Category Archives: music

Jan1

Blessings for 2017!

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Kristen Cervantes is a Student Pastor at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Waco, TX, while she continues her studies at Brite Divinity School in Ft. Worth. We have weekly conversations that help us both grow in ministry.

When Kris responded to presidential election results, she posted these wise words:

I will not despair. Or rather, I will not only despair.

At times like this I really do wish I believed in a God who is an active agent in the world. But as I think of the gut-wrenching sobs I have heard, felt, held in my body and held in the circle of my arms, in my friends’ bodies, I don’t have that solace.

I have solace in the beauty and wonder of the world we share. I have solace in the deep emotion that means deep commitment to the continued work of building the beloved community for all, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, ability, and all the other boxes we try to fit ourselves and others into. I have solace in the help and strength and brokenness and beauty and potential in every human body and mind and soul.

My church says it wants to ‘create a more just and loving world.’ I take solace in the knowledge that we do not stand, move, and struggle alone in this painful and difficult act of creation.

I will not despair.

The New Year is upon us! May you find your way out of despair and into community.

Nov9

One day post election

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Some electives post election:

My focus today will be on music, art, nature, and community. Beyond difference lies beauty. One moment, one person, one love at a time might begin to heal divisions. May we reach out to one another as best we can.

Blessings and grace to each of you, dear friends.

Mar7

Blessed and Happy and Full of Love

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So my earlier post was simply a link to Loco’s prescription for “surgically removing writers block” in a careful way. He started loosening up with a book he couldn’t put down; he exercised his mind by getting into a writers’ group; he chose a subject that would keep his interest and carry him forward; and he replaced the hate that was rising within him with love. He said a lot more than that but you should read it for yourself to get a fuller context: http://www.locoinyokohama.com/2013/03/05/how-to-surgically-remove-writers-block/

One challenge for me has been to live and work alone in Houston for most of the week while Jon lives and works alone in Austin most of the week. I’m not complaining, just observing that my tendency has been to come back to my apartment and either work some more or slip into some mindless tv or resort to comfort food.

Time to get out of that rut!

First stop, music. I changed my schedule to put me in Austin on Monday evenings where I can rehearse with Tapestry Singers and the small ensemble Loose Threads. It’s my 10th year and we’re coming up to my 20th concert on May 5. To return to that great community of women and song is a real lift to my spirits. In the car I can listen to mp3s of our songs to help implant them into my brain. By next week I should be able to sing along with greater accuracy.

Before starting this entry, I couldn’t find a radio station that suited me this evening, so I turned on Pandora and chose the Shuffle option to add interest. Folk, jazz, classical, piano concerti, bluegrass; people like Hubert Laws on flute, Dar Williams on vocals, Wynton Marsalis on trumpet, and already I have the makings of a musical feast!

Exercise was simply a walk around my neighborhood to loosen up my body and mind. Blackbirds were coming home from work, too, and making a racket that made me smile. Neighbor Alice, frail and elderly, was walking around the complex as usual, opening the door or gate for people if she is close by. She was a librarian before retirement–talk about a world of books! If she can get out for a walk several times a day I have no excuse. I do like to walk over to Memorial Park, close to my apartment, or to Hermann Park, close to the church. A beautiful day.

Yesterday Jon was here and we watched the movie Happy. I think next time someone asks me how I am, I’ll say “happy.” Much better than the usual “busy,” don’t you think? You CAN choose happiness.

A couple of interesting things are coming up in my work. On the 16th at 10am, a Blessing of the Animals. We have invited a local shelter to bring some of their adoptable pets for blessings and some extra love. I’ve been told that one year someone brought a donkey; another time, one of those hissing cockroaches (I’m not sure I’m up for that, actually).

In April, we will have a special Coming of Age worship service for ten young people. We’re so proud of them and their work all year long! They will be writing their own statements of belief and I’m sure each credo will rival any religious doctrine. When beliefs come from the heart at a time of spiritual awakening they touch all our hearts. This Friday I’ll get to meet with them during their lock-in to start planning the service with the kids and their advisors.

Also in April there will be a memorial service I will be privileged to conduct. It’s unusual to have this much time to plan such a service, but that’s what the family requested. Two sons will be my primary collaborators.

There is a good bit of work involved in preparing for special events but the payoff is huge. Rites of passage, all three, will include blessings for those beloved with whom we share an extraordinary life. Considering all these blessings from birth to death, along with our animal companions, love and happiness fill my spirit. May you be blessed and happy and full of love!

Nov1

In brief

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It’s November! My six-month break from employment is over!

On Monday I’ll be moving to an apartment in Houston, thanks to the help of my husband Jon and his faithful little pickup truck Francis. I’ve tried to select the lightest and most compact furniture possible. Books are harder to compress, but I was quite selective and filled just five boxes. Most likely more will migrate to Houston as I travel back and forth.

The Administrator tells me that my name is on the church sign, business cards were ordered, and my office is ready. Sweet!

Meanwhile in Austin, I’ve written a meditation, selected a reading, and written the first draft of about half a sermon. Not ready for primetime, but it’s a start. Our sermon series is on Blessing, featuring four ministers and four topics: (Un)Expected Blessings; Blessed Are They; Bless You; and Choose to Bless the World. Our Big Idea is “Be a Blessing.” The work is done collaboratively with ideas contributed by the four ministers, three religious educators, and the lead music director. A blessing indeed!

Before running off to Houston, in just two days I’ll be singing with Tapestry Singers for our 25th Anniversary concert! Loose Threads, our small ensemble, will be singing five songs this time and I need to review some of them!

Aug15

Musical Symposium

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Texas Choral Consort has an August concert in Austin after a short but intense six-week rehearsal schedule. This year we’re singing opera choruses—a rather daunting summer symposium. These are some of the more famous and popular choruses from 18th century Handel to 20th century Bernstein). It has been educational as well as challenging. Instead of one entire opera, a narrative arc has been added to introduce these works and link them together.

Artistic Director Brent Baldwin will conduct four wonderful soloists, an orchestra (including an anvil for the percussionist!) and a chorus of 80+ voices on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:30; and Sunday, Aug. 19, at 3; both at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr (off Far West).

Come see what we can do in thirteen 3-hour rehearsals! (I’ll add a shout out to Old Koenig Lane Christian Church for providing rehearsal space.)

More info and tickets here

Here are the titles for you opera buffs!

Viva L’Opera! Famous Opera Choruses

Narration

Chorus of Enchanted Islanders (Alcina, by G.F. Handel)

Voyager’s Chorus (Idomeneo, by Mozart)

Narration

Villagers’ Chorus (Guillame Tell, by Rossini)

Narration

Mira, O Norma (Norma, by Bellini)

Narration

Habanera (Carmen, by Bizet)

Te Deum (Tosca, by Puccini)

Narration

Waltz Scene (Eugene Onegin, by Tchaikovsky)

Wedding Guests’ Chorus (Lucia di Lammermoor, by Donizetti)

Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin, by Wagner)

Narration

Polovtsian Dances (Prince Igor, by Borodin)

Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Nabucco, by Verdi)

Narration

Rataplan (La Forza del Destino, by Verdi)

Narration

Matadors’ Chorus (La Traviata, by Verdi)

Brindisi (La Traviata, by Verdi)

Anvil Chorus (Il Trovatore, by Verdi)

Narration

Make Our Garden Grow (Candide, by Leonard Berstein)

Jul27

Music performance at its best

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On the musical theme, here are some good reasons to hire an experienced professional accompanist for auditions, etc. My friend Sheryl is such a professional and I have seen her help students do their very best performances.

http://clariniano.wordpress.com/2012/07/25/why-you-should-use-a-professional-accompanist-for-exams-auditions-and-competitions/

I’ve had wonderful opportunities this summer to indulge in music and other artistic endeavors:

First, a SHAMELESS PLUG: Tomorrow July 28! a fundraising pancake breakfast for Tapestry Singers. All you can eat for $6 at Applebee’s, I-35 @ St. John’s, from 8-10am. Eggs, eggs benedict, sausage, hash browns, fruit, juice, coffee, tea, and pancakes galore. We’ll probably sing something for you around 9 or so.

Conspirare Symphonic Choir with the Austin Symphony, Peter Bay, conductor, and Craig Hella Johnson, guest conductor

Hilde Girls & Drumsistas, with Susan Lincoln, director and founder

Journey: Tradition to Innovation — a performance by Bharata Natyam of classical and contemporary Indian dance, with live music and poetry by Chandra Washington

“House” at the Museum of Ephemerata. Homeowners Scott & Jen Webel inherited a museum housed in the front of their east Austin home; the “House” exhibit was mostly in the back yard. Open on Saturday afternoons, though maybe not every Saturday!

“Sisters Under the Skin,” a Civil War spy drama by Paullette MacDougal. Three women–a slave-holding abolitionist, her slave (who became a spy in the home of the Confederate president), and the First Lady–truly had a profound impact on U.S. history. The brand new Madeline McCauley Heritage Chorale of 14 singers, debuted during this production.

Balcones Community Orchestra, Dr. Robert Radmer, musical director.

The Studebakers, who sing mostly 30s and 40s songs. Jill, my sister-in-law, is one of the Studebakers.

Coming soon: Texas Choral Consort will sing about 15 opera choruses by a variety of composers from Bernstein and Bizet to Verdi and Wagner. Soloists and orchestra will make this a treat on Sat. evening Aug. 18 and Sunday afternoon Aug. 19. Info at http://www.txchoralconsort.org

Contemporary music, blues, country, classical; music, dance, theater . . . love that variety!

Jul14

From a Sad to a Solo Symphony

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Last week I wrote about Cristian Mihai’s short story “A Sad, Sad Symphony.”

Thursday night I attended the opening performance of Solo Symphony. It features Peter Bay, the conductor since 1998 of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. This time, instead of conducting with his back to the audience, he faced us, and his movements and directions became a dance.

Has anyone heard of Trash Dance? Choreographer Allison Orr worked with trash collectors and their trucks to create a large scale “dance” on a huge parking lot at night. The workers and their movements; the trucks and their own long arms; turns and pivots. Extraordinary! Allison has also choreographed Venetian gondoliers, firefighters, and Elvis impersonators and highlighting their ordinary jobs as contemporary dance.

So it was no surprise when she watched Peter Bay conduct and saw  his movements as dance. The idea stirred within her: would he work with her to turn his craft into dance? Yes, indeed! In a collaboration with Graham Reynolds, musician, and Peter Bay, conductor, they transformed Bach, Stravinsky, Beethoven and Reynolds, with video by Stephen Pruitt, plus a 13-piece orchestra, we watched Peter Bay conduct. The small Rollins Theater made for a truly personal experience.

Loved it! Last performances today at 3 and 8pm at the Long Center, though it’s probably sold out. Perhaps a video someday?

Jul6

Philosophy through Art

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I have been following a blog by Cristian Mihai that focuses on various aspects of writing. He has written several short stories and will soon release a novel, Jazz, for which he solicited opinions about its cover art.

Cristian sent 20 of his readers who requested it, a digital copy of his short story “A Sad, Sad Symphony” in hopes that we would review it. So glad I had that chance! I wrote a review for Amazon, where you can download it for 99 cents–well worth the price of a tune. Check it out! A Sad, Sad Symphony

His website is here, where you can find a link to his blog. Cristian Mihai

I like his signature quote: “If the doctor said I had six minutes to live, I’d type a little faster.”

May9

A new normal? Exhausting!

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My favorite water coaster says, “Pretending to be a Normal Person day-after-day is exhausting.” But in a good way!

My sister Madeleine loves Austin so we try to pack in a lot of restaurants and even touristy things while she is in town. The heat was rather a welcome respite from the chill left behind in Columbus, Ohio. They had a very warm March in which everything bloomed, then a late frost killed off some of that bounty. Now they’re warming up again.

A baker’s dozen of things we did:

  1. Austin Overtures 90-minute tour with our friend Maggie who loves Austin probably more than anyone else. She knows the history and even where the bodies are buried–in the Texas State Cemetery. As it happened, everyone else on the tour that day was also from Ohio. Originally from the Cleveland area, these 7-8 friends have an annual reunion from all over the place. This year they chose Austin. We’re so glad they did!
  2. Favorite restaurants such as Magnolia, Zocalo, Galaxy, Wildflower Cafe; and pot lucks with friends.
  3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, which is absolutely bursting with spring blooms. QR Codes provided information about various sections right on my phone, either spoken or in text. I took lots of cell phone pix as well and we enjoyed browsing in the gift shop.
  4. More shopping! Madeleine needed something special for a wedding luncheon and the wedding itself. I helped her spend lots of money on some good values.
  5. A children’s orchestra performance on the plaza of the Long Center. Jon recognized Elizabeth Whitehead, their conductor, who was a friend of his daughter’s from 15 years ago. I took pictures, including one of the two of them together.
  6. Conspirare Symphonic Chorus and the Austin Symphony, conducted by Peter Bay and Craig Hella Johnson. This was a wonderful concert that included two Stowkowski interpretations of Bach (Toccata and Fugue in D Minor; and Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor).
  7. The Chorus sang Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms. Orchestration was mostly with woodwinds and not a single violin or viola! . . . and Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. How beautiful! A boy soprano, Lucas Revering, sang the 23rd Psalm in Hebrew. It was dramatically interrupted by the chorus breaking into a furious “Why do the nations rage?” Then the boy’s clear voice came back in and sang, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Familiar text added to the effect.
  8. Lost cell phones! Madeleine literally lost hers somewhere. We retraced our destinations as soon as we could, to no avail. She was eligible for an upgrade so it cost her about $1 plus some angst. On the very same day, my iPhone completely died! It’s only 2 months old, but even Apple’s Genius Bar expert said it gave her an error message she had never seen before. They gave me a new phone, but I lost the day’s pictures from the Wildflower Center. Fortunately, Jon had emailed himself some of the pix of him with Elizabeth Whitehead so those were safe in cyberspace. Phone contacts were restored through iCloud.
  9. Tapestry Singers concert! It was wonderful, if I say so myself. Since I was concert co-coordinator I was grateful all the logistics went rather smoothly. A great committee makes a world of difference. This year we added colorful scarves to the basic black and we added a Scarf Diva to the concert committee. Well done, Sonya! Excellent conducting Jenn Goodner; sound by Tom Johnson of AltaVistaRecording.com. We eagerly await the polished recording. Already we enjoyed watching the video of the concert at our after-party. It was fun to sing our favorite parts again and to laugh at our missteps. (Literally: Mary missed a step and fell, though she is just fine.) Musical mistakes are not nearly so noticeable in the video as they had loomed in our minds!
  10. Tapestry Singers were joined beautifully by Westlake High School’s Chamber Women’s Choir, also directed by Jenn Goodner; and the Westlake Middle School Choir, directed by our accompanist Andrea Snouffer. Each choir sang one song and they all came up for the encore. Over 100 voices sang another favorite, “For Good,” from the musical Wicked. (“Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but … because I knew you … I have been changed … for good.”)
  11. More shopping! I had borrowed Madeleine’s new skirt for the concert and decided I liked it well enough to get one of my own. The ruffles make it swing nicely. I also found a crocheted top that will look great over a camisole.
  12. The Bakery Jam! We topped off Madeleine’s visit with my weekly musical jam. It was something of a house-warming, too, in the newly remodeled home of one of the Jamsters. Sheryl was thrilled to have us fill her home with joy, laughter, and best of all, music.
  13. Up around 4am Monday morning to get to the airport in time for Security Follies. Even with a doctor’s note about her fake knee, she always has to be patted down :~) … Love and hugs as she goes away for a while. We are already planning our next get-together.

Now I’m just waiting to know she landed safely back in Columbus (she did). A wonderful week and new memories. Plus, I recorded her telling some family stories from long, long ago. Deviled eggs, pie and ice cream also made this week heavenly and special.

Two full days later and Jon and I are about to hit the road to visit friends in North Carolina. More travel tales await!