A BAKER'S DOZEN PLUS ONE CHRISTMAS EVENTS FOR 2007

Herewith (cool word, huh?) for your consideration, a baker’s dozen plus one Christmas Events for 2007:

CAVEAT NO. 1: There is no guarantee you will find them "cultural."
CAVEAT NO. 2: They are in no particular order of preference, or cost, for that matter.

1. "SING NOEL" (Okay, so maybe there is an order of preference.)
Stake Christmas Concert--Sacred music that will inspire and uplift--Come Catch the Christmas Spirit
December 8-9, 2007, at 7:00 p.m.
Presented by the Mission Viejo California Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
27976 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo
Admission is free

2. "FOLLOW THE STAR"
Celebrating 10 Years, Celebrating the True Meaning of the Season
December 7-9, 2007
Admission is free (rain or shine)
Living Nativity repeats every half hour
Six performances from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Special Performance Interpreted for the Deaf, Saturday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m.
International Créche Exhibit, featuring over 400 Nativity Scenes from around the world, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Santa Margarita Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
29411 Altisima Road, Rancho Santa Margarita
For photos and information visit www.TheLivingNativity.org

3. FIRST PRESIDENCY CHRISTMAS DEVOTIONAL
Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. on KBYU
Sunday, December 2, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. (taped re-broadcast) at the Mission Viejo Stake

4. SAVIOR OF THE WORLD: HIS BIRTH AND RESURRECTION
Original production prepared for the inauguration of the Church’s Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, as a testimony of the Savior on the second millennial anniversary of His birth; A scripturally-based depiction of events surrounding the birth and resurrection of the Savior.
Presented by the Laguna Niguel California Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
22851 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, California 92656
December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) at 7:00 p.m.
December 8, and 15 (Saturday) at 2:00 p.m.
Admission: $10.00
You may purchase tickets online at sotwtickets.com or by check, or email at
orders@sotwtickets.com
Or call 866-394-5012

5. BARITONE JOHN HUNTINGTON
10th Annual Holiday Concert
Accompanied by pianist Ann Bunker
December 8 at 4:00 p.m.
City Hall, Saddleback Room
Admission: $10.00 (tickets may be purchased at the door)
200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo

6. THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS®
Presented by The Crystal Cathedral
November 23-January 5
For tickets call: 714-544-5679
Or order online: www.crystalcathedral.org
Seven beautiful living angels soaring overhead beneath the 120 foot glass ceiling; Southern California's best soloists and dancers; Glorious holiday music recorded by the world renowned Seattle Symphony; Wondrous special effects and live camels, horses, and sheep*; The most spectacular living nativity in the world!
Discount nights: Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 26 & 27, Jan. 2, 3, 4 & 5
*From personal experience, do not sit in an aisle seat!

7. Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL
November 24-December 24
Segerstrom Stage, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
For information or to buy tickets, call 714-708-5555 or buy online at www.scr.org
Folino Theatre Center
655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

8. The 17th Annual WINTER FANTASY At the Sawdust Art Festival
175 Artists, Santa, snow, carolers, art demonstrations, art activities for adults and children, holiday cheer
November 17, 23 & 24, December 1 & 8
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Information: 949-494-3030, or www.SawdustArtFestival.org

9. LOS ANGELES TEMPLE
10777 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
The Visitors’ Center is undergoing renovations, so there are no performances this year, but the lights are already dazzling!

10. SING WE ALL NOEL--A Celebration of Christmas
The Orange County Mormon Choral Organization's Inaugural Concert
December 12, 2007, @ 7:30 p.m.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Orange County Performing Artscenter
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
For ticket information, visit ocpac.org, or call 714-556-2787

11. FASHION ISLAND
701 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season as traditional carolers entertain visitors every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. around the Christmas tree. For more information, please call the Fashion Island Concierge at 949-721-2000. The white fir (from Mt. Shasta), which is said to be the largest Christmas tree in the country, stands at 115 feet, with over 17,000 white lights and ornaments.* It is a “green” (in the environmentally, politically correct sense) tree. Located in the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard.
*As spectacular as the tree is, and it is, it is kinda fun to see what it looks like after the inevitable December Santa Ana's have their way with it.

12. The One. The Only. THE GROVE
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, located on the corner of 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue, in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, immediately adjacent to the world famous, Original Los Angeles Farmer’s Market.
Call: 888-315-8883, or 323-900-8080
Come watch it Snow!* at 7:05 and 8:05 p.m. Come watch the fountain dance to special holiday tunes and see SNOW flurry across the Park and First Street, nightly (to the strains of Harry Connick, Jr. singing "Let it Snow!"--no comment about a non-gentile singing Christmas songs, although it is in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. And if you have any problems with what I just wrote, call me). PG-13 Caution: Just before the SNOW!, The Grove’s very own The Top Hats (a chorus line dance company, à la “The Rockettes”) performs originally choreographed street productions between the iconic fountain and theatre marquees, Fridays and Saturdays. Between the Park and First Street.
*The other caution: don’t eat the SNOW! It is a combination of foam/soap, with a slight hint of peppermint (don’t ask how I know).

13. DO YOUR OWN THING: Hop in your car and go look at the neighborhood light displays. Some people paid BIG bucks to have those lights professionally installed. Price: Not exactly free, what with gas prices hovering at $3.50/gallon

14. STAY HOME, turn on the air-conditioning, light up the fireplace (it's all about the ambience), turn on your favorite Christmas CD, and read a good Christmas story.* Price: Also not exactly free, what with gas prices and electric bills hovering at the $1 million/month range. *For fun, you could read one of the lesser-known Dickens’ Christmas stories, such as: "The Cricket on the Hearth," "The Holly Tree," or "A Christmas Tree."

LET US KNOW! If you have any other ideas or traditions for Christmas, let us know. Just post a comment here on the blog (unless, of course, you are commenting on the Harry Connick, Jr. comment).

Enjoy!
Geoff

SING NOEL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

We've had a huge turn out for the choirs these past few weeks--thanks to you all! Everything is sounding great! We apologize to L.A. ward for rehearsing at the same time as their choir last week. We were in a bind due to the Stake Fireside (this may be a problem on Dec. 2 as well??), but we're back on track this week.

Sunday Nov. 11, 18, & 25th
Adult Choir 7-8:30pm (if we're not in the chapel this week, check the RS room)
Men & Women's numbers will practice from 8:30-9:00pm

Youth Choir 5:30-6:30pm
Children's Choir 5:30-6:30pm


Sunday Dec. 2 (Christmas broadcast is shown at 7pm)
Adult Choir 5:30-6:30pm
Men & Women's Choirs 6:30-7:00pm

Youth Choir 5:30-6:30pm
Children's Choir 5:30-6:00pm (1/2 hour only!)

Saturday Dec. 8 - DRESS REHEARSAL
Adults 9-12AM
Youth 9-12AM
Children 9-10AM (1 hr only for kids)

PERFORMANCE, SAT. & SUN. DEC 8 & 9
All choirs please arrive by 6PM

*Note to parents of the Children's Choir: We need a few volunteers to help with the children during the dress rehearsal and both performances. Ideally, it would be nice to have enough volunteers to rotate so you could also sit in the audience one night. Please contact Erin Clarke (218-7558, web5clarkes@cox.net)if you are willing to help. Thanks!

To Diane Evans and Cathy Tibbitts . . . .

"I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks."
William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," Act 3, Scene III.

Dissonance in the Manger?

That's what Derek Baker said at last Sunday's rehearsal for "Sing Noel." Join us every Sunday for rehearsal, and find out what he meant. Our director, Ken Campbell, is teaching us beautiful Christmas music, including Mack Wilberg's arrangements of "Away in a Manger," and "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy," John Rutter's arrangements of "Joy To The World," and "The Wild Wood Carol," and a "dissonant" version of "Silent Night." Allison Nelson is our great accompanist.

Sunday evenings, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., somewhere in the stake center (usually the chapel).

Music in the Family--Part II

Thank you to all who participated in the annual Fall Concert presented by the Mission Viejo California Stake on Sunday, October 14, 2007. This year's concert was "Music in the Family: A Celebration of Musical Heritage." We were treated to outstanding performances, and remembrances of family musical heritage.

David Ord reminisced about family song fests, and full-blown choral renditions of "Happy Birthday To You." Allison Nelson provided accompaniment.

Laura and Alex Camastro favored us with a mother-daughter duet, "You Raise Me Up." Cathy Tibbitts provided accompaniment.

Andrew Cook and his son, Jason, performed piano solos, and then hit the grand piano together for a father-son duet.

Tom and David Hall performed guitar duets, including a rousing "spiritual" number (on the guitar, in the chapel). Cool!

Catherine Campbell proved she loves life with a lively rendition of "Je Veux Vivre." Allison Nelson provided accompaniment.

John, Tuly, and Emma Huntington serenaded us with three numbers, including a mother-daughter duet, "Homeward Bound," a beautiful solo by Emma, "My Father's Voice" (which was the inspiration for the theme of this year's Fall Concert), and a bit of Sondheim as John sang, "Children Will Listen." Cathy Tibbitts provided accompaniment.

And to close out the evening, what a treat to hear Itoe Honda describe her musical heritage, favor us with a piece by Schumann, and then demonstrate how she is creating a lasting legacy by playing piano duets with her granddaughter, Mika.

Thank you, Sister Tibbitts, for envisioning and presenting a wonderful musical evening.

Stake Music Fireside- Sunday, October 14th

“Music in the Family"

Sunday
October 14, 2007
7:00 P.M.
Come and Bring the Family

Mission Viejo Stake Center

Featuring many members
of the Mission Viejo Stake in performance
and sharing their family’s musical heritage

Sing Noel Info

- SING NOEL-

Come catch the CHRISTMAS spirit!

December 8 & 9, 2007, 7:00pm

All Choir Rehearsals begin Sunday Oct. 21st
At the Stake Center

ADULT CHOIR:
Sundays 7-8:30pm in the Chapel
Ken Campbell, Director

YOUTH CHOIR (ages 12-18):
Sundays 5:30-6:30pm in the RS Room
Julie Ballard, Director

CHILDREN’S CHOIR (ages 7-11):
Sundays 5:30-6:30pm in the Primary Room
Erin Clarke, director


For questions contact Erin Clarke
218-7558 or web5clarkes@cox.net

General Conference Music

"Inspirational music is an essential part of our church meetings. The hymns invite the Spirit of the Lord, create a feeling of reverence, unify us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord.

"Some of the greatest sermons are preached by the singing of hymns. Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end." ("Hymns," 1985, p. ix).

Never is that more true, I think, than at General Conference time, when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings the songs of Zion. Say or think what you will about that organization (and I know it has its fair share of naysayers and detractors), but for me, it is the choir, and its music, that really brings the "Spirit of Conference."

The choir was true-to-form this weekend. What a nice "shout-out" President Hinckley gave to John Longhurst, one of the Tabernacle organists, who is retiring after serving 30 years. How wonderful for Brother Longhurst to accompany the choir as it sang perhaps his most venerable music, "I Believe in Christ," the text for which was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. Newly-called Tabernacle organist, Andrew Unsworth, had his first General Conference accompanying duty Sunday morning.

The most inspiring music came during the Priesthood Session, Saturday evening. The music during that session of conference never fails to uplift or bring the spirit. We are usually treated to great hymn arrangements by the likes of Mack Wilberg, and Ronald Staheli (who gave us last April's beautiful "I Love the Lord"). Last night, the choir of fathers and sons (yes, I know, not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir), sang "Redeemer of Israel" (Hymn No. 6, including the less-often sung 5th verse), "Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings" (Hymn No. 14), and "We Ever Pray for Thee" (Hymn No. 23).

The latter hymn was especially touching. Originally written as a trio for girls' voices in celebration of President Wilford Woodruff's 90th birthday, until the 1985 Hymnal was published, it was only offered for women's voices. So, it was particularly poignant to hear all those fathers and sons sing this hymn to our living prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Do you have a favorite General Conference music experience? We would love to hear about it! In a new series, "Let Us Know," we invite you to "let us know" about your experience. Just leave a comment. We hope by periodically sharing arts and music experiences through this blog, we can learn from each other, uplift each other, and strengthen our testimonies.

Geoff

By way of introduction . . . .

Erin Clarke, a member of the Ladera Ranch Ward, was called as the Stake Music Chairperson. Geoff Crisp, a member of the Mission Viejo II Ward, was called as the Cultural Arts Director.

We are happy to serve, and look forward to working with you (especially soon, as we prepare for the Stake Christmas Concert in December). The Mission Viejo California Stake has a great tradition of bringing music and cultural arts events to the members of the stake, and their friends. These events have uplifted, and inspired not only those who attended them, but those who participated in them, as well.

In January 1847, the Camp of Israel was gathered together on the West Bank of the Missouri River, near Council Bluffs, Iowa. At that time, President Brigham Young received a revelation from the Lord concerning the organization of the Camp of Israel, as they prepared to journey to the West. The saints were commanded to "keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God," and covenanted to "walk in all the ordinances of the Lord." Difficult times were ahead, and every member was commanded to prepare.

The Lord said: "And if ye do this with a pure heart, in all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed; you shall be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in your houses, and in your families." They were admonished to cease their contentions one with another, and to let their words edify one another. In short, to be Christians.

We are grateful for those who established the great arts and music traditions of this stake. As traditions are carried forward, and new traditions are established, we hope all will participate together as we heed this wise counsel given to the saints at Winter Quarters: "If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving." Doctrine and Covenants 136:28.

Welcome to Arts & Music

Welcome to the Mission Viejo California Stake Arts & Music site. We are excited to bring you the latest information about upcoming activities in the Mission Viejo California Stake, including the annual Fall Concert, the annual Christmas Concert (aka "Sing Noel"), and Roadshows 2008!

Please stay tuned for more information about each of these great activities that are part of the stake's rich heritage.