Dec. 23, 2020 4:30p
From the Spirit of Racine Music Makers:
We are Spirit of Racine Music Makers, a new 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, community music ensemble that endeavors to bring peace, social justice and love to the world through the power and beauty of music from Racine, Wisconsin. This virtual Christmas Concert, A Spirit Christmas, is our debut and the first step in pursuing our mission.
Like so many other valuable ventures, the catalyst for Spirit was something unexpected – the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. We could see our music friends struggling to be connected, to be hopeful and to continue the making music that brings us and others such happiness.
Over the summer, Mary and George Baumgardt and Laura Sumner Coon sat socially distanced on a backyard patio and dreamed up Spirit of Racine Music Makers. We wanted to create an organization that would be open to all people of all faiths who wish to express their desire for love, justice and peace through music. We began with people we knew, and hope to grow in the future when we can gather safely. Little did we dream that nearly 50 people would join Spirit and dedicate hours of virtual rehearsal and recording to make A Spirit Christmas possible.
A Spirit Christmas was a challenge to produce safely. The vocal pieces that you will hear are the result of digitally blending 25 separate voice recordings, made by our members from the safety of their homes. All the instrumental pieces and accompaniments were also recorded this way. The handbell pieces were recorded in a little warmer weather, when the players could be masked and outside. All the music you will hear and images you see have been used with permission or are in the public domain.
Our prayers go out to everyone during this pandemic, to those working at home or out in the workforce and those home- or hospital-bound.
Our wish for the community this holiday season is that there are many who aspire to love their neighbors as themselves. It is with this Spirit that we offer the result to you as a community Christmas gift, from our homes to yours. So, sit back and enjoy, A Spirit Christmas.
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