2011: A Year in Review

I'm starting a new tradition: a newsy recap post highlighting the biggest and best moments of the past year. I thought 2010 would be tough to beat: final semester of grad school with papers and projects galore, Eastman graduation, interviewing and getting a new job, relocating to a new state, experiencing my first semester as an adjunct professor at a college, and getting engaged to the handsome SD.

Well, what do you know - 2011 turned out to be quite the year, as well! Here's what I've been up to:

We set a wedding date and jumped head-on into all the planning! We wrote up a budget, booked venues, booked a caterer, sent out save-the-dates, made lots of lists, and began all of the DIY projects (yes, SD and I did all of the planning and projects together). Read through more of my wedding planning posts here.

We visited our reception venue for the first time during a short holiday weekend getaway in February. It was so perfect for us!

We jetted off to Florida to visit my "second parents" for spring break in March and enjoyed an evening of choir rehearsals, a surprise trip to Animal Kingdom, an art show, and sharing in worship on Sunday.

I may or may not have put off dress shopping until March, but I found "the one" by mid-April.

Steve and I put together a 45-minute collaborative lecture recital called "The Art of Song" in April. We had a very enthusiastic audience that loved the opportunity to participate in our creative process! See video clips here, here, and here.

I took a train trip to Philadelphia in early June to accompany the youth choir from my church in Athens, GA. They were on a week-long tour and I joined them for a few days of concerts and sightseeing in the city. I picked up a southern accent while I was with them - SD barely recognized me on the phone!

Steve and I co-founded and co-directed the first-ever Westminster Chamber Music Workshop at the end of June with great success. Grant-writing, press releases, video blogs, email marketing, program book materials, and organizing a chamber choir and six community events in six days = lots of work + lots of fun. Read more here.

The day after the Workshop ended, we took a summer road trip to Rochester, NY. I reconnected with professors, got my favorite cookie from the cafe down the street, and soaked up the Gibbs Street atmosphere while Steve had a day of meetings. We got our fill of Wegmans, made a quick trip to the farmer's market, and even had time for a picnic at the Canal.

We took several short weekend trips to visit Steve's parents in Connecticut, including a trip at the end of July for a beautiful bridal shower hosted by Steve's mom and neighbor. A southern-themed garden party, they had everything from white hydrangeas on the tables to homemade cheese straws to pecan pie for dessert. The following week, we took a trip to see my family down in Georgia where some friends threw us a fun, black-and-white couples shower.

Classes and lessons started back in September and I stayed busy on the weekends with a few quick trips to Connecticut for final dress fittings, a day trip to Vermont for final wedding preparations, a faculty recital at school, two more wedding showers, and a trip to Rochester for a premiere of one of Steve's new works.

Image Credit: Studio 56 Photography

On the warm and sunny October 8, 2011, we said our "I dos" in a beautiful, historic Meeting House in southern Vermont complete with a string trio, a brand new piece arranged for the occasion by SD, and a handsome wedding party decked out in black dresses and tuxes with bow ties.

After the wedding, we enjoyed a week-long honeymoon exploring the streets of Portland, ME.

We'd only been newlyweds for two weeks when we hopped a plane to Memphis for a whirlwind 24-hour trip for my brother's wedding. It was funny to hear everyone refer to me as "Mrs. Danyew" - still getting used to my new name!

We thought November would settle down a bit but with teaching, choir rehearsals, a day trip to NYC, and a few days in CT for Thanksgiving, the time flew by. We celebrated our birthdays together by joining the "cool people club" and upgrading our Blackberries to iPhone 4s. Best. Decision. Ever. Also, we decided to take up jogging (training for ski season!)

December is always a busy time for church musicians but this year, I juggled the children's Christmas play, a choir cantata, two Christmas Eve services, a special chamber ensemble, and a Christmas Day service all in the span of two weeks! Happy for a week to unwind before the New Year, Steve and I spent a few days in CT before heading up to VT for celebrations with Steve's extended family.

Which brings us to today, the last day of 2011. It was a year for new things: new teaching opportunities, new music, traveling to new places, a new name... it's a busy and exciting time for us and I am greatly looking forward to all that 2012 holds!

Happy New Year, y'all!

The Music of Christmas

This week always seems to catch me by surprise. I mean, I know it’s coming. I’ve been planning for Christmas since July. And yet, here it is with its three service bulletins, special music, last-minute meetings, extra rehearsals, and the like. Yes, it’s a busy time but what a privilege it is to share music in worship! I am thankful for a semi-light work week: only two private lessons, one afternoon of juries instead of two class periods, a short break from children’s choir, and time to practice and prepare for two final choir rehearsals. Yesterday, I realized just how much music I wrote into the services this weekend and it felt a little like “The Twelve Days of Christmas:”

- One organ solo - Two choir anthems - Two ensemble anthems (I get to sing!) - Three pieces of special music to accompany (flute, saxophone, and voice) - Four pieces of service music - Four piano solos - Six hymn harmonizations - Eight Christmas hymns - Ten new organ registrations - __ hours of practicing (do I want to count?)

A few weeks ago, Steve and I attended the Lessons and Carols service at Marsh Chapel at Boston University. Gosh, I love Lessons and Carols. The service was a beautiful reflection of this sacred season and the musical selections were gorgeous (and quite unique – Arvo Pärt, anyone?). Led by an exceptional conductor, Scott Allen Jarrett, the Marsh Chapel Choir was an inspiration. I came home determined to dig up a copy of David Willcocks’ carol arrangements (and what do you know, I found two volumes!) I love adding fresh harmonies to those traditional favorites of the season.

As crazy as the preparations can be are, I love being a part of the rejoicing, the reliving, the retelling of Jesus’ birth. I love hearing the whole story from beginning to end. I love hearing the congregation sing their favorite hymns. I love seeing the Sanctuary grow dark around me and then see the light return as the candles are lit. I love sharing the message of Christmas through song. I love the reminder that God is the Alpha and Omega, the victory in my life, evermore and evermore.

Image Credit: Lauren Chester

Ode to the Choir

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the choir, Reminders to smile, breathe deeper, think higher. Their music was filed and robes hung with care, In hopes that the New Year would soon be there.

The altos were nestled all snug in their pew, Waiting for Steve to give them their cue. The row full of basses, there in the back, Had just settled down for a long sermon nap.

When out in the Narthex there arose such a clatter They sprang from their seats to see what was the matter. Away down the aisle, they flew in a flash, Peering out windows and then with a crash–

They turned on their feet and looked up at the loft, As light filled the room and voices grew soft. When what to their wondering ears should they hear, But strains of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear.”

The band of bright seraphim amidst brilliant light, The choir members gazed at the beautiful sight. With rich, joyful voices, e’en closer they came, Until they heard them call out by name:

“Come, Gretchen and Carolyn, Doug, Steve, and Anne, Come, Bobbie and Gloria, Don, Dale, and Pam! Come, Ellen and Pat, Dave, Bart, and Peg, Come, Diane and Dick, Ed and Gregg!

To the top of the mountain, and down by the lake, Sing with a smile, for goodness sake! For this is the Message and to this we are called, Now, sing noel, sing noel, sing noel, all!”

Their eyes–how they twinkled! Their dimples, how merry! Their cheeks were like roses, their robes, red as cherries! Their mouth shapes so round, their vowels, so pure, As they sang from their hearts, sweet music, for sure.

The choir, they hustled to join the bright band, And the singing continued at the wave of Steve’s hand. For there in that moment, the choir stood singing, With the angel band’s voices in unison ringing.

They remember with fondness, that white, snowy day, When the bright angel band a visit did pay. Now singing in worship, their voices of light: “Happy Christmas to all on this silent night!”

Ashley Danyew Copyright 2011 Based on "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore

Evermore and Evermore

Sometimes, days seem to last forever. Sometimes, things don’t come together like I think they should. Sometimes, I let myself get beaten down by people who criticize what I do. Sometimes, I get lost in the bulletins, the extra rehearsals, the folders of music, and the long staff meetings. Sometimes, I’m not very good at showing grace.

The choir is diligently working on a gorgeous arrangement (Jay Rouse, for all you choir directors out there) of one of my most favorite Christmas hymns – “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” (listen here).  Although we spent rehearsal worrying over notes, struggling with the 6/4 meter, and dealing with quick page turns, I was reminded of the power behind these words and the reason for which we are singing when I re-read the text:

Of the Father’s love begotten,
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega,
He the source, the ending he;
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore!

Before the world began, He was.  He knows my past, my present, and my future.  He is the source of life.

O ye heights of heaven adore him;
Angel hosts, his praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before him,
And extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert ring,
Evermore and evermore!

What else can we do but sing His praises?  Let no tongue on earth be silent… let every voice sing out!

Christ, to thee with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
Hymns and chant and high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be;
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!

As much as I try to change my expectations . . . people still disappoint me.
As much as I try to be prepared at all times . . . I will never know exactly what the future holds.
As much as I try to hold back . . . I still find myself saying the wrong things at the wrong time.
As much as I try to be professional in what I do . . . people will still find reason to criticize me.

And yet, we are called to let our praises be unwearied amidst our weariness.  To Him be honor, glory, dominion, and eternal victory – victory over the things I say, victory over the actions I take, victory over the people who try to discourage me, victory over me.

What an overwhelming sense of peace this brings to my heart tonight as I write.  Wishing you this type of peace this season.

Image Credit: personal

A Day in the Life

I am a freelance musician and largely self-employed.  I have five part-time jobs, all in music.  Christmas is the busiest time of the year.  What does a “normal” work day look like?  Let me give you a little glimpse!  Tuesdays are generally a balance of church work, private teaching, and a little administrative work for some of my other professional work and yesterday was no exception!  This was my day:

*            *            *            *            *

8:45-9:30 a.m.: catch-up with emails, editing, run/walk down to the church

9:30-10 a.m.: worship planning meeting with the pastor (we have six services on our plates right now!)

10 a.m.-12 p.m.: staff meeting regarding last Sunday and this Sunday

12-12:15 p.m.: formatting for this Sunday’s and next Sunday’s bulletins

12:15-1:00 p.m.: children’s choir planning meeting with the C.E. Director

1-1:30 p.m.: walk home, lunch, Post Office run (our midday walk), dry cleaning

1:30-4:30 p.m.: emails, update WCMW Concert Calendar, paperwork, pay bills, more editing, research

4:30-5:30 p.m.: walk to church, teach piano lessons

5:30-6:15 p.m.: file Sanctuary Choir music from Sunday, organize my music for the next few weeks of services, practice music for Sunday

6:15-7:00 p.m.: teach piano lessons, coach duet

7-7:30 p.m.: straighten up the Sanctuary, walk home, skim Christmas catalogs (J.Crew red leather gloves, anyone?), catch up with SD

7:30-8 p.m.: dinner+glass of chardonnay

8-8:30 p.m.: wash/dry the dishes, run to Vincent’s for cookies (we are so spoiled having a grocery store across the street!)

8:30-9 p.m.: take a break, watch The Office

9-10:45 p.m.: write, send/respond to emails, make lists for tomorrow, work on Christmas presents!

Thinking of You

Thinking of you this weekend, darling. Good luck with your world premiere of "A Song of Singing" in Delray Beach tomorrow!

Image Credit: Nicholas Garofalo

Christmas Time is Here

With Turkey Day behind us it seems the whole world has turned to Christmas and the upcoming holiday season with gusto. The radio stations are playing solely holiday tunes (though, I admit, I gave up on them after hearing "Dominic the Donkey" today); the church is decked out with trees, wreaths, candles, and bright red bows; and our tiny P.O. box is filled to the brim every day with cheery catalogs. It's a joyous season and yet it's also the busiest month of the year!

Between extra meetings, special bulletins, long choir rehearsals, finals, shopping, wrapping, and traveling, I feel like I'm holding on for dear life some days. It's hard not to get carried away in the hustle and bustle! In moments like these, I try to remind myself to take life one step at a time, to prioritize what's most important, and to keep smiling through it all. Part of that "grace not perfection" mantra is taking time to admire the red and green decorations in the Pharmacy window on my way to work instead of speed-walking down the sidewalk, spending time in the evening addressing Christmas cards (they're black and white and so us!) instead of fretting over the bulletin formatting, taking a Saturday morning to bake Butter Cookies (a family tradition) instead of sending emails, and planning a few days of escape with family instead of sitting at home planning for the Spring.

This season, though busy and full of opportunities to feel overwhelmed, I choose peace. I choose thankfulness. I choose joy.

iTeach

Look at me writing a post from my phone!  That’s right – you’re looking at the newest member of the iPhone club!  From FaceTime to iMessage to real-time traffic reports to web-surfing that’s faster than my laptop, I am a huge fan.  I can keep up with my emails on the go, update Twitter and Facebook in one fell swoop, and of course, write these fun updates for y’all while I’m traveling!

In addition to the personal and professional benefits, I’ve been experimenting with the iPhone as a teaching tool.  Last week, I introduced “Model T” from The Music Tree: Part I to a student for the first time.  We identified the rhythm and tonal patterns but when it came time to put everything together, I realized my student didn’t know what a Model T was.  Have no fear, the iPhone is here!  I quickly looked up a picture and a short Wikipedia article to share and discuss for a moment.  Following this teaching moment, the tempo indication, “bumping along” made much for sense!

A few days later, I had a high school student working on “Minuet en rondeau” by Jean-Philippe Rameau.  “Keyboard music from this period would have been written for what instrument?” I asked.  After a moment of thought, she shrugged.  “The harpsichord,” I said.  In order to dispel the notion that the harpsichord was played vertically like a harp, I quickly pulled out my phone, looked up a picture, and found a video performance of a 2-manual harpsichord so she could see and hear the instrument in action.  This opened the door for a conversation in stylistic interpretation, articulation choices, and the historical differences in instrument construction.  Now she recognizes that the ornamentation has a practical benefit as well as a decorative one.

Tonight, I plan to bring this recording of “While By My Sheep” into choir practice.  I think I’ll use my iPhone.

Image Credit: Jen Shenk

Happy Thanksgiving!

The hustle and bustle of the season is upon us! As much as I love the fall, I love the chillier weather that comes around this time of year. The holidays just wouldn't be the same without cozy hats and gloves, mugs of hot chocolate, and long evenings by the fire.

Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite holidays. I love the festive afternoon meal, the time with family and friends, and the focus on thankfulness. I grew up with many wonderful Thanksgiving Day traditions. We used to start the day by baking sweet potato biscuits, cooking the turkey, reheating casseroles, and making a batch of wild rice soup (Mom's favorite). In between "helping" in the kitchen, we'd watch the Macy's parade while busily unwrapping the silverware for dinner. In the afternoon, we greeted friends and family, watched Dad carve the turkey, and gathered around the table (or two, depending on the number of guests!) At each place, there were three kernels of dried corn and before dinner, we took turns speaking our blessings aloud (one thing for each kernel). It was always a wonderful opportunity to pause -- contemplate what it means to be thankful -- and share three of our many blessings.

This year, I'm exceedingly thankful for sweet friends and family who blessed us with thoughtful cards and gifts and celebrated our wedding day with us, for Steve - the love of my life - and the life God has set before us, and for the gift of grace.

Tomorrow, we'll begin our holiday weekend - we're spending a few days down at Steve's parents' home in CT for a time of feasting, fellowship, and Christmas tree-hunting! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Actions Speak

"Actions speak louder than words." I think we often pause to "think before we speak" (at least we try to) but are we as careful and intentional with our actions? If our actions truly speak louder than words, then what kind of message are we sharing with those we encounter? What kind of impression are we leaving behind?

In this week leading up to Thanksgiving, everyone seems to be talking about counting their blessings, living a grateful life, and ways to give back to the community. The church is in full stewardship swing, the grocery store is doing a food drive for the local food pantry, and Christmas organizations are already asking for donations for those in need (as an aside, does anyone else think Christmas is coming a bit early this year?).

I think it's wonderful that people recognize Thanksgiving as a time to be thankful and reflect on God's abundant faithfulness but aren't these things we should strive for every day of the year? I want to count my blessings multiple times a day. I want to live a grateful life every day of the week. Every time that there is an opportunity, I want to give what I can to help those who are less fortunate. Actions speak louder than words. How will you show your thankfulness this week and in the weeks to come?