Believing that Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ truly love us, we in turn will grow to love others as we learn and obey God’s rules of behavior for us, otherwise known as commandments (see D&C 82:8-9).

Kindness, inclusion, teaching, care, listening . . . these are a few ways to show love to others. If we add music to each item on the list, we might come up with enhanced ways to show love such as:

• singing to a child going to bed
• inviting others to join the ward choir with you
• using a hymn in your family studies
• writing a note to someone who has shared their musical skill at church
• listening with an open and kind heart to those who share their music

We can also show love in our music callings and by sharing our talents with others. Don’t be afraid to share your love and your talents. Remember that

“. . . every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him is inspired of God.” Moroni 7:13

“Our love for those around us increases when we remember that we are all children of God—that we are spirit brothers and sisters. The love that results from this realization has the power to transcend all boundaries of nation, creed, and color” (from Gospel Topics).

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MY CALLING

Ward Organist

How competent do you feel playing the organ? A few tips for improving your playing and confidence:

1. Pay attention to fingering techniques that are designed for playing legato. Practice the fingering. Try new fingering ; glissando from black key to white; substitution; redistribute an alto note in the LH or a tenor note in the RH.
2. Read the text of the hymn–be sure to breathe at phrase endings or continue the legato line even when the musical phrase might end.
3. Try this registration for a jubilant hymn: Pedal–Diapason or Principal 16′, 8′ 4′ and Mixture. Great to Pedal. Even if you do not play the pedals yet, depress the Bass Coupler and the lowest notes (Bass) will sound at the Pedal settings. Great –Diapason or Principal 8′, Ocatve or Principal 4′, Mixture. (Remove the mixtures for a Sacrament Hymn.) Note: Don’t use Tremulant or Celeste when accompanying the congregation. You can also find pre sets that use this as the basic registration. (Adding 8′ and 4′ flutes is acceptable also).
4. Be sure you have enough volume to support the congregation–even those in the back of the cultural hall or chapel.
5. Practice. See about obtaining a key to the building so you can have time to practice. (Church guidelines suggest women not be alone in the buildings).
6. Ideas for preludes: Select a mix of familiar or less familiar hymns. Choose a specific topic. Change the registration, tempo, octave or volume between verses. Use arrangements designed for organ such as ‘Organ Chains’ or ‘Quiet Pieces for Organ’. Consider a softer volume and slower tempo.
7. Attend the Organ Workshop on November 6 in conjunction with Stake Conference.

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WHAT’S NEW?

“Songs of Devotion for Everyday Listening” This collection of 19 songs provides recordings of sacred music in a variety of musical styles for everyday listening. Free.

“Know This That Every Soul is Free” SATB sheet music arranged by Linda Pratt for choir. Free.

As Ward Choirs start gathering again, consider masks and social distancing with COVID-19 still in our midst. Be wise.

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UP AND COMING

•Stake Music Festival “Carry On” Saturday 14 Aug 6-9. See you there. [Note: Masks recommended for all and mandatory for those 12 and up not fully vaccinated.]

•Stake Music Festival “Carry On” Saturday August 14 6:00 PM . Poster above. All invited to sing ‘Carry On’  Hymn #255 (first verse).

•Join the Ukulele Choir for the Stake Music Festival August 14th. Practice these two songs with YouTube tutorials then show up for a one time Practice on Friday August 13th at 6PM. NOTE the CHANGE of PRACTICE DAY/TIME  #1 Somewhere Over the Rainbow, #2 I Am a Child of God••

•Practice for  “You Will Be Found” from DEAR EVAN HANSEN for the upcoming music festival.  Friday August 13th, at 7pm. 

•Music Training for Wards – Ongoing all year. Contact Sister Ginger Dean or Sister Kay Bohn at coalstakemusic@gmail.com You can also text, or call to schedule.

•Sacred Music Fireside “Our Grateful Song” on Sunday, September 19th 6:30-8. What’s your favorite hymn? Contact coalstakemusic@gmail.com to share and find out how you can participate.

•Stake Choir Practice 17 Oct and 24 Oct, 6:30 – 8PM Stake Center. All invited to participate in preparation for singing at stake conference 7 November.

•Organ Workshop November 6, Stake Conference weekend. Time TBA.

•Christmas Candlelight Sing Along 5 Dec 6-&:30. SAVE THE DATE!

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HYMN HIGHLIGHT

Who’s on the Lord’s Side? Hymn #260

This hymn begins with a ‘rousing call to service: “Who’s on the Lord’s side, who? Now is the time to show”‘ So begins Robert C. Oaks is his General Conference talk in April 2005. Read the full talk here.

“As we anticipate the return of Christ to the earth…The Lord needs to know on whom He can rely.”….Standing firm on the Lord’s side is especially valuable today.”

The hymn lyrics were written by Hanna Cornaby and the tune, named “Ocean Wave” was written by Henry Russell. Hanna left England for Utah and helped settle Spanish Fork. At one time she was the poet laureate of Utah.

Here’ a video highlighting lyrics and music to a backdrop of church history paintings.

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WATCH THIS

Scottish born Daisy Chute was one of twelve song finalists featured for the last ROOTSTECH Conference Song Contest. Listen to “Music Is There” . Lyrics included.

Music is patient, music is kind 
Music, you’re there through the toughest of times 
When I’m feeling down, you make it alright 

Music is honest, music is true 
I know we all have our connections to you, 
Some deep and endless, others brief and light 

Whenever all else fails me 
Music, you answer my prayer 
Whenever I feel lonely 
I know that music is there 
I know that music is there 

You teach me to listen, you teach me to hear 
You teach me to open up, live without fear 
You teach me it’s okay, to not be okay 

You bring me to tears, bring me to my feet 
A way to relate to those that I meet 
When I am lost, you show me the way 

Whenever all else fails me 
Music, you answer my prayer 
Whenever I feel lonely 
I know that music is there 
I know that music is there 

This is an ode to the mystery of music, an ode to my love 
Thank you for all that you’ve done to help us through this, because 

Whenever all else fails me 
Music, you answer my prayer 
Whenever I feel lonely 
I know that music is there 
I know that music is the

credits

released April 16, 2021 
Music Is There is performed by Daisy Chute 
Music by Daisy Chute 
Lyrics by Daisy Chute and Ilsa Swann