The following remarks, introducing the Mennonite Society of Musical Heritage, were delivered to the Mennonite Health Assembly in Colorado Springs in March of 1999, by Arlen Hershberger, music director for the week-end event:

Two months ago I had no idea what MHA was. But, when I was asked if I would like to lead music for a gathering of four hundred Mennonites, there was no way I was going to miss it. I knew it would be a memorable event. I knew it, because when Mennonites get together, they sing unlike anyone else.

We have a musical tradition that is, not only special, but probably unique. I am perfectly comfortable taking some measure of pride in that. I grew up sitting in church next to my dad, who sang bass, or my mother, who sang alto. My sister sat me down at the piano and taught me to sing tenor when I was in the sixth grade. Yet, in some parts of our country, this rich tradition is a generation, or less, from disappearing altogether. In fact, in some churches, singing has become little more than a unison accompaniment to an electronic band.

This modern day of fast changes, major demographic shifts, and the relentless pressure of a pervasive popular culture, often makes it difficult to determine which, if any, traditons, are worth working to keep. Our singing is, unquestionably, one of them. Gary Gunderson statement yesterday that, when his aged mother heard and felt the songs, "she remembered who she was", really rings with me. In fact it makes my point. Many cultures have had to take a very serious look at what makes them special and why those special characteristics are important. This has certainly been true among American Jews and, in fact, has become part of a centrally-administered national project. The effort has developed a new appreciation, especially among young people, of traditions that many had given up for lost.

The Mennonite Society of Musical Heritage is a fledgling group of capable and committed people who will make a difference. We want Mennonites nationwide to recognize and own this vital part of what makes them special. We will help train people to sing parts and to lead singing. We will sponsor workshops in churches that ask for help and, summer choral music festivals in the Rocky Mountains. We will provide informational resources on church music, advise you in your music programs, tell you where Mennonite musical events are occurring and invite you to participate in this very important commitment.

This is important, of course. But even more, it is fun...and fulfilling... and life-enriching. Music touches us in a way that nothing else can. Singing comes from a deep place within and bonding occurs when people blend their voices in a common effort to create something beautiful. Most of us already know that. Now we must make certain that those who come after us do too.