Archive for the ‘General’ Category

For the Beauty of the Earth »

For SATB Chorus and Piano
For-the-Beauty-of-the-Earth-SCORE.pdf
For-the-Beauty-of-the-Earth-CHORAL.pdf
For-the-Beauty-of-the-Earth-PIANO.pdf

While I think the best setting of this text is undoubtedly John Rutter’s, this simple melody by Conrad Kocher brings an enjoyable 19th century folk hymn quality to the text.

This is the Place »

Our family recently decided to move (thus my temporary hiatus from the site!) and we ended up, surprisingly, in Cache Valley, Utah.  This isn’t where we intended to move when we started looking, but through powerful personal experiences with the spirit and answers to prayers, we know it’s where we are supposed to be – and it’s beautiful.

A Moment of Majesty »

It was truly a joy to participate in this February’s Stake Conference; the choir performed superbly, the speakers delivered powerful messages, and the Spirit enlightened our minds and inspired our souls. For my part, I was pleased with the arrangements overall; though I always find room for revision, these pieces seem solid; Come, Follow Me felt especially right. 

Stake Conference Feb 2009 »

I’ve been asked to arrange two hymns for our upcoming Stake Conference.  Since I get to choose, I thought I’d ask for subscribers to nominate and vote for their favorites.  The only requirement is that they must be from HYMNS (the LDS Hymnal, 1985).  If there are any requests…

Ring Christmas Bells »

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert this year was excellent.  Guest vocalist Brian Stokes Mitchell and actor Edward Herrmann brought a meaningful, and genuine, sincerity and spirit to the concert.  I’ve attended each concert since Mack became a choral director (1998) and this ranks as my 2nd favorite (I think it will be nearly impossible to fill the pure and clear soprano shoes of Sissel).

Proclaim truth. Spread Beauty. »

“Why are you giving your music away?”

A fair question with a reasonably easy answer: to help proclaim truth and spread beauty. Altruistic? I suppose it is a bit; but I hope it doesn’t sound proud or patronizing.