings a wide variety of material, ranging from traditional religious pieces and gospel to world music and modern material. Among recent Advent songs were “Heleluyan,” “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “Elijah Rock,” “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and “Magnificat.”

Rehearsals are often held after the Sunday service. Those who would like to sing or get on the announcement list are invited to email Rick at lalalatterell@gmail.com.