As a freshman in high school, Elora Hargis has been presented with a number of electives and groups in which to participate.

To live out her love for playing guitar, however, she decided to join the worship team, playing both acoustic and electric guitar in chapels.

“I decided to join the worship band this year because I love playing the guitar somewhere outside of church,” Hargis said. “Also, playing music is my way of communicating with God.”

Even after four years of experience, Hargis feels that her guitar skills have improved since she joined worship team. She is able to learn from her peers and her worship team instructor, David Martens, she said.

“I learn a lot from interacting and playing music with other worship band members,” Hargis said. “Also, our leader, Mr. Martens, helps me a lot when I am having trouble playing some of the chords.”

According to Martens, Hargis is innovative when it comes to planning chapel and selecting music, due to her previous experience.

“She has very good thoughts about music,” Martens said. “She has a lot of experience, as well, because she played in her junior high youth group worship band last year.”

Throughout her time in worship team with Hargis, senior Rachel Wilhelm has observed and admired her spiritual and musical maturity.

“I don’t think of Elora as a freshman because she is very spiritually mature and she definitely shows it by her actions,” Wilhelm said. “She is also a very good guitar player that we have in our band.”

The freshman sees fellow member Josh Hopper, ’12, as a student to look up to. She admires his musical abilities and leadership, Hargis said.

“I really look up to Josh Hopper,” Hargis said. “There was a chapel day when Mr. Martens was not at school, and we were all confused and thinking about not having the chapel. Yet, Josh was willing to take the chance to lead the worship band by himself. I would like to be a musician like him one day.”

With one semester completed, Hargis has observed the benefits of worship team. Recognizing her musical development and fellowship, the freshman plans to continue playing in worship team throughout her years in high school.

“I am definitely joining band for the next three years,” Hargis said. “I learned so much this year and I cannot wait to see how much more I will learn throughout the years.”

Hargis is thankful for her musical gift and treasures it as her favorite way to worship.

“Everyone has a talent,” Hargis said. “Some are athletic, some are artistic. When it comes to music, I am blessed. I want to pursue my hobbies and worship God at the same time.”

For more coverage of campus musicians, read the Dec. 10, 2010 article, Percussionist supplies leadership, motivation.

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