Music Newsletter – June 2021

Summer Theme Songs

“And they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy.” D&C 133:33

An exciting summer is upon us. Many will visit family or travel, some will be in or on the water, others will catch up on reading or work. And then there are the Olympic Games Fri 23 Jul – Sun 8 Aug. There are some grand theme songs for the games including the well known “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” by John Williams and the lesser known“Olympic Hymn” written by Leonard Bernstein.

Have you ever thought of having your own personal or family theme song? A song that could be sung or played just for this summer? Music has a way of sticking with you once you learn it. My father used to whistle songs while doing his chores. You could choose an uplifting song to learn, sing, whistle, or play everyday for a month.

Consider coordinating your ‘Come Follow Me’ studies with the suggested songs at the end of the lessons. Some songs in June include “Testimony” Hymn 137, “Reverence is Love”, “Help Me Dear Father”, both from the Children’s Songbook p 31, p 99, and “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” Hymn 298. Maybe one of these songs could be your theme.

The Stake Music Festival “CARRY ON” will be held August 14th, just a week after the Olympic Games end. The Festival participants will be none other than members of our stake. That means YOU. You could share one of your summer’s ‘theme’ songs there or something else very fun. Contact coalstakemusic.com today to express your interest and willingness. Your talents and efforts are needed and can bless the lives of others, especially as we include and invite our friends to come, listen, and participate. Groups and all instruments are welcome at this event.

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MY CALLING

Music Leaders

Are you the one standing in front of the congregation moving your arm around? Then you are called a “Music Leader” (see handbook 19.2.4). Hopefully you are emitting a smile and exuding confidence while singing the hymn you are leading. You are the ‘start – stop’ button for the music, coordinating the organist and congregation.

Some tips:

  • Make sure the organist can see you! If you conduct behind the organist, they cannot tell when you start and stop.
  • Look at your singers with love in your heart – before and during the singing.
  • Review all hymns and verses. Look for fermatas, time signature changes, and tempo.
  • Practice conducting in the mirror.
  • Don’t end the song too soon. Give the last note the full count so you and the organist end together.
  • One handed conducting is sufficient unless you want to emphasize a start, ending, or you are in a large group that cannot see your one conducting hand.

If you are a music leader and don’t read or understand the music, meter, or how to conduct, tell your ward music chairman or the stake music chairman for training. The stake music chairman is Ginger Dean who can be contacted by phone or at coalstakemusic@gmail.com

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WHAT’S NEW?

WARD CHOIR – [fireworks going off] Finally, WARD CHOIRS can start practicing as soon as they desire. Often June and July are heavy travel months and August is a good start up time. The handbook recommends that the ward choir sing at least once a month in sacrament meeting. Use common sense about preventing COVID spread including: vaccinations, masks, and singing distancing if needed.

Ideas for your ward choir:

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UP AND COMING

Thursday June 3 10:00 AM. Stake Music Workshop: Introduction to the Organ. Coal Mountain Stake Center. (This event will be repeated in the fall)

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

Rise & Shine on YouTube – Enjoy music performed by Coal Mountain Georgia Stake members.  Would you like to have your uplifting music recorded? We have a recording team that can help. Your performance could help light the world. It’s a good way to share with family and friends as well. Email coalstakemusic@gmail.com for more information. See what’s new there!

Saturday August 14 6:00 PM Stake Music Festival “Carry On”. See information at the beginning of this newsletter.

Sunday September 9 6:30 PM. Stake Sacred Music Fireside “Our Grateful Song”. This will be an evening of favorite sacred hymns and songs. You are invited to participate. Contact coalstakemusic@gmail.com to find out how.

Virtual Concerts – learn more Through Deseret Book . Fee for tickets. 

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HYMN HIGHLIGHT

“How Firm A Foundation” Hymn 85

In 1838, Amanda Barnes Smith and her family were attacked when a mob struck the settlement of Haun’s Mill in Missouri. Her husband and 10 year old son were both killed; her other son, Alma, had his hip blown away and was near death. Following the spirit Amanada was led to the divine help she would need to heal his hip.

Mob actions continued to harass them through the next month. As Amanada prayed for strength to carry on, she heard a voice give these words:

“That soul who on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I cannot, I will not desert to its foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake:“

Learn more about Amanda’s story here. Listen to these performances:

A Variation on the familiar melody.

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WATCH THIS

Jason Tonioli has sheet music available for purchase on his website tonioli.com