I mentioned in my previous post the touching WC devotional on Friday. The girl giving the devotional created a "found poem," a poem made up of quotations from other poems. She wrote a found poem quoting various parts of all of our music and reflecting the theme of our concert. Here it is:
[We are] far from home
In the nighttime of [our] fear
Amid th’encircling gloom
Sick, sad, simple
Weary, weeping, wild
Should we die before our journey’s through?
Lead, kindly Light
Keep the home fires burning
Keep thou [our] feet
One step restores
One step renews
One step rewards
One step enough for me
‘Til we’ve seen this journey through
Sister, surely goodness and mercy shall follow
And the messenger shall say,
“Welcome home”
We’ll find the place which God for us prepared
We’ll find such harmony
We’ll all feel glad
We’ll make the air with music ring
Happy day!
Hurrah!
Lauda!
Hosanna!
All is well!
And in the house of the Lord,
I’m going to live forever.
Not hard to tell why I, along with many other singers and audience members, thought it was a great concert, huh? Don't worry... I will definitely be blogging again when the concert airs on PBS.
I already miss WC. I have thought about trying to rearrange things in order to continue WC. However, sooner or later I have to move on. I know it is my time to move on. It was an amazing opportunity, and I am forever changed.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Ode to Women's Chorus
A little background information: Tonight and last night I performed in my last choir concert, “A Pilgrim’s Journey Home.” This concert was a HUGE production. The preparation (and even aftermath) included hours and hours of practice and recording. You may have heard of the last big choir productions, Songs of Praise and Remembrance and A Thanksgiving of American Folk Hymns. They play them all the time in the HFAC. Well, this will be comparable… they plan to sell it to PBS. Just imagine the stress involved, the details of the music, the set, the uniforms, the makeup, the audio and visual recordings, etc… especially if you consider the fact this is a great chance to spread the hope and joy found within the gospel of Christ to others.
I do not even know where to begin. I just sang at my last choir concert, and countless emotions are running through my veins. Many experiences and emotions have built up over the past three years. Perhaps though, I will just cover the events of the night and touch on some of my feelings. I only wish my words could do justice to my feelings.
Due to late nights of recording, rehearsing, homework, and stupidity, I was exhausted Friday night. I was sore, tired, and stressed, along with my fellow WC members. However, the show must go on. For the first time ever though, we were actually ready for the concert. We knew the music like the back of our hand and could focus on the nitty gritty details (lets reach f rather than mf at this specific spot). It is quite the rewarding experience to push the music that much closer to perfection. We were all exhausted, but we all nailed nearly all of our music.
For those of you who don't understand, singing is hard. Of course, you have to learn the music: each pitch and rhythms... exactly. Meanwhile, you have to support your sound with breath and not have any tension... in your throat, tongue or anywhere else in your body. This includes good posture, resonance, etc. It is a continual process to build technique. While thinking about technique you also have to think about the expressive qualities of the music (i.e. phrasing, dynamics, etc.). This perhaps takes the most time, and it is planned out measure by measure. Meanwhile, you have to connect to the music personally: what does it mean to you? Then, as part of a choir, you have to always keep your eye on the conductor and follow his/her hands exactly... You honestly have no idea how much there is to think about and do....
Everything began to sink in during our preconcert devotional on Friday…
I was reminded of the great opportunity I have had to sing in WC:
The opportunity to bless others’ lives through music and share my testimony with others. What a great message the music of this concert contains:
This life is a journey, but Heavenly Father will lead me home. He is my shepherd, and “He anoints me, guards me, and loves me.”
I knew it was not a good thing if I was already starting to cry…
Oh, how I will miss the Spirit I felt daily in Women's Chorus!
Saturday’s performance proved to be even better! I was more refreshed and well aware that this was my last concert! I was determined to give 100% of myself emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically.
I always cake on the makeup for choir concerts, but the makeup had to be extra special for the TV of course. We had a film makeup specialist come and talk to us… even the boys wore makeup… haha. That was funny watching their faces get powdered.
Before going on stage, Sister Appolonie saw me, and said “You look like a hot, suntanned babe. Where’s your bikini… oh wait, you don’t have one of those.” We were supposed to be silent before going on stage…
Oh, how I will miss the dresses, the earrings, the makeup... and singing with beautiful girls!
Fortunately, we recomposed ourselves before going onstage, and it was a magnificent experience! I sang beautifully and bore my soul along with 170+ other girls. It was absolutely glorious! It not only strengthened the testimonies of the audience members but also my own. As I sang throughout this concert, the Spirit bore witness to me over and over of the existence of Our Father in Heaven and his knowledge of us and his love for us. I do not know how anyone could sing or hear this music and not feel of Heavenly Father's love!
Oh, how I will miss the opportunity to bear my testimony and feel others' testimonies through music!
The last few songs with the philharmonic orchestra and combined choirs were the most powerful for many singers. You have no idea what it feels like to sing with all of them! The audience immediately gave a standing ovation!! I stood their soaking in the experience as the applause roared, the conductors bowed, and the choirs and orchestra members smiled.
p.s. Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Sister W. Tanner attended Friday night. Sister Sheri L. Dew attended Saturday night.
Oh, how I will miss blessing the lives of those in the audience, hearing the roar of the applause, witnessing the standing ovation, and feeling an overwhelming since of accomplishment and gratitude.
Oh, how I will miss the talented choir directors, especially Sister Appolonie. She is so loving and so talented. I love her! Oh, how I will miss my singing friends. Some of the girls I have seen every day for the past years. Oh, how I will miss the peace choir music brought daily into my life.
Most of all, I will miss the experience of singing with others. Of learning to blend with others. Of simultaneously bearing testimony through song. Of being in the middle of a rich, luscious chord. Of hearing a chord "lock" into place. Of singing the melody. Of singing in unison and sounding as one. Of being enveloped by glorious sounds.
I do not even know where to begin. I just sang at my last choir concert, and countless emotions are running through my veins. Many experiences and emotions have built up over the past three years. Perhaps though, I will just cover the events of the night and touch on some of my feelings. I only wish my words could do justice to my feelings.
Due to late nights of recording, rehearsing, homework, and stupidity, I was exhausted Friday night. I was sore, tired, and stressed, along with my fellow WC members. However, the show must go on. For the first time ever though, we were actually ready for the concert. We knew the music like the back of our hand and could focus on the nitty gritty details (lets reach f rather than mf at this specific spot). It is quite the rewarding experience to push the music that much closer to perfection. We were all exhausted, but we all nailed nearly all of our music.
For those of you who don't understand, singing is hard. Of course, you have to learn the music: each pitch and rhythms... exactly. Meanwhile, you have to support your sound with breath and not have any tension... in your throat, tongue or anywhere else in your body. This includes good posture, resonance, etc. It is a continual process to build technique. While thinking about technique you also have to think about the expressive qualities of the music (i.e. phrasing, dynamics, etc.). This perhaps takes the most time, and it is planned out measure by measure. Meanwhile, you have to connect to the music personally: what does it mean to you? Then, as part of a choir, you have to always keep your eye on the conductor and follow his/her hands exactly... You honestly have no idea how much there is to think about and do....
Everything began to sink in during our preconcert devotional on Friday…
I was reminded of the great opportunity I have had to sing in WC:
The opportunity to bless others’ lives through music and share my testimony with others. What a great message the music of this concert contains:
This life is a journey, but Heavenly Father will lead me home. He is my shepherd, and “He anoints me, guards me, and loves me.”
I knew it was not a good thing if I was already starting to cry…
Oh, how I will miss the Spirit I felt daily in Women's Chorus!
Saturday’s performance proved to be even better! I was more refreshed and well aware that this was my last concert! I was determined to give 100% of myself emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and physically.
I always cake on the makeup for choir concerts, but the makeup had to be extra special for the TV of course. We had a film makeup specialist come and talk to us… even the boys wore makeup… haha. That was funny watching their faces get powdered.
Before going on stage, Sister Appolonie saw me, and said “You look like a hot, suntanned babe. Where’s your bikini… oh wait, you don’t have one of those.” We were supposed to be silent before going on stage…
Oh, how I will miss the dresses, the earrings, the makeup... and singing with beautiful girls!
Fortunately, we recomposed ourselves before going onstage, and it was a magnificent experience! I sang beautifully and bore my soul along with 170+ other girls. It was absolutely glorious! It not only strengthened the testimonies of the audience members but also my own. As I sang throughout this concert, the Spirit bore witness to me over and over of the existence of Our Father in Heaven and his knowledge of us and his love for us. I do not know how anyone could sing or hear this music and not feel of Heavenly Father's love!
Oh, how I will miss the opportunity to bear my testimony and feel others' testimonies through music!
The last few songs with the philharmonic orchestra and combined choirs were the most powerful for many singers. You have no idea what it feels like to sing with all of them! The audience immediately gave a standing ovation!! I stood their soaking in the experience as the applause roared, the conductors bowed, and the choirs and orchestra members smiled.
p.s. Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Sister W. Tanner attended Friday night. Sister Sheri L. Dew attended Saturday night.
Oh, how I will miss blessing the lives of those in the audience, hearing the roar of the applause, witnessing the standing ovation, and feeling an overwhelming since of accomplishment and gratitude.
Oh, how I will miss the talented choir directors, especially Sister Appolonie. She is so loving and so talented. I love her! Oh, how I will miss my singing friends. Some of the girls I have seen every day for the past years. Oh, how I will miss the peace choir music brought daily into my life.
Most of all, I will miss the experience of singing with others. Of learning to blend with others. Of simultaneously bearing testimony through song. Of being in the middle of a rich, luscious chord. Of hearing a chord "lock" into place. Of singing the melody. Of singing in unison and sounding as one. Of being enveloped by glorious sounds.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Music anyone?
In these troubled economic times, I thought you would appreciate some advice...
I highly recommend you check out gomusic.ru. It's a Russian music website, and you can buy music for about 15 cents a song! Actually prices range from about 9-19 cents. You even get discounts if you buy the whole CD. Occasionally the music may lack in quality and some newer songs may not be available yet.
Here is how this website works: First, with a Visa add money to your account. Then click away! The songs are mp3 files, and yes, you can play them on itunes or in your ipod.
How can you refuse buying a song for 15 cents????
Note: FYI, the system changes ocassionally. Currently you cannot add money to your account without adding at least $30. In the past, you have been able to add amounts of $10 or $20. A few times, they have taken away the Visa option and you have to do it through the phone. Just think how much music you could buy for $30 though... a lot more than the 30 songs you could buy on itunes!
I highly recommend you check out gomusic.ru. It's a Russian music website, and you can buy music for about 15 cents a song! Actually prices range from about 9-19 cents. You even get discounts if you buy the whole CD. Occasionally the music may lack in quality and some newer songs may not be available yet.
Here is how this website works: First, with a Visa add money to your account. Then click away! The songs are mp3 files, and yes, you can play them on itunes or in your ipod.
How can you refuse buying a song for 15 cents????
Note: FYI, the system changes ocassionally. Currently you cannot add money to your account without adding at least $30. In the past, you have been able to add amounts of $10 or $20. A few times, they have taken away the Visa option and you have to do it through the phone. Just think how much music you could buy for $30 though... a lot more than the 30 songs you could buy on itunes!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My ears! My ears!
Well, I have definitely become a choir snob. I can't help it. The past 3 years of music theory, music history, choir, and voice lessons have trained me well. HEAR. THIS. PITCH. and MUST. BE. IN. TUNE.
Consequently, church choirs on many levels often drive me nuts. I sit there and try and remind myself to not judge. They are singing with feeling. Don't analyze them. God doesn't care--Their singing is just as acceptable as in-tune singing.
However, I CAN'T HELP IT! I just really appreciate in-tune choirs with singers who have breath support. Out of tune singing can really disrupt the experience. Magical things happen when choirs are exactly in tune.... literally. You probably have no idea...
Disclaimer: I am not claiming I always sing in tune because I don't. This also is irrelevant to the fact I have not sung in a ward choir or stake choir this past year (actually I did once). I just have too much other stuff on my plate on Sundays. Plus, I like a break from choir.
Consequently, church choirs on many levels often drive me nuts. I sit there and try and remind myself to not judge. They are singing with feeling. Don't analyze them. God doesn't care--Their singing is just as acceptable as in-tune singing.
However, I CAN'T HELP IT! I just really appreciate in-tune choirs with singers who have breath support. Out of tune singing can really disrupt the experience. Magical things happen when choirs are exactly in tune.... literally. You probably have no idea...
Disclaimer: I am not claiming I always sing in tune because I don't. This also is irrelevant to the fact I have not sung in a ward choir or stake choir this past year (actually I did once). I just have too much other stuff on my plate on Sundays. Plus, I like a break from choir.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Sweet harmony
1st thought: I used to love to sing 1st soprano. They always had the melody... what more could I want? And those high, soaring notes--absolutely lovely!
However, psychologically high notes are "harder" (I am trying to change that thought pattern). I always got stuck as a 2nd soprano.
Recently, I realized I love singing 2nd soprano. I love the harmony--it's what makes the melody so great anyways. Without it, the melody is boring. 2nd sopranos are the best because they are in the middle of it all--between the higher and lower notes.
Now, I say: I don't want the melody... give me that sweet harmony!
However, psychologically high notes are "harder" (I am trying to change that thought pattern). I always got stuck as a 2nd soprano.
Recently, I realized I love singing 2nd soprano. I love the harmony--it's what makes the melody so great anyways. Without it, the melody is boring. 2nd sopranos are the best because they are in the middle of it all--between the higher and lower notes.
Now, I say: I don't want the melody... give me that sweet harmony!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Carol of Joy
I love the Christmas season! I love the chance it provides to worship and praise our Savior. Honestly, the Atonement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ provides great reason to rejoice! There are 3 important aspects of the Atonement: He saves us from death, saves us from sin, and can comfort us in our afflictions. This gospel really is "good news." It brings peace and joy into our lives. My heart is just so full of gratitude at the moment.
At the "Celebration of Christmas" concert, we ended with the song "Carol of Joy." It was my favorite song on the program, as well as for many other people. This is actually our second year singing it. The lyrics are by Eileen Berry, and the music by Dan Forrest. It is quite the moving song. It has brought me nearly to tears while singing many times (which is a very dangerous thing...).
Carol of Joy
Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky;
Lengthening shadows, dark closing in;
Then through the stillness, carols begin.
O fallen world, to you is the song!
Death holds you fast, and night tarries long.
Jesus is born, your curse to destroy;
Sweet to your ears, a carol of joy!
Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold, barren hillside shrouded in snow.
Deep empty valley, veiled by the night;
Hear angel music hopeful and bright.
O fearful world, to you is the song!
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong.
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound,
Carol of joy, a Savior is found!
Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies.
Look up, sad-hearted! Witness God's love;
Join in the carol swelling above!
O friendless world, to you is the song!
All heaven's joy to you may belong!
You are are lonely, laden, forlorn:
Now unto you, a Savior is come!
At the "Celebration of Christmas" concert, we ended with the song "Carol of Joy." It was my favorite song on the program, as well as for many other people. This is actually our second year singing it. The lyrics are by Eileen Berry, and the music by Dan Forrest. It is quite the moving song. It has brought me nearly to tears while singing many times (which is a very dangerous thing...).
Carol of Joy
Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky;
Lengthening shadows, dark closing in;
Then through the stillness, carols begin.
O fallen world, to you is the song!
Death holds you fast, and night tarries long.
Jesus is born, your curse to destroy;
Sweet to your ears, a carol of joy!
Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold, barren hillside shrouded in snow.
Deep empty valley, veiled by the night;
Hear angel music hopeful and bright.
O fearful world, to you is the song!
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong.
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound,
Carol of joy, a Savior is found!
Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies.
Look up, sad-hearted! Witness God's love;
Join in the carol swelling above!
O friendless world, to you is the song!
All heaven's joy to you may belong!
You are are lonely, laden, forlorn:
Now unto you, a Savior is come!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Mi Concerto
Okay... 2 things..
Number 1. I just had an A-MAZING choral concert! We sang at the Provo Tabernacle instead of the De Jong, and the acoustics were incredible. Rehearsals were a little on the stressful side this week because we had too much on our plate... We were memorizing until the last minute possible (at least I was). But... we all came through at the concert! (Of course, some of our hard songs still need polishing, but they were good enough and will be even better at future concerts.) Words cannot describe my emotions and feelings. There is just something extra at concerts that comes from having an audience. I always feel the Spirit so strongly. It is such an emotional experience! especially during the combined choir songs. One song called "Carol of Joy" was especially amazing (surprisingly after a scary rehearsal on Thursday). We also did a really cool group sing with the audience (its tradition) with the song "Jesus, lover of my soul" to a different melody by Joseph Parry, a Welsh composer. Sister Hall is Welsh and gave a whole story about her connections with Joseph Parry and why she chose this song. Anyways, if you are not doing anything tomorrow night I highly suggest you get tickets and go!
Obviously, I am a little high still after this concert (no... not from drugs, but i know you were thinking that).
Okay, now for numero 2. I started volunteering for an elementary school music kindergarten class (an assignment I received through one of my classes)... it was great! The kids were adorable. I am so excited to teach someday! Stuff like this really helps me keep a proper perspective, especially when things get tough (like right now... I am sick of school!). It was also a nice contrast to work... especially on days like today when the kids don't listen to a word I say... anyways, I will rant and rave on that another day.
ciao for now!
Wow... I actually wrote in this thing...
Number 1. I just had an A-MAZING choral concert! We sang at the Provo Tabernacle instead of the De Jong, and the acoustics were incredible. Rehearsals were a little on the stressful side this week because we had too much on our plate... We were memorizing until the last minute possible (at least I was). But... we all came through at the concert! (Of course, some of our hard songs still need polishing, but they were good enough and will be even better at future concerts.) Words cannot describe my emotions and feelings. There is just something extra at concerts that comes from having an audience. I always feel the Spirit so strongly. It is such an emotional experience! especially during the combined choir songs. One song called "Carol of Joy" was especially amazing (surprisingly after a scary rehearsal on Thursday). We also did a really cool group sing with the audience (its tradition) with the song "Jesus, lover of my soul" to a different melody by Joseph Parry, a Welsh composer. Sister Hall is Welsh and gave a whole story about her connections with Joseph Parry and why she chose this song. Anyways, if you are not doing anything tomorrow night I highly suggest you get tickets and go!
Obviously, I am a little high still after this concert (no... not from drugs, but i know you were thinking that).
Okay, now for numero 2. I started volunteering for an elementary school music kindergarten class (an assignment I received through one of my classes)... it was great! The kids were adorable. I am so excited to teach someday! Stuff like this really helps me keep a proper perspective, especially when things get tough (like right now... I am sick of school!). It was also a nice contrast to work... especially on days like today when the kids don't listen to a word I say... anyways, I will rant and rave on that another day.
ciao for now!
Wow... I actually wrote in this thing...
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