Submitted by Christopher Guindon
From the first note played on the keyboard as camp-goers entered the classroom in Amos Comenius Memorial School, students and camp facilitators alike were in for a wonderful experience. Over the course of the next 4 days, students from Makkovik, Goose Bay, Nain, and Hopedale were exposed to a wonderful, enriching program of Moravian music and worship. Rev. Tim Byerly would open with a few scripture readings and a morning prayer followed by singing of hymns or rehearsal of pieces for the big concert on Friday. There was singing, throat singing, instrumental music, drum dancing, and studies on music theory and history. Thanks to the musical talents and leadership of Rev. Tim Byerly, Bishop Sam Gray, and Mrs. Glenna Tasedan, Mr. Jamie Jackman, Ms. Natalie Fost, and yours truly, Christopher Guindon, students were given the chance to discover, through music and worship, more about themselves as musicians and as Christians. There were presentations and discussions on recent work done by Dr. Tom Gordon on various Moravian hymns, manuscripts written in Hebron decades ago, music scores, and some Moravian artifacts. Natalie Fost spoke on the tradition of throat singing and drum-dancing and Dr. Gordon spoke on its initial relationship with the Moravian Church and how it has become more accepted by the church as a part of a native culture over time. Over the course of the four-day camp, Bishop Sam Gray spoke on the history of Moravian music from the year that Jens Haven traveled to Nain as a Moravian missionary in 1771 to the acceptance of Inuit drums and other instruments by the church in the late 1900’s to early 2000’s.
One of the interesting things about the camp was that, thanks to Bishop Gray’s worldly experience, everyone at the camp had the opportunity to learn about Moravian music in Churches in other communities in Labrador and also far away countries such as Nicaraqua, Nepal, Tanzania. Emphasis was made on the fact that Moravian music does not have to fit one genre or style and it does not (well not anymore) have to be performed by any specific set of instruments. Moravian music is music performed by Moravians, anywhere in the world. There was also time spent on discussing the history of the Moravian Church and the settlement of Hebron in Labrador.
Every evening, members in the camp were invited to an activity after supper. On Tuesday, there was a hike; Wednesday, a softball game; Thursday was a karaoke night (hosted by Jamie Jackman) where some camp members took the opportunity to come out of their shell. On Saturday, members of the camp were taken on a fishing trip which lasted the whole day. Our gracious Hopedale hosts took the time to ferry 13 students and 7 facilitators up to Adlatok Bay in one longliner and four speedboats. It was a smooth ride to Marjorie and Brian’s cabin. The weather was very cooperative. When we arrived, Marjorie had fresh trout fried for all hands! Good times seemed to have been had by everyone who attended the outing. The trip was also an ideal situation for camp members to appreciate the scenery and take in the beauty of the Labrador wild. What better way to end a visit to Hopedale?
My experience with the camp was two-fold. For one, I was given the opportunity to teach students at camp about their instruments and how to better understand the music we were rehearsing. I was given various opportunities to try my hand at bringing out creativity and musical cognizance from the talented students from Hopedale, Nain, Makkovik, and Goose Bay, and answering technical questions about playing an instrument or using your voice to make music. I also got the chance to see more of what makes Labrador so beautiful. That would be its areas of undisturbed natural beauty.
I had the privilege of meeting “Uncle” Jim Andersen who is known for his photographs and having the most complete record of communities of Labrador, his musicianship, and his kind and friendly demeanor! He along with the other facilitators at the camp had been very encouraging and supportive every day towards myself, one another, and the students which undoubtedly contributed to the Moravian Music Camp’s overall success. Hearing Jim’s stories and fiddle playing was a real inspiration for my musical spirit and has strengthened my drive to share my own musical experience with anyone who is willing to listen and to make it fun for people who are not too sure what they think about music in general.
In my opinion, the camp was a great success. If the objective of the camp was to share our gifts and the word of God and strengthen students’ knowledge base around music through immersing them in the general and musical history of the Moravian Church, then I would say the camp had done just what it had meant to do. I would certainly like to see this happen as an annual event. I think it would be very beneficial in many ways to coastal communities and their students.
In my opinion, the camp has been a true success and could not have happened without the guidance and expertise of our facilitators, the hospitality of our hosts and camp chefs, and, very importantly, the active participation of the students from Hopedale, Nain, Goose Bay, and Makkovik. Bravo to everyone who contributed to this wonderful week of fun through worship, music, and activities.
Thank you all!
Christopher Guindon
The following is submitted by James R. Andersen (Uncle Jim)
It came as an interesting surprise when Joan Andersen called me and asked if I would be interested in taking part in a Music Workshop in Hopedale. I missed the plane on Monday, but by Tuesday I was there. Breakfast in the school gym at 8:00, lunch at 12, and quitting at 5:00.
I shall always remember as I walked in the Music Room most of the workshop participants was seated. Bishop Sam Gray was at the organ playing Morning Has Broken with his winning smile to all in the room. With the Text for the Day and a short scripture lesson, the whole cast, with instruments and everybody else singing the beautiful hymn Fairest Lord Jesus, the Music Workshop was begun with tremendous enthusiasm.
The rest of the days was occupied with practices in different classrooms with whatever kind of instrument they usually play. Instruction sometimes was given on the big blackboard in the music room, by the leaders of the music group, Bishop Sam Gray or Dr. Tom Gordon. It was all just a wonderful experience.
On Friday afternoon at the big gym, we all went down taking our musical instruments, and each group of performers done their rehearsal for the concert which started at 6:30 p.m. People came from the town to relax and listen to these students that came from Nain, Goose Bay, Makkovik, and Hopedale. Each took joy in doing their part what they was there for. We all just enjoyed a grand evening of fellowship.
On Saturday a tour to Adlatok some thirty miles in Hopedale Bay was very well planned and organized. To start off at 9 a.m. about 10 or 12 people in a big decked boat and several large speedboats carrying 4 or 5 passengers. When we arrived at Adlatok, the ones in the fast speed boats had been there for some time. There was a big dish of fried char, hot tea, cookies, and buns, plenty to serve the thirty people who made the boat trip. After a good hot meal, the majority went on up to the big river some six miles beyond, while the rest walked down a quarter of a mile where my great-grandfather Edward Mitchell from England built his house. This was in the early 1800’s. The house where my mother was born and raised until she met my dad, who was the son of Torsten Andersen from Norway, and was the first man to settle down in Makkovik, who had a family of five boys and six girls. This old house at Adlatok had a second storey with three big dormer windows in the roof. When I was a boy and teenager, Dad always took us to Adlatok, a cruise to Mom’s home, by dogteam. In that house there was a big Heintzman Piano, a Pianola, a small room like a library. It was full of books. Grandpa Mitchell had it all, and here I was at age 89, just filled with memories.
On Sunday morning at Hopedale church, where Mom and Dad was married in the late 1800’s, Bishop Sam Gray officiated the closing service while Dr. Tom Gordon played the organ. A big thank you to Rev. Tim Byerly, Glenna Tasedan, Bishop Sam Gray from North Carolina, Dr. Tom Gordon from the School of Music at Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland. And also to Sister Marjorie Flowers who played a major part in keenly helping us all in many ways, including transportation to and from the workshop. Incidentally, it was Marjorie’s and her husband Brian’s comfortable cabin where we all dined together when we arrived at beautiful Adlatok.
I hope if any of you young students happen to read my report on the Music Workshop at Hopedale, support our Moravian Church. Don’t give up. To lose is not a failure. It’s an experience.
Uncle Jim
Note from Chairperson: Uncle Jim participated in the workshop as a resource person. He played his violin, and gave information about Moravian music and brass bands that were an important part of the Moravian churches in Labrador up until the 1970’s. He is well-known for his collection of photographs and videos which document community life in and around Makkovik. He has a DVD for sale entitled “James Andersen: Over 50 Years of Taking Pictures” and a photo exhibit of the same title at TheRooms in St. John’s.
The 2008 Moravian Youth Camp at Gosling Lake is now a memory, but one filled with joy, excitement, and encouragement in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Although all aspects of camp were joy-filled, some of the highlights were the renewing of friendships, new relationships, exploring the beach of Northwest River, the positive interaction between staff and campers, the Inuit games and music, tie-dying t-shirts, the fun of making music together, and photographing it all. Excitement surely included the soccer game, "Go Beavers!" who took a loss this year, but are clearly focused for next year's contest. Then there was the black bear who visited during breakfast. As the camp director was trying to fearfully maintain composure while trying to figure out how to protect 27 campers and 8 staff, the crowd of campers (and remainder of staff) explode out of their chairs to take pictures and chase the bear. The beautiful black bear quietly exited the premises leaving nothing but fresh paw prints. Swimming, of course, is always a main event, only usurped by the canoeing, or should I say "canoe-towing" as many see the excitement of tipping canoes over in the shallow waters a much more enjoyable experience.
Some of the most encouraging moments of camp came during our small BREAKOUT! groups. Exploring our faith, our lives, and how all of that comes together as disciples of Christ as well as sharing our concerns and questions we've had over the past year.
The week ended with the dedication of a prayer quilt where the kids could offer prayers and concerns they had, and placing their handprint around the cross on the quilt. The quilt will be hung in the HVGB Moravian Church to be used as a prayer ministry in daily holding our youth in prayer.
Profound thanks go to Joan Andersen and the Labrador camp staff; Beatrice, Nancy, Natalie, Anita, Diane, and Tanya for their willingness to serve Christ at the youth camp.
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; ..... eager to serve;..." 1 Peter 5:2 NIV
Thank you with the fullness of my heart for the priviledge of spending time with your precious youth. They are exciting, filled with energy and ideas, and are joyful fun to be with.
With the love of Christ,
Glenna Tasedan
