Every Thursday at Mount Pisgah, students and teachers unwind and worship the Lord in a period called Fresh Air. Fresh Air consists of games, in which both students and teachers participate, worship and sermons. One of the most characteristic and beloved traditions during Fresh Air is worshiping through songs performed by Mount Pisgah’s own chapel band.
Each semester the band changes members, since it is an elective class. This semester’s members are: Lila Belle Mutch, Ellie Scott, Genevieve Howard, Sean Kim, Paige Richards and Wynn McFarland.
The Band has performed for the school since 2018, when Mr. Darnell started the “worship band class” with the purchase of a new drum set, bass guitar, and his personal electric guitar gear from home.
“I’m really proud to have pioneered a full worship band experience at Mount Pisgah. I’ve been in worship bands since high school, and I was thrilled to bring a similar experience here,” said Darnell, recalling the band’s beginnings.
The band has been a staple in the community ever since. Worshiping through music gives students an alternate medium through which they can connect with the Lord and strengthen ties within the school.
An active member of the band since sophomore year, Mutch says that participating in the band, “really changed my relationship with God for the better. It is a major part of my testimony.”
Students who join this elective are not required to have any sort of music experience. Mr. Darnell focuses on performing, while also making sure to teach as much general music theory as he can. Instruction on music theory consists of learning scales, chord structure, dynamics, numbers system, competency on different instruments, and harmony.
“Mr. Darnell is a really great teacher and knows a ton about music,” said Scott. “I have learned so much music theory this semester and I didn’t know anything before.”
After basic instruction, rehearsals usually consist of choosing which songs will be played and listening to various recordings. Then members will discuss the dynamics at play and how the chords, melody, harmonies work together.
“Before we pick up an instrument, we have a pretty good idea of our unique, individual roles. The next two to three days, we’ll rehearse and play the songs through,” said Darnell.
“Rehearsals are super fun. We get to practice playing our instruments and singing while having fun and learning together,” said Scott.
Worship through music has had a great impact on band members and their faith.
“Leading worship every week allows me to use my gifts and talents that God blessed me with to glorify him for all of my teachers and classmates,” said Mutch. “I get to use what makes me special to glorify the Lord, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do that.”
Fresh Air Band is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable musical skills while also growing closer to the Lord and the Mount Pisgah community.
