Category: Music

30 Things I Love: Christmas Music

Christmas Music

I love Christmas music! Every year, I cannot wait until the local radio stations, and Sirius Satellite radio start playing Christmas selections.

The music in the photo is just a tiny representation of my collection. I love listening to winter songs, Christmas songs, and carols performed by many different groups and in different styles. Maybe it’s the lyrics that are always positive…no one is dying, except when Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, relationships are flourishing or being mended, and how can you not be inspired by a capella renditions Silent Night or O Holy Night?

When I am stressed, I listen to music which helps to calm me. Before my first experience flying on an airplane without Jonathan, I needed to redo my playlist on my iPod so I would have relaxing music during my flight. Looking at what music was available, I decided to put Christmas music on there. In August. The jazz of Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack for “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is so soothingly familiar, and brings happy memories of watching the Charlie Brown specials on TV when I was little. The sounds of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra go from a mellow synthesized orchestral sound to rock. Mannheim Steamrollers sound is also good for calming me. Who knows…when I need to fly in 2015, I may still have Christmas music on my headphones!

I also love singing Christmas choral arrangements with the church choir. The older madrigal style pieces really challenge us, but they are some of my favorite songs because of the harmonies. I always look forward to the candlelight Christmas Eve service, and singing Silent Night in harmony. Most years I have goosebumps, and some years, there are tears. It is such an emotional time. I love when we end that service with the singing of Joy to the World. It sets the tone for the rest of our Christmas celebrations. I love how Christmas music makes me feel!

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs or albums?

We made it to the last day of the 30 Things I Love! Thank you for coming on this little journey with me!

The complete list of the 30 Things is listed here:

Day 1: Pizza

Day 2: Shoes

Day 3: Shout Stain Remover

Day 4: The Ability to Vote

Day 5: My Heritage

Day 6: NASCAR

Day 7: Black Velvet for Photography

Day 8: Strong Coffee and Strong Hairspray

Day 9: Peacefulness

Day 10: Winter’s First Snow

Day 11: Freedom

Day 12: Dairy

Day 13: Jonathan

Day 14: Coffee

Day 15: Seasons

Day 16: Scones

Day 17: #AgNerds

Day 18: Playing in the Dirt

Day 19: Friends

Day 20: My Church Choir Family

Day 21: OxyClean

Day 22: Small Town Celebrations

Day 23: Clouds

Day 24: Thanksgiving

Day 25: Sisters

Day 26: My Minivan

Day 27: My Daughters

Day 28: Viktoria

Day 29: Agriculture Organizations

Day 30: Christmas Music

30 Things I Love: My Church Choir Family

My Church Choir

I love singing. I’m not soloist material, but I love singing in our church choir. The best thing about the choir? It’s members.

The first time I attended a Wednesday evening choir practice, I was so nervous. I had never sung in a choir before, only small groups, so I had no idea what to expect. I was warmly welcomed by everyone, and quickly felt at ease. Over the years we have built friendships. We’ve cried together, laughed together, prayed together, and we’ve made beautiful music together. Our numbers fluctuate depending on the time of year and job or travel schedules, which is normal. The photo above was taken last night, with no heads up…just a “hey, I need a photo of the choir”. They were kind enough to allow the photo.

My music involvement at church started when I was asked to take over the bells of a woman with cancer. She could no longer continue to play in the bell choir, so she asked me to play her bells. How can you turn that down? Next came an ensemble that was made up of a few couple friends, and some choir members. We practiced regularly, right before the senior choir’s practice, but it took a few years to work my way up to the balcony. When I first joined the choir, I sat in the back row of the alto section. When one of our tenors was fighting cancer, I volunteered to move back to the tenor section. That is now my choir home. It was a steep learning curve, and I still have to really think about the notes at times, but I love it. The other two tenors, and the basses have been very good about helping me out when I need it. But, that’s what families do. They help each other out. I am so thankful for that!

I’ve had to miss a few practices this fall, but I always look forward to choir practice. Seeing the choir members, having devotions together, and making music always means I leave with a song in my heart. I love my choir family!

Day 1: Pizza

Day 2: Shoes

Day 3: Shout Stain Remover

Day 4: The Ability to Vote

Day 5: My Heritage

Day 6: NASCAR

Day 7: Black Velvet for Photography

Day 8: Strong Coffee and Strong Hairspray

Day 9: Peacefulness

Day 10: Winter’s First Snow

Day 11: Freedom

Day 12: Dairy

Day 13: Jonathan

Day 14: Coffee

Day 15: Seasons

Day 16: Scones

Day 17: #AgNerds

Day 18: Playing in the Dirt

Day 19: Friends

Day 20: My Church Choir Family

Click here to go to Holly Spangler’s blog, and see the link for other 30 Day Challenge Bloggers

 

30 Days of Thanksgiving – Day 3: Music

CarolynCares Music

I love all types of music. If you look at my Pandora stations, or my list on Sirius Satellite in my van, you would probably raise your eyebrows, or shake your head. Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, the 60’s thru 80’s, Eagles, Beatles are all on my favorites. I also like a bit of Reliant K, Chris LaDoux, Beethoven, and Bach. There is something about the music that calms me when I’m feeling stressed, or gets me moving when I am cleaning.

Music is supposed to be a universal language, yet it is very personal.  There have been many Sundays when the lyrics and harmonies of a hymn have left me misty eyed, yet others around me are dry eyed. Of course, it may just be that I am a little more sappy than most.

I love to sing in our church choir. It is such a fun group. When you live in a small town, chances are good that you will see or interact with other members of the group outside of church. I sing in the tenor section with the husband of Jonathan’s kindergarten teacher, and with our former Postmaster, Linda. Yes, our section of three is two-thirds female. I took the place of another female after she lost her battle with cancer. Other members of the choir include our former mail man, Jonathan’s kindergarten teacher, Jonathan’s sister Sally, our chiropractor, the widow of my father-in-law’s barber, and many friends. We are led by Anna’s piano teacher, who is also our Pastoral Assistant, organist, and most importantly, friend. To sing with these people who have become like family is truly magical.

The violin in the photo is mine. Well, technically, it is my sister’s, but when I moved to a full sized violin, she had just graduated from high school, so it was handed down to me. I started playing in 5th grade, and chose the violin in part because Sheryl played. My first violin solo was at her wedding. I was still in high school, and I was also a bridesmaid. I’m not sure which role I was more nervous about! I still play at weddings, for church, and with the choir when needed. My favorite music has to be hymn arrangements and Christmas arrangements. I love traditional wedding music, but I have had the opportunity to play some really unique pieces that forced me out of my comfort zone. It is always an honor to be able to play with so many talented musicians whose goal is always to bring the bride’s vision to life. I am thankful for the mentors who have worked with me when I’ve struggled to get the music right. I really need to thank Gwen, especially. She has been so patient with me at times!

I am so thankful for the gift of music. I’m not referring to my talents (which, in all reality, are mediocre), but I am referring to the gifts that composers and performers have shared with us. Whether it is a catchy tune to listen to while working, or a sweet hymn sung with many others in your congregation, I am thankful for it all.

Let me leave you with one of my favorite hymns, in one of my favorite arrangements:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdRSRTqOyi4

To find more 30 Day Challenge blogs, click here.

Introduction to the 30 Day Challenge

Day 1: Family

Day 2: Harvest