No matter the denomination, worship service in the Mississippi Delta without music to accompany it becomes incomplete. Church choirs, musicians and the like provide that extra element invoking a deeper level of attention and intensity of the spirit. Covenant Presbyterian pianist Lanette Kuhn exemplifies this notion that hymns, rhythms and melodies elevate Scripture and fellowship. “I’ve had several members of the church come up to me as they are walking out expressing how much they love a certain song that I played,” Kuhn said. “Music is an integral part of the church service and it speaks to people in a very special way.”
Kuhn has extensive experience and training in her craft. She started taking music lessons in third grade and holds a degree in music. She also plays the flute and alto saxophone. But playing the piano in a worship setting has counted for the bulk of her experience and is easily her comfort zone.
“I’ve been the pianist at Covenant Presbyterian for the past 15 years,” she said. “Before that I played at Parkview Baptist. In college, I also played for children.”
When asked to calculate how many years she has been playing piano, Kuhn said, “Oh gracious! At least 38 years.”
Through countless renditions of various songs and hours of church services, Kuhn readily highlighted her favorite hymn. “I would have to say that my favorite is, ‘It is Well with My Soul,’” she said. “I think for me particularly when I play this song during the offertory, it speaks directly to me and I put more of my feelings into it. And there are many favorites among the congregation as well.”
Part of being a church musician is working with the church choir to bring about a good harmony, pace and timing during worship service. Kuhn recently retired from the Grenville Public School District after 26 years and went immediately back into the educational workforce as the headmaster of Greenville Christian School in the fall of 2022. One thing that translates well from the educational setting to the church environment is working well towards a common goal and understanding one’s role.
“I would describe myself as an accompanist,” she said. “I play at the rhythm and pace of the choir. When they slow down, I slow down. I always tell them, ‘y’all sing and I’ll play.’”
Kuhn said that she has had several opportunities to take her musical talents into secular endeavors but, “church is where the Lord has led me.”
