marianist.com/donate • 9 “Good vibes. They’re an integral part of family spirit,” says Marianist Brother Stan Zubek, who recalls some of his earliest memories playing music with his family as a 5-year-old. “We’d break out the instruments at Christmastime — one of my uncles on violin, my brother on accordion, and I played drums,” he says. “It was something we all looked forward to: rolling up the carpet, and the relatives all out there dancing as we played.” It’s no surprise that music has provided a backbeat for Brother Stan’s ministries throughout his more than five decades in the Society of Mary. Or that the 75-year-old brother would put those talents to work in his latest assignment at the Marianist Family Retreat Center in Cape May Point, New Jersey. During the last six years, his after-dinner sing-alongs at the retreat center have become a cherished tradition. “People want something a little lighter than the heavy stuff they’ve been doing all day,” he says. Breaking out his banjo, Brother Stan is happy to oblige — with the able assistance of Brother Al Koch on harmonica. The songfests often appear spontaneous, but the two Marianists put a fair amount of effort into making them happen. Take the playlist, for instance. Borrowing an idea from music educators, “We put together a list of 50 songs that every American should know — mostly old-fashioned tunes and campfire songs — and then project the lyrics up on a screen,” Brother Stan says. But even familiar tunes can present unexpected hurdles. Because Brother Al’s harmonicas are tuned to the keys of C and G, Brother Stan sometimes has to tweak a song’s original chords to allow Brother Al to play along. Finding time to practice together? That raises another set of challenges. “We’re pretty busy around here,” says the 85-year-old Brother Al, self-taught on his instrument. When a friendly sing-along comes together, however, the result can be almost heavenly. Music of the spheres “Music is a special way to connect with God,” Brother Stan says. “You can’t see music. You can’t taste it. You can’t put your finger on it. But there’s a wonderful feeling when we sing together — a sense that we’re connected. We kind of vibrate together. Something resonates inside.” Family bonds may grow stronger in the process. “The songs might touch a parent’s memories,” he says, “and when mother, father and children unite their voices, the sounds create a closeness that you can’t replicate.” Those good vibes can pro- vide spiritual healing, too. On widows retreats at the center, participants frequently tell Brother Stan the sing- alongs are their favorite part of the program. “It offers them an outlet, a chance for healing,” he says. The desire to share the gift of music has motivated Brother Stan to expand his repertoire through the years. While he considers clarinet his best instrument, he’s also skilled at banjo, percussion, keyboard and piano, among others, and has taught stu- dents to play many of those instruments. While his lifelong immer- sion in music has never been about grabbing the spotlight, Brother Stan is thrilled at the chance to work on Spectacle, a musical celebrating the lives of the Marianist founders. It will premiere at University of Dayton in April. “I never expected I’d be part of something so significant,” he says. “I’m nobody in the musical world. Many others are more qualified, so I feel very honored to be part of the team.” Still, the simple gift of bringing people together is what Brother Stan finds most attractive about his musical talents. “I am so grateful for this ministry and to have so many people appreciate it,” he says. “I always tell people, ‘sing louder,’ because the louder they sing, the better we sound. Nobody can hear our mistakes!” ■ John Schroeder is a freelance writer from St. Louis. Please help the Marianists care for their elderly priests and brothers by joining the St. Joseph Legacy Club. To donate, use the enclosed envelope or go to marianist.com/donate. For more information, contact Brother Alex Tuss, SM, at 937.222.4641, ext. 3003, or [email protected]. SPECTACLE APRIL 20 – 22, 2018 Step aside, Alexander Hamilton! University of Dayton will host the world premiere of the musical Spectacle, which tells the story of the founding of the Marianists during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution.The production is co-written by UD campus minister Nick Cardilino, Jim Ford, director of the Marianist Retreat Center, St. Louis, and Brother Stan Zubek, SM. For tickets, call 937.229.2545 or visit tickets.udayton.edu.