Every year the National Quartet Convention brings out the sideline critics. You know the ones. They spend the entire convention looking for the things that are wrong and need improving, or in their mind, need to be done away with. They aren't content unless they have picked apart every performance, found every note that wasn't quite on, dissected the problems with the sound and have decided that they could probably run the NQC better than anyone else.
Are there problems? Sure. Are there some performances that really aren't up to snuff? Yep. Are there things that could be done better on a technical level? Absolutely. BUT...and here is the big exception. This is a LIVE concert...not an edited, re-done studio video with all the mistakes sitting on the cutting room floor. This is 7 nights of LIVE concerts, off-pitches, squealing mics and all. I am always hearing fans who cry that the polished studio version of CDs lose the spontaneity of the live concert, yet when they are presented with that very thing during NQC, they cry that things aren't perfect.
Have we become so critique conscious that we can no longer enjoy the music for its intent? Has the criticism overtaken the ministry? Have our hearts been hardened that they can no longer be pricked by the message of the music? Did the critics miss the moments?
"Oh Holy Night" by Taranda Greene should have transported us all to that moment in time that was truly a night most holy. Did they miss the experience of hearing and seeing Sheri Easter on stage performing so soon after facing the earth shattering news of cancer and then the exhilerating report from the doctors that they got it all? What about seeing Janet Paschal again after her year of cancer treatment? Or how about Lari Goss back to work after his cancer treatment? Did anyone see Mike Pillow in the exhibit hall after his near death experience? And what about Larry Ferguson smiling from his wheelchair just a few short months after Dottie Rambo's death and the accident that almost claimed his life.
The music in Freedom Hall may have had its moments of imperfections, but there was nothing imperfect in the message of "The Potter Knows The Clay" as sung by the Perrys. Sonya Isaacs beautiful, clear vocals on "It Is Well" was clearly a proclamation of the message of hope that our music proclaims.
Do I want to see improvements to the live feed? Sure. Do I want the internet feed to be a little clearer and less hassle? Sure. Do I hope they continue to work out sound issues? Absolutely. But, I more than anything, I want more concentration on the beauty of the ministry of the music, of the power proclaimed in the song. I never want to let the critic in me overpower the tenderness of my heart as this music continues to touch me in a way no other music has. I want every year at NQC to transport me to the place that the songs speak about.
So, carry on NQC!!! Another year ... well done!
Author: Susan Unthank
| Author's Website: http://susan.sogospelnews.com
Written: 09/13/2008
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Category: Southern Gospel Music
Comments: 8
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A very good article, Susan and I'm in complete agreement with you on all of the issues above to... Go NQC Go, Keep on improving in all areas every year to... Blessings.
I was thinking along the same lines, Susan, and you've stated it so well here.
Susan, Thank you so much for a positive article. Steve and I were just talking about this very thing last night. All our world needs is more negative things in our life. We had a wonderful time at NQC this year and we also looked for the positives while there. Everything in life will have its flaws because we are all human. Like we were telling each other last night, if you don't like it, don't attend. You can stay home and be negative. Don't bring the rest of us down with you. I was always taught if you don't have something nice to say, keep your mouth shut. Thank you again SoGospel for bringing the positive view of NQC to our attention. We know for a fact the hard work that goes into putting this convention on and we appreciate everyone that is involved.
My sentiments exactly, Susan...well said.
Morning glory and evening grace,
Giving the world a smile each day,
john.sogospelnews.com
Excellent article. I honestly believe that people who complain so much are not happy within and it only provides them a moment in time to "jaw" against what others are doing ~ rather than looking inwardly to fix themselves.
Thanks, Susan, for this article. I think most attenders would agree there was no "failure" with the NQC this year. I think it is probably the best I have attended in over 20 years we have been going. Maybe the "negative" person who critizes everything about the NQC should just not go anymore and then let everyone else enjoy it!
After missing NQC for three years due to major illness(near death), it was a joy to be in the exhibition hall and see old friends again. But the highlight of the evening was when I went into Freedom Hall for the evening's concerts. I had attended NQC and been an exhibitor for 10 years prior to getting sick. Never in those 10 years did I feel the sweet presence of the Lord as I did this year. Phil Cross, Sheri Easter, The Hoppers, The Booth Brothers and all the others lifted me into heavenly places. As The Hoppers sang "When He Comes Down" it seemed as though Heaven and earth touched. Later in the evening as they performed "Jerusalem" it happened again. I agree that NQC will never be perfect, after all we are all human and we are not perfect, but this year came close. Clarke, KEEP IT UP, you are on the right track.
I've only gone to NQC about 5 years or so, and it hasn't taken me that long to realize that it isn't what it once was. Sure, I enjoy it. I don't think it's a complete waste of time. However, there are problems with it - and ignoring them "in the name of the Lord" isn't the way to fix them.
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