One of the lessons I am learning as an adult student of both composition and voice is humility. This humility is necessary in order to set aside any excess pride or superiority that can interfere with my learning. That isn’t always comfortable. Some definitions of humility include. While I believe all of these definitions are … [Read more…]
Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O come Emmanuel) is an anthem for Advent, utilizing SATB choir, piano, and handbells, anticipating the coming of Christ. It includes both Latin and English lyrics of praise, worship, and anticipation. I have always loved handbells. I spent a lot of my life at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio … [Read more…]
The New Oxford American Dictionary defines responsibility in several ways. The two most relevant to this post include: 1. the state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone 2. a moral obligation to behave correctly toward or in respect of: individuals have a responsibility to control … [Read more…]
May the Peace of God is based on Philippians 4:7 and offers an assurance that we do not need to be anxious about anything. God has it all covered in ways that we cannot even begin to understand. In times of doubt, pray. In times of uncertainty, pray. When we have troubled minds, pray. Protect … [Read more…]
Things are rarely one and done. Sometimes we have to repeat the work. I don’t know about you, but I find that fact really annoying. This is true for me whether we are talking about reps at the gym or playing the piano. It is also true about cleaning the house, doing the dishes, or … [Read more…]
I Will Sing Alleluia was a really fun composition experience. It originally started as a longer piece, with a long introduction and piano interludes. Over many months, and multiple revisions it became an introit for choir and piano. The tone is positive, and a song of gratitude. I am really drawn to songs of praise … [Read more…]
“When the world doesn’t live up to our expectations, we rebel against its unfairness by turning to food.” – Jessica Ortner “When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.” – Donald Miller “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in … [Read more…]
Jubilate Deo – Be Joyful in the Lord. This is an original setting of the words from Psalm 100:1, and sung in Latin and English. From The New American Standard Bible (Zondervan), Psalm 100 is a Psalm for Thanksgiving and an admonition for praise. Psalm 100:1-2 (From The New American Standard Bible (Zondervan) Shout joyfully … [Read more…]
I was introduced to this Italian idiom through the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I digress just to say that there are many hidden gems in that book. Although a search of the internet suggest some dispute about the actual meaning, both Ms. Gilbert and www.wordsense.eu offer that parla come mangi means speak … [Read more…]
With One Voice is a short piece of worship music based on Romans 15:5-6. It describes the desire for the people of God to live in peace and harmony. This can be achieved by living in the example of Jesus and through the collective activity of praising God. The song admonishes that we should sing … [Read more…]