Release the Kraken
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. So many, but personal favorites are Beautiful Savior, Loving Families, and Anthem of Christ. The point being that too often I am searching to match music to words.
So fast forward to last night. I was in Idaho Falls, at the Civic Center, as Michael McLean presented "Forgotten Carols". This is the second time that I had been able to attend this presentation. No surprises, of course. Well, I should say, no surprises in the performance. Because there was a significant surprise to me. I cried through much of it, mostly silent, in reverence for the moments. If you are not familiar with the presentation, more information can be found here: http://forgottencarols.com/ The premise is that each of us has a carol to sing.
We do, or rather, I should say, I do. I do.
This I know. I have been sooooo frustrated with the fact that while I can put together pieces to APPROXIMATE the feeling I want, I have, at times, felt lacking. A fault of mine, never the choir's. My problem is that I don't understand Music Theory. I don't understand how notes together, I just know how they sound. I can't begin to solve my problem without this knowledge.
Well, guess what? One thing that I will have starting January is time. I want to learn about music, the technical aspect. More than likely, it will result in nothing. No. I will not have that attitude. Being alone in Twin, I cannot begin to explain what music has meant to me. God speaks to me through music. Don't ask me to explain. I can't here. Hymns have come alive like never before. I cry with joy for the love of our Father, and His Son. I cry with anguish at the pain that the Savior suffered on my behalf. Today, I cried during the Sacrament Hymn. #193, I Stand All Amazed.
Stay tuned. There is so much that I want to express, and hope that I am following the path that I need to do just that.
Any suggestions? I am open to them.
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. So many, but personal favorites are Beautiful Savior, Loving Families, and Anthem of Christ. The point being that too often I am searching to match music to words.
So fast forward to last night. I was in Idaho Falls, at the Civic Center, as Michael McLean presented "Forgotten Carols". This is the second time that I had been able to attend this presentation. No surprises, of course. Well, I should say, no surprises in the performance. Because there was a significant surprise to me. I cried through much of it, mostly silent, in reverence for the moments. If you are not familiar with the presentation, more information can be found here: http://forgottencarols.com/ The premise is that each of us has a carol to sing.
We do, or rather, I should say, I do. I do.
This I know. I have been sooooo frustrated with the fact that while I can put together pieces to APPROXIMATE the feeling I want, I have, at times, felt lacking. A fault of mine, never the choir's. My problem is that I don't understand Music Theory. I don't understand how notes together, I just know how they sound. I can't begin to solve my problem without this knowledge.
Well, guess what? One thing that I will have starting January is time. I want to learn about music, the technical aspect. More than likely, it will result in nothing. No. I will not have that attitude. Being alone in Twin, I cannot begin to explain what music has meant to me. God speaks to me through music. Don't ask me to explain. I can't here. Hymns have come alive like never before. I cry with joy for the love of our Father, and His Son. I cry with anguish at the pain that the Savior suffered on my behalf. Today, I cried during the Sacrament Hymn. #193, I Stand All Amazed.
Stay tuned. There is so much that I want to express, and hope that I am following the path that I need to do just that.
Any suggestions? I am open to them.
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