I Want Jesus To Walk With Me

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending an amazing concert put on by the Ensign Symphony and Chorus, with special guest Alex Boye. What a wonderful evening! I have know about Alex Boye' for a while now, since he started singing as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (of which he just recently retired from) and also recorded "Peponi" ("Paradise") with one of my favorite groups The Piano Guys. When I found out he would be coming to Seattle I knew that I had to make it to that concert!

Alex Boye' performing with The Piano Guys

Alex's story is an amazing one in itself. He told the audience a little about his history. Of Nigerian decent, he had a difficult childhood growing up in a rough neighborhood in London. Abandoned at age eleven, he lived homeless on the streets of London until he was placed in a number of foster homes. At the age of 16 while working at McDonald's he became acquainted with a pair of missionaries. He began taking the missionary discussions and was eventually baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a two-year mission for the Church in Bristol, England. As he prepared to return home, his mission president mentioned that he hoped that Alex would pursue a career in music, as it was an integral part of who he was.

When Alex returned home from his mission he was signed with a recording agency to be part of a boy band, and began touring around Europe. He said that although he gained a lot of experience with this venture, performing with big name acts like George Michael, he felt like he was surrounded by a lot of negative things which were not bringing him closer to God. He said that he didn't think that this was what his mission president had had in mind during his counsel to him. Alex eventually left the band, an act which required a lot of sacrifice on his part, as attorneys were brought in by his record label for breaking his contract. They stripped him of everything he had: apartment, car, savings. Eventually, without a penny to his name, he made his way to the United States where he settled in Salt Lake City, unsure of what to do next with his life.

It was while he was in Salt Lake that he started performing as a special guest for different groups, and eventually was invited to perform with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, first as a guest performer, and finally as a member of the choir.

Alex told a very touching story about the song that means the most to him. He was asked to sing "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me" with the choir, and to add his African flair to the song. The song was such a success that he was asked to travel to Africa for a music video shoot. He was excited to go. He and the film crew traveled to Ghana, without having any preconceived ideas of where they should do the shoot. They left it up to chance and the Spirit to help direct where to go.

Alex was drawn to a beautiful old building nestled in the rocks on the coast of Ghana and asked about doing the shoot there. He was told that they would probably be denied. Even Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama himself had had a difficult time cutting through all the red tape necessary to secure filming on the location at previous times. The location was a building of great historical significance, being the largest holding place on the coast for slaves which were taken to America and England. The prisoners were held captive there, crammed by the thousands into holding cells which were meant to contain hundreds. The conditions were unimaginable. Starving and disease-ridden, they were held for up to six months before they were loaded onto boats and sent throughout the world.

Alex knew that this was the place which they were meant to film the video. It took a lot of work to get permission, but with what he felt like was some divine intervention, it was made possible.

As the film crew climbed down into the depths of the prison, it was evident that they were walking on holy ground. Alex said that as he looked up through the tunnels he could see the sky, and the place from where the slaves' captors worshipped.

An intense feeling overwhelmed Alex as he stood there in the bowels of the prison, but it wasn't one of despair or anguish like you might expect. It was an immense feeling of God's love. He bore a strong testimony of how much he could feel God's love for each of His children, and the power of the Atonement, which gives us the peace and comfort we need through our trials, no matter how big or small they may be. The Spirit was very strong in the auditorium as Alex bore his testimony. I was deeply touched by his spirit and the message which he shared. He then performed the song which meant so much to him.

I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to feel of this great man's spirit in person. The example which he is to the world is a testimony to me of how God brings miracles through the meek. Alex had a difficult start in life. Many could have said that he would amount to nothing. But through his continued perseverance and unquenchable faith in God, he was able to rise above the darkness and enter the light of Christ, allowing us a glimpse of that brilliant light through him.

The Heather Show

Yesterday was a big day for me.  Not only did I give a talk in church and sing a special musical number with my quartet, but our ward's annual High Priest Christmas Fireside was that night as well, in which I was a part of three different numbers.

It sort of felt like The Heather Show, which was a little embarrassing, but each of the performances turned out great!

I don't have a recording of us performing in Sacrament meeting, but it was lovely.  We sang a beautiful arrangement of "Still, Still, Still" a capella (without accompaniment).  It was a little difficult to sing directly following my talk, as I was a little choked up, but it still went well.

My violin trio went well too.  I thoroughly enjoyed playing on the rented violin.  The sound it made was so pure and sweet in the cultural hall, which is a difficult place to perform in, as the acoustics are difficult.  I am hoping to track down a recording of that performance as well to share.

Here are some video clips of The Serenades' performances that night.  Notice that we have four microphones this time around, which was a great improvement!

Enjoy the pieces and....

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from The Serenades!

Violins and Washing Machines

What do violins and washing machines have in common....?

 

This isn't a trick question.  They actually don't have anything in common, other than both having malfunctioning issues in the White house at the same time.

 

Tomorrow night is our ward's annual Christmas Musical Fireside, in which I have been performing with my singing group for the last five-plus years.  This year I am also playing in a violin trio.

 

On Thursday night I was at our violin practice, getting ready for tomorrow's event.  When I opened my violin case I was shocked to discover that my A string was completely broken.  It had snapped at the base.  I had just seen Ethan messing with my violin prior to leaving for the practice, so I suspected that he unwittingly broke the string while loading the violin back in its case.

 

I took my violin in to the music store the next morning, only to discover that all the strings were about ready to snap and the bridge was out of alignment.  It would need to be restrung, and the bridge properly placed.  The only problem was that they send that kind of work out, and it would not be back in time for our fireside.

 

Rather than risk a catastrophic mishap during my Sunday performance (I could just imagine strings snapping all over the place, heading right for my eyeball), I opted to rent a violin instead.

 

Eric would say that was a huge mistake.

 

I took the new violin home, pulled it from it's fancy new case, admired the beautiful sheen on the instrument, coated the pristine horse-hair bow with rosin, and proceeded to play.  I couldn't believe the sound that came from that instrument!  The sound waves just seemed to resonate from the box, creating a tone that I had never been able to accomplish before in my life.  I actually sounded half-way decent playing the thing, rather than squeaking along like I usually do!

 

Now I want this violin.

 

Eric isn't too happy about this new musical enlightenment.



I love this photo I found online, picturing the first washing machine in Eatonville, WA. Maren Christensen's new Thor machine makes laundry so effortless, she can even read while she works, ha ha!

As for our other malfunctioning dilemma, our washing machine has been emitting warning signs of an upcoming breakdown for a while now.  Finally this week, we noticed that while the machine still ran, it wasn't agitating anymore.  Our clothes, towels, and more particularly, the dirty diapers, were no longer coming out clean.

 

We needed a new machine pronto.

 

Eric first investigated what it would take to repair it, but quickly discovered that the machine wasn't worth the money it would take to fix it.  A new machine then, right before Christmas, when savings accounts are at their lowest.  Ugh!

 

The good part of utility breakdown at this time of year is the fabulous sales.  We got a great deal on a brand new set of front loading Samsung machines, complete with steam cycle and sterilization options, perfect for those stinky diapers!

 

While we were purchasing the new washer and dryer, Eric saw me eyeing the stainless steel refrigerators and ranges and shook his head.

 

Maybe next year....

 

In the meantime, I will be playing sweet music from a sweet violin, hoping to win him over for at least one more purchase....

Daughter of a King

July was a really crazy month....I will try to get caught up on all my blog posts!!

I taught a lesson today for all our Young Women, and made a slide show for the end of the lesson. I thought it turned out pretty well, but I am pretty partial to these girls!! I also LOVE the two songs which I used: "I Am His Daughter" and "Daughter of a King."  (Notice a theme going here?)  Even if you don't know my Young Women, the music alone makes watching the video worthwhile!

Eastmont's Got Talent!

For the last half-year, I have been working with three ladies singing doo-wop style music. We call ourselves The Serenades. Our goal is to have enough songs accumulated to put on a thirty-minute show for nursing homes around the area, or for anyone else who wants to listen! We have been meeting every week, putting many hours of hard work into our music. It has been such a treat to work with these ladies!

On Friday night our newly dubbed "Eastmont Ward" held a talent show. The Serenades wanted to make their first grand performance, of course. Unfortunately, one of our members was not going to be able to be there due to a scheduling conflict with her brother's wedding. We decided last minute to persevere, and threw together two songs which we could sing as a trio rather than a quartet.

Here is our big moment:

The Serenades!

Suzanne Vance: Soprano

Heather White: Second Soprano

Audrey Sisco: Alto

(not pictured: Anne Bodily: Second Alto)

We've got a long way to go still, but boy are we having fun!!!

Sugar for my ears.....

Love this song and LOVE this video by Sugarland!!!  Hilarious!!!

I've Been a Little Busy.....

Last October my Relief Society President asked me to head up a musical production she wanted performed for our Relief Society sisters.  It was brilliantly written by her son-in-law, and was based loosely on the story of the Broadway show "Wicked" and the "Wizard of Oz," but with a twist on visiting teaching.  The story is very cute, with both humorous and touching moments.

At first I was completely overwhelmed.  Well, let's be serious.  I was completely overwhelmed the entire time we were in production!  Not only did she want me to head up the production of this play, she also wanted me to be a principal performer in it!  It was something I have always dreamed of doing, but never thought I would have the opportunity to do it!

We started asking people to be involved with this project, and had our first meeting at the end of February, then started meeting seriously in March.  Most of March was spent in prep-work.  All of April was spent in rehearsals.  And I mean ALL of April!!  I hardly saw my family at all!!  I was gone until 11:30 or 12:00 at night at least 3-4 times a week, in addition to my regular work schedule.



"Linda North" and "Deborah West"



Our amazing cast!



The entire cast and crew!



We had two performances.  Our first was on Tuesday, May 3rd, for our entire Ward.  We got a great response from everyone, and the evening was exhilerating!  Our final performance was on Friday, May 6.  The entire Stake Relief Society and Young Women were invited to attend.  Audrey (who played the lead opposite me) and I both decided for our final night we were going to go all out, with nothing holding us back!!!  Everything we did was completely over the top and so much fun!  We felt really great about our performance!

Of course, just like I have found in other areas of my life, even when things feel like they are never going to possibly come together, an amazing miracle happens, and everything finally falls into place.  Yes, we had some flub-ups on both nights of our performance, but nothing we couldn't manage to move on with.  I can't even tell you how much I have learned from this experience.  It has made me grow in so many ways, and I will always be grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I had to shine!!

Old Friend

I have always worn short nails....always.


I always had a good reason to, since nails got in the way of playing the piano and violin. Now it is a necessity for work too. My patients wouldn't like being stabbed in the gums with long, manicured nails, no matter how beautiful they are. So I keep them very short.


I used to have pretty major callouses on the finger-tips of my left hand too. Metal violin strings will do that to you, and playing about an hour everyday just by being in an orchestra.


I haven't touched my violin for at least two years, probably even longer. So when I was asked to accompany the choir for a Christmas number at church, I was a little hesitant, but also longing to at the same time. I got the music and my stomach dropped. It is a beautiful Celtic arrangement of "Silent Night." But Celtic fiddles sound a lot different from classical violin, which I am used to. Luckily, there is an audio recording available of the song, so I've been listening to it over and over, trying to pick up on the different nuances.


I just practiced for about 45 minutes tonight, and my fingers have that old familiar tingling-burn to them. It has been challenging to remember fingering patterns, and how to get a good tone from my bow and my vibrato. But it is also like saying hello to an old friend. At first my hands felt stiff and awkward, but they are starting to melt back into the fluid and sweeping movements of my violin's language.


If I had been given this piece a decade ago, I'm sure it would have sounded at least ten times better. However, I am still reveling in the process of reawakening my old friend.

The Influence of Music

(Excerpts from my talk on Sunday)

I was lucky enough to grow up in a house surrounded by music. The television was rarely on, but there was always someone practicing a musical instrument of some sort somewhere in the house. We were constantly performing in church, as special numbers and in the choir. We were also involved in many school and community events.

I started piano at a very young age, and continued with lessons through my first year of college. I participated in all of the local music festivals, the most difficult being one where I had to memorize ten separate pieces and perform them for two judges. I frequently accompanied at church and also played with the jazz band my senior year.

In the fifth grade I started playing the violin, and participated in school and community orchestras. I have a somewhat competitive nature, so I was constantly irritated at never being first chair. There was a girl in my class who was an incredible violinist, and I was never able to beat her. All of our chair tests were done in front of the entire orchestra, with everyone nervously listening and awaiting their turn. It was incredibly nerve-racking, but also a very valuable experience to perform in front of other people.

Looking at my life, I can see that music has always been an important part of it. Even most of my church callings have been based around it. Why would I spend so much of my time and energy on this one thing?

Music has always seemed to give me something that was invaluable to me. It spoke of truth and beauty, and expressed emotions and feelings I could never put into words. I spent many hours sitting at the piano, pouring the feelings I did not know how to express into my music. They could be feelings of incredible happiness, or absolute desolation. As I grew older I came to recognize that I could feel the Spirit, not only in playing sacred music, but also in great classical masterpieces. Every note was like a testimony telling of God's love for us, and His wish for us to be happy.

As an adult, I have had many callings that involved the music in Primary. I love the Primary music!!! You can't help but feel the Spirit when you listen to Primary children sing! Their little voices are so pure and innocent, and the words of the Primary songs are simple statements of truth and testimony. For many years I led the music in Primary. There were many times when I would get choked up listening to the children sing, because the Spirit was so strong. I remember one song in particular. We all worked very hard learning this new song. Once the children were good at performing it, they would get very enthusiastic with their singing. Every time we sang that song I could not look at Sister Ellerbeck, who was sitting in the front row with her class, because she was always crying, touched by the words they sang and their conviction in them. She would set me off whenever I saw her.

The hymns are an equally sacred compilation of music. The First Presidency wrote this about our hymns:

“Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns
invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as
members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord. Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end” (Hymns, 1985, p. ix).

It is no wonder that music is such an essential part of our worship, as a Church. Many of history's greatest moments have involved music in some way.

The first assignment that the Lord gave to Emma Smith, even before organizing the Relief Society, was to make a compilation of hymns for the Church to use. In D&C 25:11-12 it reads, "And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church. For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."

When Joseph Smith was in one of his darkest moments, awaiting the fate of himself and his friends at the hands of a mob, he asked John Taylor to sing "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." It must have been an incredible moment when he sang the sixth verse:

In pris'n I saw him next, condemned/ To meet a traitor's doom at morn./ The
tide of lying tongues I stemmed,/ And honored him 'mid shame and scorn./ My
friendship's utmost zeal to try,/ He asked if I for Him would die./ The flesh
was weak; my blood ran chill,/ But my free spirit cried, "I will!"

When, during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key was listening to the battle waging, and watching the tattered American flag wave over the Chesapeake Bay, he was inspired to write the words that would eventually become our national anthem:

Oh say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,/ What so proudly we hailed at
the twilight's last gleaming,/ Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the
perilous fight,/ O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?/ And
the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,/ Gave proof through the night
that our flag was still there./ Oh say, does that star spangled banner yet wave/
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

When Allied soldiers were entrenched across the battlefield from the German army during a vicious battle on Christmas Eve night, 1914, it was the quiet strains of the song "Silent Night" that brought the War to a standstill, for one night at least. The song had transcended all language barriers, speaking of peace and love, and the miraculous birth of the Savior:

Silent night, Holy night./ All is calm, All is bright./ Round yon virgin mother
and Child./ Holy infant, so tender and mild./ Sleep in heavenly peace; Sleep in
heavenly peace.

When the Savior, himself, was born in the humblest of circumstances, the heavens could not help but express its joy through song. Concourses of angels sang and ministered to shepherds in the field, inspiring them to go and find the newborn King:

Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let every
heart prepare him room, And saints and angels sing; And saints and angels
sing; And saints and angels sing.

The First Presidency, in 1973, made this statement: “Through music, man’s ability to express himself extends beyond the limits of the spoken language in both subtlety and power. Music can be used to exalt and inspire or to carry messages of degradation and destruction. It is therefore important that as Latter-day Saints we at all times apply the principles of the gospel and seek the guidance of the Spirit in selecting the music with which we surround ourselves” (Priesthood Bulletin, Aug. 1973, p. 3).

Naturally, since music can be used for such good in the world, Satan has found a way of using it to ensnare us. Along with powerful, enlightening, spiritual feelings, music also has the ability of promoting carnal thoughts, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and inciting overly-aggressive behavior. We are constantly confronted with loud, obnoxious, and degrading forms of this so-called "self-expression." It is vital that we not surround ourselves with this garbage. Some people may say, "Well, I'm not really listening to the words, I just like the song, or the beat." It doesn't matter if you are not listening to the words. They still sink in to your mind. And just as a catchy little tune can stick in your head, and roll around in there all day, your sub-conscience fills in all those words you "aren't really listening to," repeating the vulgar thoughts and phrases over and over and over. This hurts your spirit.

For the Strength of Youth, says this about music:

"Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for
good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used
for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil
effects on your mind and spirit. Choose carefully the music you listen to.
Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don't listen to music that
drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or
offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices" ("Music and
Dancing," 20).

I have found that you can find a hymn that fits pretty much any topic, any discussion, any question you may have. Here is one I found appropriate for today:

Sing we now at parting one more strain of praise./ To our Heav'nly Father
sweetest songs we'll raise./ For his loving kindness, for his tender care,/ Let
our songs of gladness fill this Sabbath air.

I want you to know that I have a testimony of the divine influence that music can play in our lives. It can bring us closer to the Savior and our Father in Heaven, and gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to them for all we are blessed with.

Young at Heart

I just watched a fantastic documentary called "Young at Heart." It's about a group of senior citizens who perform various pop and rock songs, touring around the world. The documentary follows them as they attempt to learn some new pieces for an upcoming concert series. It also focuses closely on some of the individual performers, telling their story.


I laughed, I cried, I spontaneously clapped my hands to the beat! There is something magical and mesmerizing about how music can connect people. The music these people performed often kept them going through many health issues, and gave them a valuable direction and lease on life, keeping them "young at heart."


Here is the trailer for the movie. I know it will make you want to see it! :)






And here is a "music video" that was part of the documentary. It cracked me up! It shows the character and liveliness of these guys!

Paralyzed Pianists

Since I was in a gripe-session kind of mood yesterday, I failed to report on the kids' piano recital from last night. So, here's the report!


It has been a struggle to get the kids to practice the piano this spring. They are very reluctant, and if I don't get on their case, they end up goofing off instead of playing the songs they need to practice.


This year the annual piano recital seemed to sneak up on us. I admit it, I should have been more diligent getting the kids practicing. About a month before the recital I threatened the kids (falsely, but we won't tell!) that their teacher wanted the recital songs memorized by their next lesson. It wasn't a real falsehood, she did want them memorized! Ethan took the threat very seriously. He practiced and practiced and got both his songs memorized by the time they went to their next lesson. Heidi procrastinated until the day before. Needless to say, hers weren't.


Since then Heidi has been working on her pieces off and on, but not consistently enough to get a solid memorization. Ethan thought he was done, so he didn't try so hard.


So the day of the recital came. I had to work that day, but I left strict instructions for them to work on them until I got home. They did, and were even getting dressed for the recital when I got home. They both said they were ready, cool as cucumbers. I was still nervous for them, but I thought it would be fine....


I asked them if they wanted to bring their books, just in case. Neither said they needed it. So we left the books at home. I was feeling pretty good because of their cool confidence.


Heidi was the second to perform. She got through the first song easily enough. The second had a few bumps. Then near the end she forgot a passage and she froze. I could tell she wasn't sure what to do next. She ended up making up the notes and just ending on a chord. It was a little fumbled, but she pulled it off. I could see her embarrassed grimace when she returned to her seat.


Ethan was the next to the last to perform. He walked up to the piano and announced his pieces, then sat down and froze. He couldn't think of how the song started. His teacher tried to find the starting notes, just from memory, but it didn't work. Then she looked at me and said, "Hum the song, Mom!" I, of course, froze as well!! I couldn't for the life of me think of how the song started!! She had him go to his next song, then come back again. He still couldn't remember the first one so she rifled through her music drawer and pulled out the precious music! She had him play it once with the music, then do it again without!! (She's such an awesome teacher!)


After the recital the kids told me they would never leave their music at home again for the recital. I told them next time they shouldn't be worried about a back-up plan, but be a little more prepared instead!!


The kids always wonder why these little recitals are so important. Why do they have to memorize the songs? I hope they can learn that it is such a good experience for them. It is a wonderful talent to be able to perform in front of an audience. Stage fright is not usually easy to overcome. It takes practice to be able to do it. And then when you perform well, after having rehearsed and rehearsed, it is a real feeling of accomplishment. You know that you worked really hard for something, and you were able to shine! And not only do you get to enjoy the pleasure of the performance itself, you get to share a very special part of yourself as well!

Music of My Soul

It seems like ages ago that I was back in Junior High, performing in our Orchestra concerts. I played the violin, from 5th grade to Senior year. I was never a proficient, but I sure enjoyed playing the music! My first love was playing the piano, but I also really loved the violin. I loved the fact that even if you weren't perfect and solo-worthy in your individual performance, you can still feel a part of creating something beautiful. The music that comes from children can truly be magical, mistakes and all.

One of the things I remember most is that both my parents always went to all my concerts. Every concert, recital, tryout, rehearsal, you name it. They were so supportive. They were always proud of me, even when I was disappointed in my performance. I don't know if I appreciated it then, because it just seemed natural for them to be there, but now I know what they had to sacrifice for me to be involved in music. I am truly grateful....not just for the support, but for instilling in me the love of music and performance, and making it a priority in our lives.

Now the legacy gets to continue. Heidi started in Band last year, playing the flute. She only got to be in a few concerts, since they were just beginning, but this year there are a lot more performances to enjoy.

I can't tell you how proud I am to watch her out there playing with this big group of kids. She worked so hard before their first evaluation, and she made First Chair!! I have never been more proud! The Band played several patriotic songs, including the Star-Spangled Banner, and the combination of emotions I felt just brought tears to my eyes. I think it made me feel even more of a connection with my parents. I am so grateful that I can pass on those priorities I learned from them on to the next generation.