MIRACLES --- 8 September 2013

MIRACLE  # 7

Another tender mercy close to my heart I’ll call the Musical Miracle.  As I’ve shared before, the people in the DR love to sing and most can’t carry a tune in a bucket!  A little example of that will be forthcoming via Dropbox.  My humble effort at teaching directing in Español when we first got here seems to have had little effect on my students.  They just don’t comprehend, even after much repetition and drilling, the note values and the downbeat totally eludes them.  Instead of pulling my hair out, I asked our director if I could lead a choir instead.  (My great love!) 

So we formed an Institute Choir and it began with about 6 students and over the course of 2 semesters, has grown to 30 students.  At the end of our first semester we had about 15 students and we had a little program to “show off” their hard work.  Thankfully, I had the help of one of the office elder, Elder Stratford, who was an amazing pianist and was available to accompany us most of the time.  I also had a darling student I’ve come to love, Lorianne, who plays very well but her life and schedule didn’t allow her to always be there for rehearsals.  But we managed to learn and perform “As Sisters in Zion/We’ll Bring the World His Truth.”  

This was their first real attempt to sing harmony and though it was ear-splitting in places, it was very good in others and they were so proud of themselves.  I was pleased and encouraged. 

So this semester, we’ve been preparing to perform for Institute Graduation.  After 15 weeks of rehearsals, praying for an accompanist (Elder Stratford went home), helping the students learn to sing in English, we got our program ready for Graduation on Septmeber 1st.  Sister Ewell, another young missionary pianist was an answer to prayers and though she plays the piano mostly by ear, she worked hard to learn the notes.  Lorianne also came to rehearsal more regularly and between the two of them, we had good and sometimes great accompaniment.   The choir learned to sing in English “Be Still My Soul” and the chorus of “I Know That My Savior Loves Me.”  We also did “Con El Salvador Al Lado” “If the Savior Stood Beside Me.”  The students loved these Primary songs and we had lovely piano arrangements with the choir singing the melody (or close to it...)  Our big special number was “Homeward Bound” also in English.  We had the Mack Wilberg arrangement for 2 pianos and though we had to simplify some of it, to have 4 hands on one amplified keyboard, it was amazingly good.  One of our students, Roniel, played the Dominican flute (a recorder) and he sounded very much like the Tab Choir recording.  

Lillybeth Peña led the opening and closing hymns.

Elder Cornish of the Area Presidency presided at Graduation.  I could not record it because it was in the chapel with a General Authority presiding.   Our director had asked me to teach a student to lead the choir because he wanted the program to be by the students.  Not an easy task but he chose the student he wanted and she worked hard and was doing pretty well.  I was planning to play the violin on the first two numbers.  At the last minute (2 days before Graduation) Brother Bretón told me that the student leader would be unable to lead after all and I needed to find another student director. With two rehearsal left...I don't think so!  We tried with a couple of students at our dress rehearsal and it was pretty much a disaster.  (Perfect recipe, I know, for a great performance!)  Bill called Sister Douglas and asked if she could play the violin for us so I could lead.  She graciously accepted and came 2 hours before the program to practice with us and of course, it was splendid!  She has the master’s touch and it added so much!  So, we performed, we did our very best and the angels came to help as they always do.  Brother Breton was bursting his buttons.  Elder Cornish was very pleased.  He said to Bill after the meeting, “That choir was the best choir I have heard in the entire Caribbean Area.”  WOW!  That is remarkable!

Half the choir...and they gave me flowers!

How proud I am of these students for their hard work and great spirits!  I had 3 walk-ons plead to join us at the last minute (typical Dominican style) and of course I couldn’t say no.  They followed along as best they could.  I asked them to sing softly if they didn’t know the notes well.  They sang with gusto, however, and between them and my tone-deaf students who always sing their hearts out, we had some interesting harmonies.  Thankfully, the Dominicans thought it was perfect!  But the true joy for me is knowing that these students will have these beautiful songs in their souls for years to come.  

Lillybeth left for her mission in Mexico this past week.  We'll miss her greatly.  She's been a wonderful part of the choir and she loves to speak English!  She told me that her soul is made up of 50% the Savior, 25% herself and 25% music!  Sweet girl!







Someone captured my feelings exactly...music is the food of the soul!!

A little bonus blessing was having my best soprano, Manuela who actually sings professionally tell me she’s been involved in a lot of choirs and this is the first one she has really loved and her testimony has grown through singing this wonderful music.  Through small and simple things are great things brought to pass. 

And a new semester tomorrow…Christmas music begins!