Sacred swan song

Chris Padgett/.Tom Whitcomb.

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DIXON - For Tom Whitcombe, music is more than an art: It's a profession, a language and a form of prayer. "All music is sacred music, no matter what the lyrics are or whether it has lyrics," Whitcombe said. "Music seems to be a way to communicate with God." Over the course of a career that began in church choirs when he was 8, Whitcombe has directed several ensembles, both vocal and instrumental. Now, at 65, his directing career will come full-circle - Whitcombe will conduct his last music program Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Dixon, ending a 30-year tenure. Maureen Parker, music therapist at KSB Hospital, will take over the volunteer position June 29. "I just loved this church," Whitcombe said. "It's a wonderful place. There are probably two or three churches in America where I walked in and immediately felt at home, and this is one of them." The Rev. Tony Hawkins worked with Whitcombe at First United the last four and a half years. Beyond his ability as a director, Hawkins said, Whitcombe served as a dedicated Christian. "Tom is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, and ultimately what he wants music to do is honor God," Hawkins said. "... A lot of people have the skills to pick and direct music, but it's the faith and spiritual dimension that's so significant in music." Before directing at First United, Whitcombe studied at Northern Illinois University, then held various musical posts. He was director of the Dixon Municipal Band, where he had played trumpet since he was 16, and he spent two years as music director of Dixon High School, among other positions. Whitcombe said there are fine shades of distinction between directing choirs and bands. "I compare choir to color photography, whereas band is like black-and-white photography," he said. "It's a simple idea, but you're able to connect with the performers differently. It's harder to get underneath the technique with a choir." Choir music tends to have a narrower focus than most band or orchestra music, which creates an emotional connection between singers that instrumental music rarely has, he said. Directing a cappella singers is his favorite. "I think it's because all the nonmusical things are stripped away," Whitcombe said. "There's a spiritual connection between the singers and their experience with each other, and the conductor is a part of that, and so is the audience. It seems that when all the bells and whistles are stripped away, the experience becomes more direct." Whitcombe will keep performing, singing with the First United Methodist choir, and playing trumpet with the Dixon Municipal and Sauk Valley Community College bands. "So I hope to be a consumer instead of a producer for a while," Whitcombe said. "Tom the choir director is leaving town, but Tom the singer will still be here." Reach Chase Castle at 815-284-2224 or 800-798-4085, ext. 521.