Congratulations to Dr. Marty Burnett

Everyone gets the achievement of writing a book. After all, simply reading a book is a significant undertaking; therefore writing one is an even greater undertaking. However, for me, book writing fades into the background when set against the extraordinary achievement of taking notes out of the air and creating the extraordinary gift and achievement of music. To be able to see (or more strictly, hear) the gift of a composition and then set it on paper for the world to enjoy is at the heart of the mystery of creativity.

We are blessed to have at Virginia Theological Seminary the remarkable Dr. Marty Burnett. She is skilled at both original compositions and also distinctive arrangements of existing tunes. Her anthem "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" is now available from St. James Music Press, along with a delightful recording by our very own choir. And last Sunday, at Christ Church, Alexandria, her newest anthem "How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place" was performed. This piece was commissioned for the parish's 250th anniversary celebration.

We are fortunate to have talented composers at both VTS and GTS. And on another occasion, I look forward to highlighting the work of Buck Mcdaniel. But for today, please drop Marty a note and just say, "thank you for your extraordinary creativity."

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
The Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of General Theological Seminary