Category Archives: Holiday

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It’s not too late

One of my favorite Christmas carols is one that I don’t think I ever sang.  I still don’t sing it.  I don’t know the words.  But it’s still my favorite.

Why?  Don’t know.  It’s just another one of those tunes that wakes me up in the middle of the night, running through my head.

I learned this tune (I know, i just said I never sang it – but I do know the tune!) listening to Christmas records as a kid.  We had an album with it.  It was sung by a Boys’ Choir (could have been Vienna, St. Martin’s, Ersatz, not sure).  I imagine that I remember the cover but I think it have concocted an amalgamation of the covers of the ones I remember best.  I don’t remember ever hearing it on the radio or in the Christmas specials on TV.  But it has not left me.

I also never remembered the name of it. I never got any of the words (no liner notes – the ONLY way I ever get lyrics right!).  And so, into my adulthood, it remained this tune that ran through my head, unaccompanied by a desire to play it, to seek it out (after all, it comes up unbidden!).  Until, one day a dear friend started to tell the story of a defining moment in his life.  I won’t tell his story here (he tells it brilliantly and it is his story) but it centered on the Christmas carol, Once in Royal David’s City.  I hadn’t ever heard that one, so I asked him and he graced me by singing it (in his lovely voice).

And then I knew…it was that tune I love that I didn’t know the name of!

And that sparked a (new) desire to actually play this tune that has been on intermittent repeat (to be fair, it didn’t play in my head for years there in the middle). It is from a hymn tune originally entitled Irby written by the English composer Henry Gauntlett (1805 – 1876).  He was an interesting guy – he was a champion for Beethoven, Bach.  And apparently a brilliant organist – Mendelssohn selected him to play a premiere. Of course, I think he’s fab – he invented a new kind of organ because the ones available weren’t serving the music well enough! (OBTW, if you’re interested, the lyrics were written by Irish poet Cecil Frances Alexander, herself wonderfully accomplished as well.)

So, after all that, I really enjoy playing this carol (still don’t know the words!). But since I enjoy it so much, I wanted to share it with you!  It’s a fairly simple tune so for a little work, you could have it ready for Christmas if you like.  It’s not one everyone plays, so it’ll be a nice addition to your set.  I, of course, have written an arrangement and I’d be delighted if you play it.  But remember two important things.  First, the melody is the thing (so play at your level).  Second, be you!  This is how I might play it but feel free to start here and do you!  You’ll find it here.

I hope you enjoy it – let me know how it goes in the comments!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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It’s that time of the year when we pause to be thankful.  It is always good to give thanks for the bounties in our lives – family, friends, community.  I hope that you know how much I appreciate you being a part of my community, all of you.  Thank you for spending time with me each week and for sharing your thoughts, questions, and insights.  I am grateful for you and your time.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Remember

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Remember

This week we observe Memorial Day and honor those who have died in the nation’s wars.  These fallen have given all to preserve our way of life.  Those of whom can be said, “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue”.  This Uncommon Valor has afforded the rest of us the privilege of playing the music we love in relative safety and security.  Please remember them with gratitude as you play and practice this week.

Makin’ a List

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Makin’ a List

Since the end of the year is coming, many people are spending a moment taking stock (which is a great idea, BTW!).  My own led to a list of random thoughts that I, of course, felt compelled to share with you!

1. If you need gift ideas (or hints?) I stand by this list for ideas. I should have added index cards to keep a running collection of tunes you have learned (I talk about that here).

2. Regardless of whether you play for your own edification, the cat and the curtains, your church, paid audiences, or you’re opening for the Rolling Stones, never lose sight of the reality that you not only have a gift, but you sharing that gift with others simply magnifies it. Playing music is never a waste of time or resources.

3. Take care of you. Beyond basic self-care, never play through pain or in pain.  Use good techniques, use the tools your teachers have shared with you – placing, fingering, posture, etc.  But no matter how long you practice each day, there are still the habits of the other hours of your day that can gang up on you – darn day job!  If you are developing discomfort or if you have allowed that discomfort to grown into pain, of if something else is impinging on your playing (I’m looking at you desk job keyboard un- functional posture) seek help from a Certified Music Ergonomist – like me*!

4. Take time to enjoy. Even as the hustle and bustle, the premanufactured stress of the season, the actual stress of life, and the chores pile up – you play the harp!  Play the tunes you like (or those that come easily to you).  Really listen, feel, and resonate with your instrument and draw some peace to you, in you, and around you.  If it’s midnight and you’re keyed up, sit for just a moment and put a little disturbance into the air.  Let the ick of stress, etc., ride those sound waves right out of you!

5. Is it possible to say thank you enough? I doubt it.  So, sincerely, thank you for sharing your year with me.  I really enjoy your thoughts, observations, and comments, and I remain delighted and grateful for you and your willingness to share!

Told you, just a jumble of thoughts.  What’s on your list?  Let me know in the comments!

 

 

* Shameless plug.  But seriously, if not me, let me point you in the right direction~

Thanks

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This week we celebrate Thanksgiving in the US.  We have so many things to be grateful for, and once again, I find that one at the top of the list is – you!  Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my community.  I really appreciate your time and attention and participation!

Thank you.

Even better than Halloween!

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It’s one of the best holidays – Halloween.  What’s not to like? Little kids in adorable costumes! Your favorite candy – that terrible candy that you’d never admit to liking but is so good (candy corn? Smartees?)! Leaves to kick through! Cooler temps, breezes, sweaters, socks!  All the things!!

Well, I’ve found something even better.  I got to go to Shepherdstown WV and play the harp with little kids and bigger kids.  I spent a lovely morning with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and then with Pre-K and Kindergartners!  They had great questions – how long had I played? Had I ever played for anyone famous? Best of all, they really enjoyed getting to play the harp(sicle!).

No photos of course – they are little, and the internet can be a terrible place.  But there, in those schools, they were amazing and fun.  I was grateful for the opportunity to play for them!  Hopefully a couple of budding musicians will emerge.  Or, at a minimum, these children will continue to enjoy the magic of music for the rest of their lives!

I was also delighted to get to play a concert for some incredible people too!  They were a wonderful audience – they also asked great questions and were so interactive!  Special thanks to Judy for setting the entire experience up.  I’m so hopeful that they’ll invite me back again (hint hint 😊).

After I played, I was delighted to have a number of audience members come and give playing the harp a try – they were so game and fun.  Jen and I had a great time playing for her first time

I couldn’t ask for a better weekend!  Have you ever gotten to work with kids?  I’d love to hear about it!  How old were they? What did you do with them? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments!