Day 1

Yesterday was absolutely amazing! I have to admit, the "non-Lutheran" tune to the hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" is really beginning to grow on me! It was the first hymn last year, and again this year in our worship time. Very majestic and pomp and circumstancy! Our first music reading session had some really great pieces, and it's always neat to hear the composers explain about their pieces. To me, it helps me to understand their mindset in writing it. Then I had a 2 part seminar on preparing for, leading and analyzing a children's choir rehearsal. I have had plenty of opportunities to do many different kinds of rehearsals and children's choir is always the one I feel less competent to do. I think a big part of it is me and my getting myself set back even before I begin. I am seeing how to fix that, and this has me extremely excited to prepare rehearsals for the fall. It's always nice to be away from things and have an opportunity to brainstorm and think. And I had an "a-ha" moment! Since our youth praise band consists of 3, two of them already in youth choir, and 3 others who are interested in participating, but don't want to be in front....why not have the youth choir sing contemporary, traditional and a wide mix of styles? Integrating the instrumental musicians into both styles, and the more I processed it over the night, the more I absolutely love this brainstorm! I am rejoicing that God put it in my head! Today, my first seminar is one how to put on a musical. I can't wait, because as I have been thinking and praying in regard to next summer, along with talking to a few people, I see a musical being the biggest potential opportunity to reach out to the community, doing something radically different, and of course, having a blast in the process! Lots more children's choir stuff today, so I am looking forward to the ideas and resources shared to help make me feel more competent in what I am doing. Then tonight, I'm extremely excited. I get to be led in a choir rehearsal by THE Dr. Anton Armstrong of THE St. Olaf University. He's one of the top directors, so to be able to get input from him will be a tremendous blessing! Well, it's off I go!