Music

Tonight as I was adding songs to my play list I was again reminded how much I LOVE music. As I was deciding which songs to add, I recalled so many great experiences in my life that involved music. Unfortunately although I have a deep appreciation and fondness for music, somewhere I missed the gene for rhythm. I have practiced and gotten slightly better over the years, but I still am usually just about a half beat off when leading or dancing. It doesn't stop me though... I'll "start at the very beginning", and I am sad to say I have probably forgot a few. My first memory of music was primary. I remember learning songs and I loved them. I was good at them too. I often sang louder than everyone around me. It made me feel so happy. I then took that knowledge home and used it in FHE (it may have actually been opposite, I may have first learned in FHE). We took turns at first leading the music, but over time I became the designated "FUN SONG" girl. I truly do not know how or why my family tolerated it but they did. Often I made up new "fun songs" and they mimicked me as I requested. I remember it being fun, but my family may not recall it the same way. When I was in Senior Primary I had an incredible chorister Viola Williams. I loved her and all she taught us. I asked her one day if I could lead the music in primary. She thought that would be great. She had me over to her home taught me some techniques. We practiced the song over and over and she even let me use her baton. That next week in primary led the song it was such an impressionable memory to me. My mom also tried to teach me to lead. I didn't realize it at the time, but this was when I learned I didn't feel the beat. My mom would say to me over and over you just come down on the down beat. Don't you feel the down beat. She never gave up. Always patiently trying to help me feel the down beat. It was years later as a primary chorister when I was memorizing the down beats that I realized I just didn't have that talent. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to be a primary chorister several times. Although, I have truly loved all of my callings, this is one of those callings that I can never get enough of. It is where I have begun to understand rhythm a little better. I love teaching the gospel with music.

Sydnee playing Tessie and Conner playing Rooster in Annie

When I was young my mom and dad took me to the DI and we saw "Annie" it was the best experience of my life. I still prefer Annie performed in the theater over the movie. Then Becky and I went to Music Man at UNLV and it is still my favorite production of "Music Man". My dad loved musicals and once we had a VCR we were exposed to several of them "Student Prince", "Showboat", "Oklahoma", "My Fair Lady" etc. I remember watching "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" with Cheryl over and over. Sound of Music was another favorite and we had the 8-Track often on Sundays we'd turn it on and act out the musical Our favorite was "So Long Farewell" we just couldn't get our brothers to participate. One summer we watch "Annie Get Your Gun" at Ricks, again I fell in love with the musical, my favorite song being "I Can do Anything Better than You". My kids have had several experiences being able to be in these musicals and it has been so much fun to watch them. My two new favorite's are "Joseph's Technicolor Dream Coat" and "Wicked". I can turn on the soundtracks to any of these and immediately feel joy.

A few years ago Becky, Julie, Debbie and I went and saw Celine Dion in concert. It still is one of the highlights of my life. I can honestly say it was the best show I've seen in Las Vegas. I couldn't get enough of the music, company, and choreography. They were all amazing. Then from 2003-2007 Christiana, Meagan and Loryn were able to participate in Choirs at Harney. The music they learned and performed was incredible. It was fun to participate with them by attending many many concerts.

I'll end with the music that moves me the most. This is the spiritual end. One of my most memorable music experiences was at General Conference October 2006. As the Tabernacle Choir sang "We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet" it stirred me more than I knew was possible. I will ever treasure that memory. Then when I worked with Laurie and Liz in young women's in the East stake they exposed me to so much new Christian music. First we had Nashville Tribute to Joseph performed at part of our youth conference. That experience fortified my testimony of Joseph Smith, I will ever be grateful for Jason Deere and Dan Truman sharing their talents. Then we prepared music for camp and I learned so many great new songs that again bring me great joy when I hear them.

Good music is definitely a prayer to my soul. I love the thoughts from The Strength of Youth, "Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father"