Listen for the Tuba

Friday, Dec. 23, 2016

When our oldest son, David, entered seventh grade, he joined the middle school band and began to learn how to play the tuba. Two years before, in the fall of fifth grade when a beginning orchestra class was organized, it was the viola that he was interested in, so we weren’t sure where the idea of learning the tuba came from. All David said by way of explanation was, “There are fewer notes to learn.”  

From the very beginning, though, he liked playing the tuba, and applied himself to learning the scales and how to sustain a note.  And of course, from the first concerts of those beginning months, we attended and found front row seats.

Before David began to learn to play the tuba, I never really paid much attention to it, but from the first concert when David was playing, all my attention was focused on him and the sound of the tuba. Before my ears were attuned, I scarcely noticed the contribution of the tuba, but once I began to listen, I could hear distinctly those low, solid notes supporting and giving fullness to the music.  

In the many years since, I’ve listened to David practicing and playing in concerts, and now I can pick out the noble tones of the tuba unerringly. I find that my ears have gotten so good at listening for the tuba that no matter what band or orchestra is playing, or what piece is being played, I can hear the part of the tuba. To me, it stands out over all the other instruments, no matter how dominant or loud they are.

What if I listened for the voice of God like I have come to listen for the tuba – if I strained for it, learned to catch its various modes and distinctiveness, just as I have learned to pick out the running thread of the tuba? If I got so used to listening for the voice of God that I would hear it in my everyday life in tones unmistakable, however muted by surrounding noise, chores and inattention? That my ears would prick up with glad recognition whenever I heard it, wherever I was, and I would rejoice?

And, rejoicing, follow.  

Gail King is a candidate in the Diocese of Salt Lake City Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation program.