Music Newsletter – May 2021

BRINGING BACK THE HYMNALS

Our Hymnals are coming back to the chapel this month! YES!!! They have been missed. Let’s show our gratitude and joy by using them and treating them with care.

In the last General Conference, references were made about music. The prayer of Elder Robert C. Gay and comments of President Henry B. Eyring may have jumped out at you if you are sensitive about music.

Elder Gay prayed that God would ‘bless those who speak both in words and music’ on Saturday morning. In that same session, President Eyring commented: “The speakers, the music, and prayer have brought the Spirit–…” then went on to quote quote the lyrics to “I Love to See the Temple”.

Perhaps as you review the conference talks or sessions, you can find other instances where music is referenced or lyrics quoted. How could you follow this pattern in your home or church callings/teaching?

**************************************************************************

MY CALLING

Music Calling Fatigue

Ecclesiastes 3:1 wisely explains that there is a time and season for all things. Serving in music callings is special, needed, and often a lifelong ministry. Your season may be long or short. The gift you have developed and practiced blesses many people. You may be one of a handful of musicians in your ward or you may be part of a musically rich area with lot’s of musicians, but you will probably be asked to help at some point to strengthen your ward or stake through music wherever you are.

Elder Neil Anderson explains that “we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord” in church. Our callings can be a means to this end.

On occasion people with music skills end up with only music callings in their ward. This can be a challenge in several ways such as; isolation from others, exhaustion from doing the same thing for a long period of time, lack of stimulation, untapped skills other than music, stereotyped expectations, feelings of being under appreciated, etc.

Here are some ideas to think about if you or someone you know can relate:

  • Talk to your leader be it Bishop, Ward Music Chairman, Primary President, etc.
  • Pray. Be grateful that you’re able to serve.
  • Learn a new musical skill. Practice it with your calling.
  • Keep close to the scriptures and grow your testimony.
  • Reach out to those you serve. Learn their names. Invest in magnifying your stewardship while you have it.
  • Teach your skill to others.

Did you know that your service in music could be used on a resume? On a college application? Callings are wonderful ways to not only serve, but learn new skills and gain experience.

Why do we keep making music even when we are tired? Molly Z. Larson reminds us that “Music has been called the universal language. It crosses boundaries of language and culture and communicates depths of feeling words rarely can. In a worship service, it can invite the spirit of revelation and reflection. Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once said he is continually impressed with the power of music to comfort and counsel in a way that often exceeds the power of the spoken word.1” [Putting Our Hearts in Tune, Ensign April 2000]

“Music is a language that everyone can understand.” (Children’s Songbook, iii)

**************************************************************************

WHAT’S NEW?

Seeking performers for two upcoming musical events listed below. Interested in performing? Contact coalstakemusic@gmail.com

  • Stake Music Festival ‘Carry On’ Saturday evening 14th August 6-9 All sorts of musical fun, group strumming, ensembles, food, etc. Get your ukuleles out now!
  • Stake Sacred Music Fireside ‘Our Grateful Song’ 19th September 6:30-8 A Sunday evening program of spiritual songs and hymns; vocals and instrumentals.

Listen to rebroadcasts of the ASO (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). Interesting commentaries about each piece. Free.

Listen to Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Opera on WQED station from Pittsburgh. One of the best radio music programming stations available online. Free.

Listen to the Tabernacle Choir From their official site you will find recent and past performances, interesting commentaries, and ‘Piping Up’ organ concerts. Free.

Explore Jason Max Ferdinand Singers Facebook Page Spirituals, religious songs. You can find links to videos, concert tickets, etc. Mostly free.

**************************************************************************

UP AND COMING

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. 

Stake Conference – May 15-16

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.

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

Music Festival ‘Carry On’ – 14 August 6-9

Sacred Music Fireside ‘Our Grateful Song’ 19 September 6:30-8

**************************************************************************

HYMN HIGHLIGHT

“Because I Have Been Given Much” Hymn #219

Grace Noll Crowell (1877-1969) started writing poetry at age 8 but was discouraged by her otherwise supportive family. She stated, “I never tried to write after that until love and romance and a home came to me. That quickened and awakened the desire to write poetry again.” After earning her Bachelor of Arts in 1901, that love came to her but she soon became very ill to the point of being bedridden, and was in and out of hospitals. It was during this time . . . the thought kept coming to her, ‘I would like to write poetry that will help others who are suffering as I am.” She eventually wrote 36 books and 5,000 poems and became the most popular poet of her day.

The tune of this hymn was originally written as a choral piece by Philip Landgrave. Its tune name is SEMINARY in honor of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was a professor for many years.

The hymn first appeared in the 1975 Baptist Hymnal and in The Church of Jesus Christ Hymnal in 1985. It is a beloved and favorite hymn that serves to remind us where our blessings come from and in turn, how we can bless others. The hymn’s copyright prevents digital sharing of this hymn so it will be good to sing it regularly with the return of our hymnals. Information from hymnary.com.

Listen to Reprise Quartet perform:

**************************************************************************

WATCH THIS

Watch the sweet influence of the song “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” sung by Emily Brown in a restaurant.

A Five Minute Fireside about singing from Conlon and Oyoyo Bonner. They perform “Come, Come, Ye Saints in the last half.