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 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 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 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