Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/1125532
FOREWORD God has a way of taking people from ordinary situations and changing their lives forever. This musical gives us the chance to explore how meeting Jesus affected the lives of regular people in ordinary situations. The Little Drummer Dude takes place during the time Jesus was born and through His toddler years. We see the story from a new perspective as we experience the birth of Christ through the eyes of the wise men, a traveling band, and a little drummer dude. One of the fun things about this musical is that we get to see the events surrounding the birth of Christ through a different light, one where it is easy to imagine ourselves living during that time and wondering about this baby King. As the musical opens, we are introduced to a vibrant group of musicians, Persia's Traveling Band (also known as PTB), and their camel, Hakim. PTB travels the countryside entertaining people with their contagious music. Their littlest member, Abel, loves to play a drum but is dismissed as too young to play in the band. Before long, the musicians cross paths with three traveling wise men who invite PTB to join in the long journey and perhaps play for a new king. As Persia's Traveling Band seeks fame and stardom, little Abel wonders if he will ever make an important contribution to the band. The adventure continues over months and eventually years until it culminates at the feet of Toddler Jesus. It isn't until Mary asks if Abel would like to play his drum for Jesus that he realizes that he has something he can bring to the King, too. One of the highlights is exploring the character of Herod, who mistakenly thinks that the wise men and band have come to play for him! His self-centered awkwardness apparent in the song "Worship the King" is delicious, funny, and your kids will have a blast during this song. Additionally, Hakim the camel and other camels in the caravan are featured in a humorous song "Search Party." All of your choir members will be clamoring to be cast as a camel! I am especially excited to include a song geared for younger kids called "Not Too Little." This song with an important message is the ideal opportunity to include your preschool choir. A lyric in the song says, "little people can do what big ones can when Someone even bigger holds their hand." This is an important truth for our children: they are not too little to do big things for God. It is an important truth for everyone; none of us is big enough to do big things alone…we ALL need God. We all need to hold His hand and allow His Spirit to empower and enable us to share His love with the world. I am so thankful for the people who surround me and support this ministry. A special thanks to my church family, the Burbank Community Kids Choir, my amazing arranger and orchestrator husband Daniel, as well as the team at Word Music & Church Resources, specifically Sarah Huffman and Dale Mathews for their tireless input and support! Feel free to contact me with questions or to share the great things that God is doing in your groups. Check out my Facebook group: "Christy Semsen's Epic Kids Choir Forum." You can become a member and use this group as a resource to communicate with other directors who have posted questions, photos, and videos of their productions. My email is csemsen@gmail.com, and I'd love to hear from you personally. I'm honored to be a small part of your ministry with kids! Christy Semsen For Preview Only