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A Band of Brothers and Sisters (Barry Hatfield)
As our church has changed, so has our style of worship music and its
performance. Where once we relied solely on a piano to lead our singing, we now enjoy the added participation of guitars and drums to back our lead vocal teams.
And it’s here that our musically gifted young people find a
comfortable role for their talents. People like Zane Garratt, Jon Richardson and Robbie Muyargas regularly support ‘slightly-older’ band members Rob Farrar and Steve Brique
for hymns and special music. Kate Everson, who is 18 years old, sang special music at an early age and continues to develop her voice.
How our youth feel about their developing roles within the church
reflects the congregation’s generous acceptance of our expanding music styles.
“The church band has been a great experience for me. As a service to the church and a way to
worship God, it has been a growth platform for my drumming,” says Zane Garratt. He started playing regularly at church six months after buying his own kit. “I wasn’t good at first, but everyone helped
each step of the way. The band has been the best learning environment and the biggest help and joy in my musical experience.”
Jon Richardson picked up rhythm guitar in 2003 and joined the band in 2005. He receives guidance
from Rob Farrar (on lead guitar) and is attending lessons that are part-subsidised by a special church fund for training upcoming musicians. Jon says that “there’s also a second learning curve: working with
others!”
Robbie Muyargas is the newest member of the band and his quiet enthusiasm has earned a place
playing bass guitar – a gap he has filled since early 2007 following Sandra Brown’s move to Melbourne. Teaching himself, he has gained confidence each week. “I wanted meaning in my leisure
while expressing faith in God”, he says.
Kate Everson considers it a blessing to be part of youth music in all its forms and a privilege to serve
the Lord in song. “I don’t take for granted singing with such gifted musicians and singers: and learning to work in a team is a skill I’ll keep for life.”
Steve Brique, who shares the drumming with Zane, began as a youth when he was 13 and joined the
then-church dance band in the early 70’s. “I dropped it for 15 years but picked it up recently and I’m now enjoying my new role in worship music,” he says.
In similar vein, our experienced lead guitarist Rob Farrar relinquished his earlier weekend rock-and
-roll guitar-playing gigs when he joined the WCG, but 11 years ago began playing again – this time to worship God.
Band service nurtures all ages, while honouring God in the process.
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