on the rim

Interested?  If you are not a fan of my musings regarding music, probably should just move on. It was in February of 2004, that I first was introduced to the Mormon Chorale.  I have frequently sung in Ward Choirs, and enjoyed it, but really didn't think much about my voice, (still don't).  People there made me feel at home,   I sang with them all the way through December of 2013, when I moved to Twin Falls. (okay, I did go home to sing with them twice since, including Messiah)  Larry and Alice Beebe especially made me feel at home, putting up with me, and my voice. As a choir director, I have tried to adapt hymns to craft a certain feeling.  I frequently use the meter listing in the back of the hymnal, as well as pieces outside of the hymnal.  I have mentioned several in the past.  If you are looking for powerful hymns beautifully arranged, look no further than hymns.com    No, I am not a spokesperson for them, but would gladly do so...

Last Sunday, the 10th ward choir sang Loving Families , written by Barbara Dykstra, and arranged by Larry Beebe.  It was my next to last opportunity to direct the choir in Sacrament Meeting.  After coordinating with the Bishop, I opted to not put together a choir program.  I had too many things going on, to give it the attention that it deserved. So, the primary is singing, the choir has a song, and the congregation will be singing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear , also arranged by Larry Beebe. They did very well, but it was truly their spirits that made the words soar. The Spirit was never stronger.  I had more people comment on the beauty and the message of the song, than any other song we have done.  I credit the writer, and the arranger for the material, but mostly I credit the singers, for their testimonies born so strongly. One month from today, I will turn in my badge, my credential, if I can find it, hand the keys over, and drive away from Twin, perhap...

I remember it like it was yesterday.  Friday the 13th, 1992.  Bill Clinton had just been elected President of the United States.  We were living in Bellevue, NE.  A scheduled C-Section.  The look on her face when the resident said that she thought they could be delivered naturally.  Thankfully, the Dr. came in, and by using his hands, showed the resident that one of those girls was laying side to side, and a natural birth wasn't going to happen. As it turns out, she was first, thus the oldest.  Five minutes later, and they were both on their way in this world.  Compared to their brothers, they were small.  7 lb 4 oz for Isabel, and 7 lb. 2 oz. for Esther.  Of course combined, they made for a lot of baby. When they came home they were inconsolable in their separate cribs, and only settled down when next to each other in the same one.  They are identical, no matter what one might think now,   So identical, that we put initial...