Our 2026 Amazing Grace Brass performances wrapped up several weeks ago, but we’re still looking back on our time together with joy and gratitude. In our two weekends together, we saw God at work in many ways: he prepared the way for us, he gave us the strength we needed for each performance, and he used us to touch and encourage others.
This year’s project began with a rehearsal weekend at a retreat center in Schwäbisch Gmünd. Our program consisted of a combination of pieces from last year’s program and pieces that were new to us; we had two days to learn the new music and put the whole program together. Even in the midst of the intensive work, we enjoyed deep fellowship within the ensemble—God’s presence was clear to us we played together, shared together, laughed together, and prayed together.
We had planned to conclude our rehearsal weekend by playing in a worship service at the retreat center. A little more than a week in advance, we received a message: due to a change in plans for the service, the church needed to cancel us. Although our time was limited, we still really wanted to find someplace we could play—so we began sending emails and making phone calls. After a brief search, it became clear that God had provided a solution: we were warmly welcomed by the St. Augustine Church in Schwäbisch Gmünd. We really enjoyed playing in the beautiful church, worshipping with the congregation, and meeting their pastor.
At each of our three concerts, we greeted an audience that consisted of both familiar and new faces: people familiar with our ensemble and our work, and people who were hearing us for the first time. Of course, we always love playing for family and friends, and we’re pleased when people who have seen us before are excited to attend a concert again. At the same time, we’re always thankful for the opportunity to share our music—and our message—with people who have never heard us before. Among the familiar and new faces in Marbach, we also saw one newly familiar face: the pastor of the St. Augustine Church, who has family in Marbach and was able to combine a family visit and a concert outing.
Each time we perform, our goal isn’t just to play beautifully, but also to share the message of hope found in Jesus Christ. As we spoke with audience members after each concert, it because clear that many appreciated this connection between music and faith. Our program includes spoken transitions between the pieces; every member of the ensemble speaks at least once during the concert. These brief transitions serve as introductions to the pieces in the program, but they also give our audiences a glimpse into our faith. The words of our musicians painted the picture of a God who gives us a new beginning each morning, who offers security in an uncertain world, and who gives us hope for the future. This God gave us the desire, the opportunity, and the strength to present these concerts – and we hope that many others will experience this God as a result of our work.