The Spiritual Meetings of the 22nd Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference Session are scheduled for September 10–13, 2015, in Salem, Virginia, USA. The theme of the meetings is “Christ Is All, and in All.”
As always, everyone gets the chance to sing with the congregation. That is a privilege and joy. If you would like to apply to participate in a special music item, go to http://gcmusic2015.org and click on “Groups” for more information.
The SDARM-GC Music Department is also organizing a multinational orchestra and choir to add a special, crowning touch to the Spiritual Meetings of the 22nd SDARM General Conference. At a similar convocation in Bible history, the dedication of the temple in the days of Solomon, skilled musicians were chosen to praise God—and the Holy Spirit was poured out in great measure: “It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13, 14).
How were the trumpeters and singers able to be “as one”? Let’s face reality—this does not happen by accident! The truth is that painstaking, diligent effort in advance is required to bring musicians to perform together “as one”! So, the GC Multinational Orchestra & Choir Camp will help that to happen. Serious, dedicated musicians with the cause of God at heart will arrive in Roanoke, Virginia, the afternoon of Sunday, September 6, 2015. They will begin intensive rehearsals early on September 7th and continue daily before departing on September 10th to the Salem Civic Center for the Spiritual Meetings.
Please see http://gcmusic2015.org for instructions on how to apply for the orchestra or choir. Applications must be received by June 15, 2015. These will be reviewed and invitations sent to qualified musicians by June 30, 2015. All chosen persons must commit to attend the music camp on September 7–10 for intensive rehearsals. Sheet music will be sent for you to practice during July and August. This is a serious commitment and you will be expected to arrive in Roanoke, Virginia (airport code ROA), on the evening of September 6 to begin rehearsing on Monday morning.
Accommodations for the music camp (September 6–10) are in bunk-style shared cabins at the:
W. E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center
775 Hermitage Road
Wirtz, Virginia 24184
Included in the prices listed below are all meals, starting with evening supper on September 6, and for each of the rehearsal days September 7–10, followed by shuttle bus transportation to the Salem Civic Center for the General Spiritual Meetings at:
Salem Civic Center
Taliaferro Complex
1001 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
From September 10–13, everyone goes to Salem (and no one returns to the town of Wirtz). All meals will be provided at the Salem's Civic Center during the Spiritual Meetings, and are also included in the prices listed below.
You can choose from any of the four (4) types of hotel-style accommodations. As mentioned, the more rustic Music Camp accommodations while in Wirtz from September 6–10 are equal or the same for everyone. The only difference in the price is based on which type of motel room you will choose while in Salem from September 10–13. All prices are calculated PER PERSON for the entire time, for both the Music Camp and Spiritual Meetings combined, that is, from September 6–13:
- Single occupancy (1 person alone) with private bathroom while in Salem. $580.
- Double occupancy (2 persons) in 2 beds with 1 bathroom while in Salem. $440.
- Triple occupancy (3 persons) with 2 beds and 1 bathroom while in Salem. The third person will sleep on a sofa bed which folds out. $380.
- The Family plan or close friends up to 6 persons: 4 persons sharing 2 double beds and 2 sharing the sofa bed, all sharing 1 bathroom. $310. (There are not too many of these rooms available, so please plan to make your reservation early if you wish to have this type of accommodation.)
The Spiritual Meetings of the 22nd SDARM General Conference Session will certainly be blessed by the collaborative musical participation from dedicated and talented Reformers from around the world. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” Psalm 107:31, 32. Music “is one of the most effective means of impressing the heart with spiritual truth.” Child Guidance, p. 523.
Due to legal liabilities and the nature of this event, please note that no one under the age of 18 is permitted to attend any part of the Orchestra & Choir Camp or the Spiritual Meetings unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families are encouraged to come and enjoy some delightful time together in this beautiful setting!