Photos and story by Donna Fisher, Canyon Lake United Methodist Church

Youth string players dazzled worshipers at Canyon Lake United Methodist Church (CLUMC) at morning services In Rapid City, South Dakota. Players range in experience and age from fifth grade beginners to high school seniors, including several All-State Orchestra members.

Larry Lashley, CLUMC's Chancel Choir director, leads the youth with the help of Elizabeth Ellender, a member of CLUMC's praise team and a percussionist in the Black Hills Symphony. Twenty-two players make up Canyon Lake's Joyful Noise youth orchestra.
 
Ellender, mother to three of the young string players, says of the youth orchestra, "I am so proud of them and their willingness to share their gifts with our congregation. Our high school players are playing on Christmas Eve, too. We try to have them play 3-4 times a year and usually rehearse twice before a performance. I am also thankful that we have Larry to lead them."

Larry Lashley, who retired several years ago as director of the Fort Collins High School Orchestra, plays his "fiddle" around the Black Hills in bluegrass and orchestral groups.

The schools systems in the region have exceptional strings programs. These young players may not know how unusual it is to have such opportunities at church. Pastor Eric Grinager tells about his nephew. "He was told by his mother how lucky he was to be in a church orchestra. He responded 'Don't all churches have orchestras?'"

How does the congregation respond to the youth players? Delighted standing ovations in response to this amazing gift of musical praise!