1. Has there been one piece of music in particular that has given you a sense of comfort and peace in the midst of COVID-19?
Erica Ward, violinist and entrepreneur:
Kirk Franklin’s “A God Like You” from his 2011 album “Hello Fear.” This music has been on daily repeat for weeks in my home. I first heard it as the opening music to Michelle Obama’s documentary “Becoming.” I was struck by the celebratory and firm declaration of the certainty of God and his power, especially in the context of a story about the former First Lady’s experience moving into a new and drastically different season of her life. It has been a great reminder to me to press on, stand confidently in the person God has made me to be, and celebrate God in the midst of my own uncertainties.
2. When you think about the unique role of a musician in a community, how would you describe how the role has changed post-COVID-19 pandemic?
Robert Nicholson, cellist:
If I may flip the question, what has struck me most is the role of the community in the musician. In the longest period of my life without concerts, the few (masked, distanced) times I’ve played for actual breathing people have meant a lot – and have felt like coming back to myself. Music is not something I do, it is something we do, as a community; because no matter how hard we work as musicians, the alchemy that turns mere playing into a performance only happens with an audience.
Erica Ward:
I do not think our role has changed – rather, I think many are awakening to the realms of possibilities beyond the traditional role of “musician” in this pandemic season. We have discovered our role much more deeply as messengers and peace-bringers, and are being forced to adapt to new ways to meet our listeners. I think this is especially exciting for musicians of faith, because they have the potential to use their role in a far more intentional and personal way than they might have previously thought about.
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