And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. Ezra 3:11

Setting Goals for Music

Without a plan, little is accomplished.  It is true with having good and worthy music in your life.   Consider how trusting and loving self and others helps accomplish your musical goals.  

James Jordan said, “In order to accomplish [your goal], one must be able to look inward and realize the trust and love that already exists within oneself.  This is not an easy task. . . [we must] spend enough time to understand, love, and respect ourselves”.   Making music is a very personal, but worthy goal. 

Children and Youth can readily make music goals for their goal setting programs.  Encourage them and others. Be patient.  You may want to incorporate more music at home or in your classrooms.

Some possible musical goals: 

• Join a choir – start singing
• Memorize the lyrics to 3 hymns or primary songs
• Make a choir schedule if you are choir director or music coordinator
• Plan Christmas music for your family or ward
• Offer to make special music in sacrament meeting
• Make a musical recording to share with family & friends
• Listen to uplifting music and make a plan for incorporating new music
• Write a song or hymn lyric
• Begin playing an instrument (pick up where you left off or start new)

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My Calling

Bishopric Counselor and Other Leaders

• Always Be Encouraging to All Who Serve and Perform Music Duties
• Listen to Ideas, Concerns, and Suggestions of Your Music People
• Offer Thanks to the Many Who Play, Lead, Sing and Organize Music
• Give Time and Space for Ward Choir Practice (avoid meeting conflicts)
• Don’t Take for Granted Your Music People: Say – Write – Do Something
• Show Love and Support for Every Person Who Makes An Effort – Every Week!

Become a great leader. Be a leader who ‘multiplies’ others rather than a leader who accidentally ‘diminishes’ others. For more understanding of this concept see Liz Wiseman’s BYU talk “The Power of Not Knowing”.

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What’s New

•“Away in a Manger” arrangement for 2 part + clarinet. $4.00 to make as many copies as you need for a performance.

•Sacrament Hymn Introductions by Eddings Music for organ & piano – Free. Ever finish playing the sacrament hymn before it is prepared? This offers short and interesting hymn phrases to go with every sacrament hymn to gently fill the gap. Lots of music on the site. Also see Eddings highly recommended “3 Carols for the Nativity” $7.95. More offerings at Eddings Music.

• Youth Shares Importance of Music on ‘Strive to Be’ Instagram.

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Up and Coming

• Yes!!! “Carry On” Music Festival is Coming Soon . . . . . Sat 17 September

Call, text or email Sister Ginger Dean if you want to perform coalstakemusic@coalstakemusicgmailcom

• Organ and Piano Coaching available at the Dahlonega, Coal Mountain, Brannon, and Union Hill buildings. Free. Contact coalstakemusic@coalstakemusicgmailcom

• Stake Choir Practice – Oct 16, 23, 30. Look for more details coming.

• Save the Date Sunday 4 Dec for the Stake Christmas Carol Candlelight Sing Along

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Hymn Highlight

Choose the Right  – Hymn #239

Probably the most quoted phrase from our beloved hymns is “Choose the Right” as we teach our children and each other about the meaning of the CTR ring and other jewelry we remind ourselves with.   It was first published in the 1909 edition of ‘Deseret Sunday School Songs’ by Joseph Townsend 1849 – 1942. 

Townsend was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Ohio, Kansas and Missouri and came to Salt Lake City in 1872 for health reasons.  While there he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He later served as a missionary for the church in the Southern States Mission.  

Joseph also wrote the lyrics to other hymns in our current book:  #52 The Day Dawn is Breaking, #99 Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee, #185 Reverently and Meekly Now, #232 Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words To Each Other, #239 Choose the Right, #258 O Thou Rock Of Our Salvation, #259 Hope of Israel, #271 Oh, Holy Words of Truth and Love, #274 The Iron Rod and #286 Oh, What Songs of the Heart. 

The tune was written by Henry Tuckett, candy maker and musician, 1852 – 1918.

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Watch This

Bells on Temple Square June 2022 Concert

This concert, “Life’s Journey’s,” was the first in 2 ½ years because of the Covid -19 restrictions. Selections include a variety of musical genres–hymns, anthems, classical and jazz. There’s also some performances by members of the Orchestra at Temple Square and Joseph Peeples–Temple Square Organist. You’ll enjoy the visual display that is part of the concert as well as a few surprises!

How Music Helps Refugees