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.