Day 24 - The Perfect Tree

Christmas Eve is and has always been one of my favorite points in the holiday season.  I love singing the songs and hearing the Christmas story.  

For many years my family would sing at church and tonight was no different.  My father was asked to sing this beautiful song: The Perfect Tree.

Our day has been spent with traveling, 2 church services, dinner with my grandparents, followed by a late night party at a family friend's annual Christmas Eve get together.  

I wish you all sweet dreams and safe travels wherever you are this night.

Blessings for your Christmas,

Kristin Noel

Day 23 - Candlelight Carol

Today was a reminder that even holidays can be covered with gloom by a loss.

I was informed today that a young student I work with had passed away.  We are deeply saddened by this loss and send prayers for his family, his teacher, and the other staff and therapists that had the pleasure to work with him and enjoy his beautiful smile.

Tonight’s song is dedicated to him: Candlelight Carol

If you would like to donate to help pay for Christian's funeral, please click here!

Day 22 - Blue Christmas

Tonight's song has a different twist than our typical happy and enthusiastic Christmas tunes.
I feel it is important to recognize that this time of year isn't always 'happy' for those around us.  For those that have lost loved ones, this time of the year can be difficult.  For those in our midst who are homeless and don't have the means for a beautiful Christmas spread on the table or gifts under the tree, this time of year is not so joyful.
As you listen to this song, please remember those around you and honor them as you go about with your holiday season.

Blessings,
Kristin Noel

Day 21 - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Tonight's song is a simple classic that completely sums up this time of year and many of the reasons I love it so much!

Please enjoy: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year


4 days till Christmas!!!

Day 20 - Road Trip Medley 2014

Today we had our extended family Christmas in Rolla, MO and we had a great time with friends and family!  Tonight's song/songs are a 2 minute snapshot of our road trip to our 2nd Christmas with Adam's family.

We had fun rewriting this song and sharing a medley as we carol in the car!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kristin

Day 19 - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Today was a wonderful day filled with good work, great friends, and now a road trip.  

We start our Christmas festivities tonight and are looking forward to spending quality time with friends and family over the next 2 weeks.

Have a great weekend!

Kristin

Day 18 - Coventry Carol

My hubby, Adam, is at it again!  Tonight all on his own!

He finished finals yesterday and was able to stay home and spend time recording!  I'm so happy…..and proud to share his music with you tonight.  Yes….he IS doing ALL 4 parts!!!  He rocks!

Thank you for listening and please enjoy this 4-part version of Coventry Carol.

Have a GREAT Friday….see you tomorrow!

Kristin Noel

Day 17 - It's Christmas Time

Originally recorded by The Carpenters on their Christmas album…..one of the best albums EVER!
This is a classic around our home!

Please enjoy: It's Christmas Time

Day 16 - Frosty the Snowman

Today was inspired by an intervention my music therapy intern, Stephanie, designed and is implementing in our music therapy session.  In this intervention she has printed out and laminated parts of a snowman and rewrote this song to include all the parts of a snowman for one of our clients.  I was inspired and reminded how fun this song is to sing.  

So tonight I've convinced my hubby once again to sing harmony with me! :)

Please enjoy:  Frosty the Snowman

Day 15 - The Holly & The Ivy

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today after a very long weekend of work and music, I'm just plain exhausted.

So, I gladly share another from our cantata performed by our Chapel Ringers: The Holly & The Ivy

Have a great week!

Day 14 - Good King Wenceslas

Today was our annual Christmas Cantata at our church.  It is always a grand affair with our Celebration Singers, membership orchestra, Chapel Ringers, and our children's theatre production.  We also have our WONDERFUL Christmas banquet following all the festivities.  It is the PERFECT way to get us in the mood for the season! 

Today I played with the Chapel Ringers and played and cued a few things in our children's production "A Christmas To Believe In."  I had a blast as always with the children and the bell ringers.

Please enjoy our fun and energetic arrangement of Good King Wenceslas!  Way to go bells!

Thank you CUCC for a wonderful day full of music, fun, and fellowship!  NOW….I'm ready for Christmas!

Blessings for your Sunday,

Kristin Noel

Day 13 - Away In a Manger (Traditional)

Tonight we had a wonderful evening with our best friends Erich & Amber and our Godson, Peter.
We always enjoy our time with them and thank God for them daily!  Let's be honest……multiple times a day!

We had a lovely mexican dinner and spent time around the fire talking and oooooing and awwwwing over Peter which reminded me of this beautiful Christmas lullaby!

So this one is dedicated to our Godson, Peter!

Blessings from our home to yours,
A & K

Day 12 - Kentucky Homemade Christmas

Originally recorded by Kenny Rogers, this is a classic around the Whiteman household at Christmas time and I had to share it with you tonight!



If you like what you hear, we do have a homemade Christmas album available:  Check it out at our band page!  Happy Harmonies from our home to yours.  Adam & Kristin

Day 11 - Let It Snow (&) Kristin's Birthday!

So….. today is my birthday and it was a truly wonderful day full of music and friends.  I LOVE snow and have wished for snow every year for my birthday and Christmas since I was a little girl, so this song seemed appropriate for today!

Tonight my husband Adam and I will be sharing a Christmas classic from the comfort of our home!

Please enjoy!  Let It Snow!

Day 10 - Mary Did You Know

Tonight is the last video with my music students.  I have enjoyed sharing their talents and love of music with you the past few days.  

I was reminded by my mother-in-law today how difficult it is to get up in front of people to perform.  Some people are naturally gifted in front of others and then others of us struggle.  As a music teacher and therapist at heart, I stress the importance of ENJOYING music.  It isn't about hitting every note correctly, or playing a piece perfectly from start to finish.  Sometimes LIVE music is about making a mistake and learning to keep going and that to me is a better talent to learn than playing it perfectly.  Live music isn't suppose to be perfect, in my book.  Live music is real and that's why I love it so much.  It is about feeling and heart and enjoyment for the performer and the audience.  

I can honestly say I am a PROUD teacher, not because my student's play every note perfectly; but because they start, they finish, they learn, and they encourage each other.  

I am a PROUD teacher!

Devin and I will be performing this piece live at our Christmas Pageant this Sunday and would like to share it with you tonight.

Have a wonderful rest of your week! See you tomorrow!

Kristin

Day 9 - That's What's Up/We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We had a great time at our Winter Recital and this is another from one of our newer voice students.  She chose this song and it isn't specifically a 'Christmas' song, but it was fun and I had to share it.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did learning it and performing it.

Original song by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Have a great Tuesday!

Kristin

Day 8 - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Today we have another guest musician, Devin.

Devin is my guitar student and has only been taking for 3 years.  Devin already knows all the strings on the guitar, numerous chords, and is reading this piece and many others on the staff!  Guitar isn't just about playing chords!  I'd say this girl has talent.  I am pleased to share her talents with you today.  It is an honor to teach each and every one of my students. I am AGAIN…one proud teacher!

Enjoy this beautiful performance of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.

Happy Monday!

Kristin

Day 7 - Jingle Bells

This afternoon was our Winter Music Recital for Giving Song Music Studio!

We had a blast and all the young performers did a great job!  We showcased guitar, piano, and voice at this recital.  Along with the beautiful music, we enjoyed homemade chocolate chip mint cookies, hot apple cider, and popcorn.  Friends and family were present to cheer our young performers on and a good time was had by all.  I was one proud music teacher!

Here is one of our piano students, Josie, performing one of her favorite for the season:  Jingle Bells!

Have a wonderful week!

Kristin

Day 6 - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

We spent the day around the fire catching up with family and friends.  I can't imagine a more relaxing and joyful way to spend an afternoon.

We are also gearing up for our Winter Music Recital TOMORROW and looking forward to hearing our young musicians perform.  *You just might be hearing a few of them on here over the next few days! So be sure to check back in.

Please enjoy this simple and fun arrangement of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Holiday Harmonies from our home to yours,

Kristin Noel

Day 5 - The First Noel/Go Tell It On A Mountain

Today I was out Christmas shopping in our mall and having a wonderful time when I happened upon a gathering in the food court.  I heard angelic voices coming from the side and, as a music therapist with children, I was drawn to the area.  As I arrived I saw many people 'speaking' in sign language and wearing purple shirts.  As I stood and listened to a local children's choir, I saw conversations going on everywhere and was captivated.  Absolutely captivated!

I have always admired those who could sign and use it to communicate and desire greatly to learn it fluently (Bucket List Addition).  I do use some with the children I work with on a daily basis, but only simple phrases and words.

To my delight, those signing began to gather on sage and as they began I teared up at the beauty of this language and how effective it is at expressing meaning and emotion.  I was literally standing there weeping with joy.  Then…..they sang The First Noel, one of my all time favorites followed by Go Tell It On The Mountain….another favorite.  I absolutely had to share these 2 beautiful renditions for you tonight.

This choir is the Talking Hands Choir through our local Parkade Baptist Church Deaf Ministry program.  Here is a link to their webpage:  http://www.parkadebaptistchurch.org/DeafMinistry

May you enjoy this beautiful language as much as I did tonight!

Blessings for your weekend,

Kristin