It is a Friday morning on the Gustavus campus. The chapel bells begin to chime out at 9:50 as they do every morning, but on Fridays things are different‒starting this year, chapel services at the end of the week focus around music rather than the typical worship service.
In recent weeks, students filled the plaza during chapel to listen to the Floodplain Four.
The group played worship songs with a jazz twist for the crowd of Gustavus students and community members, displaying exactly what chapel Fridays are intended to be about.
“We’d like to raise up our Daily Sabbath as a time for rest and reflection for all on campus,” Chad Winterfeldt, Cantor of Christ Chapel, said.
“One way to do this is to provide an opportunity where students, faculty and staff who may not be seeking a religious experience can come together to enjoy a time of respite from their day.”
By the looks of the crowd, the old Dixieland band was a perfect choice to draw people in. As the musicians played, everyone in the audience sang along when they knew the words, clapped to the beat, and some even stood up to dance.
“I’m so glad so many students came out for this break in our day,” Chaplain Siri Erickson said. “It’s nice to start out Friday with something fun outside.”
“Fridays are simply a moment when we can all pause and listen to something, which is engaging, beautiful, and relaxing.” — Chad Winterfeldt
The Floodplain Four were especially energetic. Three of the four members are former professors, and one was introduced as an “honorary Gustie,” although his granddaughter attended the college.
The singer for the band, Bob Douglas, said the band has always had quite a bit of energy, even as they age.
“Our keyboard guy is over ninety, you’ll believe it,” Douglas said. “But we all have special ties to Gustavus, and are thankful for the opportunity to help.”
Douglas is a former Geography professor here at Gustavus, and his music showed the love he and the rest of the band have for this school.
“They love the students, love Gustavus, and enjoy making music,” Erickson said. “I loved the humor and lightheartedness that the Floodplain Four brings.”
Although the service had a very different feel from the usual traditional services, the message was not lost.
“Martin Luther stated on several occasions that ‘next to the Word of God, Music deserves the highest praise.’ Gathering to hear music, by Luther’s standard, is a very good thing to do!” Winderfeldt said.
Students from all backgrounds and religious beliefs enjoyed the jazzy New-Orleans style music, cheerful vibe, and the sunny weather.
“We are grateful for the many talents that we have on our campus. Giving space and time to enjoy those talents, in this case musical, is a wonderful practice of gratitude and rest.”
While Floodplain Four was from outside the student community, that will not always be the case. The hope of the Chaplain’s office is to have student musical groups from choirs to jazz bands to informal guitar/singing duos‒lead services throughout the year.
There is hope that students who may not formally study music will share their talents with the community as well.
Floodplain Four was more than happy to play for the Gustavus community and help launch Chapel Music Fridays.
“Any chance we get to play, we take advantage of that,” Douglas said.
To finish off chapel break, the band played “When the Saints go Marching In,” and many students and community members formed a salsa line and danced around the plaza. They even ended by forming a tunnel to run through.
From this display alone, it’s clear that Fridays in Christ Chapel are going to be a hit with a myriad of people on the Gustavus campus, allowing us to come together through music.