When the earth’s shadow completely covers the moon during a total lunar eclipse, the moon turns a reddish hue. This phenomenon is often referred to as a “blood moon,” and people in many parts of the world, including the western United States, will have the opportunity to observe one on October 8 during the last total lunar eclipse of 2014.

Stephen Goacher, professor of music at Howard Payne University, will present a concert this Thursday, October 2, inspired by the signs, symbols and scripture of the four blood moons and the total solar eclipse of the 2014-15 biblical year. A pre-concert discussion of the science, mathematics and theology surrounding the heavenly events will also be presented by Goacher at 7:00 p.m. in Mims Auditorium on the HPU campus. The concert will follow in Mims Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Both the discussion and concert are free and the public is invited to attend either or both.

Goacher will be accompanied by Dean Kiesling on the piano and organ and assisted by Gannon Phillips on bass and Dillon Phillips on drums.

“My instruments are the woodwind instruments,” said Goacher. “The audience is encouraged to think of these instruments as voices, especially as they relate to the stories and scriptures inspiring the musical selections.”

A tetrad occurs when four lunar eclipses take place within a specified amount of time. October’s lunar eclipse is part of a tetrad, with eclipses having occurred during April 2014 and taking place again in April and September 2015. Additionally, a total solar eclipse will occur on March 20, 2015.

Many around the world have taken note of the fact that each of these dates corresponds with Passover and Old Testament feast dates which are still observed in present-day Jewish culture.

“These facts have encouraged some to engage in theories about the symbolism of the tetrads, super moons, solar eclipses and the feasts,” said Goacher. “For every theory advanced, counter views are equally prevalent.”

According to Goacher, as heirs of the New Testament, God’s children will ponder His heavenly signs.

“The theologians will write their books,” he said. “The pastors will preach. The scientists will calculate the mathematics and physics. As a musician, I ponder these silent vivid signs in a vivid, invisible language of sound.”

For more information about the discussion and concert, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at (325) 649-8500.