I’ll return on January 5th. Until then, I leave you with this funny take on the holidays…wait for it in verse two: women’s octet Venus d Minor sings their version of the holiday classic, Silver Bells.

Being the curious sort, I often read the classifieds in the Christian Chronicle, a wonderful news paper filled with news of interest to church of Christ people. Each issue will have ads where local churches are trying to hire preachers. It is not uncommon for the job requirements to include that the candidate be married, that he has graduated from a “brotherhood school”, or has earned a four-year degree.

One of the most interesting requirements is that he be “sound”. What does that mean? “Sound” is one of those words with many, many meanings but in the context of describing a preacher one or more of the word’s use as an adjective would apply. Which of these do you suppose churches intend when they advertise they want a “sound” man?

3. competent, sensible, or valid: sound judgment.

4. having no defect as to truth, justice, wisdom, or reason: sound advice.

5. of substantial or enduring character: sound moral values.

6. following in a systematic pattern without any apparent defect in logic: sound reasoning.

7. uninterrupted and untroubled; deep: sound sleep.

8. vigorous, thorough, or severe: a sound thrashing.

9. free from moral defect or weakness; upright, honest, or good; honorable; loyal.

10. having no legal defect: a sound title to property.

11. theologically correct or orthodox, as doctrines or a theologian.

Several of these could apply but number 11 likely comes closest to what is intended. Or does it?

I think that rather than using the word as an adjective, many of our folks use the word “sound”, when referring to a preacher, as a noun.

The primary criteria is not that he teaches “sound” doctrine. The wish is that he holds forth the traditions that the traditional churches of Christ hold dear.

An example of the subtle difference would be the subject of a capella singing. Does this church want a man who will open the Scriptures and teach what it says, and only what it says on the subject? Or, do they want a man who will perpetuate a myth?

I must ask myself the question, am I a “sound” man? Do I love truth? Do I pursue it? Do I settle for less than the truth? And, much more important than if I have the truth, does the truth have me?

Is my life controlled by the words of Scripture or do I use Scripture to my own ends? Do I pick and choose verses, sometimes out of context, to prop up my pet doctrine? I hope not. I pray that I don’t.

I hope that when we in the churches of Christ use the word “sound” in relation to a preacher or teacher we will sincerely want him to be devoted to the Lordship of Jesus and a sincere seeker of the truth of Scripture, even if it goes against what we hold dear.

I want that kind of “sound” man behind the sacred desk on Sunday.

Royce ]]> http://joelcurrier.com/2009/12/18/aoh-band-final-performance-of-76-trombones/ Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:31:12 +0000 joelcurrier http://joelcurrier.com/2009/12/18/aoh-band-final-performance-of-76-trombones/

The 76 Trombones "band" that performed in the Ambassadors of Harmony's gold medal-winning set.

Could it be? Could it happen? Golly gee! The Ambassadors of Harmony, as of Sunday Dec. 13, may have retired its gold medal-winning rendition of  ”76 Trombones.” The band members posed for one last photo after Sunday night’s performance of the contest set during the chorus’ annual holiday show. But you never know, that set could make a return when you’re least expecting it.

Clarence is slacking, but I did not see the majority of the Bruins/Islanders game on 12/12.  The Bruins lost 3-2 in OT, but the stat that stood out was a 17-3 shot advantage for the Bruins in the third period of a 2-2 game.  So the offense was having trouble finishing of their chances, and that continued into the next game on Monday 12/14 in Boston against the Philadelphia Flyers.  Flyers goalie Brian Boucher stood tall, especially in the third period when the Flyers rallied from a 1-0 deficit to score three times (one empty-netter) and win 3-1.

One note to the NHL: You have instant replay, so USE IT.  If there is any question concerning a goal/no-goal situation, HAVE THE PLAY REVIEWED.  Vladimir Sobotka had a goal disallowed for the Bruins in the first period as the referees ruled the goal was off its moorings before the puck crossed the goal line, but a simple review would have validated the goal and given the Bruins a 1-0 lead.  Mind-blowingly, neither referee (Dan O’Rourke, Kevin Pollock) thought it should be reviewed, and play resumed with the Bruins being robbed of the game’s first goal.

So it was back to back losses for the Bruins as they head into tonight’s game in Chicago against the Black Hawks.  There is more original six action tomorrow nite as the B’s visit Toronto for another meeting with Phil Kessel and the Maple Leafs, this time on Toronto’s home ice.

Here’s some pretty cool A Capella stuff, since I don’t care to re-cap these two Bruins’ losses.  Here’s an array of A Cappella-related clips…featuring some Ben Folds and a look at Todd Rundgren’s 1985 “A Cappella” album.  But let’s start with the Beatles (a British rock quartet from the 1960’s) and a rare a capella version of “Because”, from the album “Abbey Road”:

** See Abbey Road webcam below **

Here’s a LIVE look at Abbey Road:

It all started with Glee. Every Wednesday, as soon as the show ended, I would hop onto iTunes and download every song they sang. And then I’d listen to them over and over and over again. No joke, I listened to “Somebody To Love” 27 times in one day.

And then The Sing Off premiered on Monday, taking my obsession with singing groups to a whole new level.

This 4 day competition brought the country’s best a cappella groups together to compete for a $100,000 record deal. I wasn’t sure about a show hosted by Nick Lache (let’s be honest – what does this guy really know about singing?), but I couldn’t deny my love for show choirs or Ben Folds (one of the judges) so I turned it on anyway.

All 8 groups were pretty talented (including the moms in the blazers), but there was one group in particular that blew me away.

Tuft’s own Beelzebubs.

I think I’m in love. (Yeah, I may or may not have cyber-stalked the sh*t out of them after the first episode….) These boys not only entertained (making a cappella look painfully cool), but they may have restored my faith in college men. They are adorable, they dress well (sigh, caridigans), they are humble, sweet, hilarious and, DAMN, those boys can sing. Did I mention how cute they are?

I can’t get enough of the Bubs. I’ve watched all of their YouTube videos, started to follow them on Twitter (in hopes that they’d follow us, see how awesome we are, and one or all of them would eventually propose marriage…), and even considered applying to a grad program at Tufts just to see them in the flesh.

What? Too much?

If you haven’t seen these guys in action yet, check out their very first performance on The Sing Off. Then tell me you aren’t smitten.

The show’s finale is on Monday night and it’s up to all of us to choose the winner. I’ve already voted for the Bubs (11 times…) but you should, too!

I wasn’t expecting much from the show Sing Off, but was pleasantly surprised to find out that the a cappella groups are amazing. The show is pretty much running off the success of the show Glee, which is how it felt when I watched it. It’s just a cappella groups singing and performing to some of the best hit songs, while adding a little of their own flavor to the mix.

Yesterday’s show was the best one yet and I think Nota will win this competition. Both of their performances were the best and they know how to bring humor into their performance. I still can’t believe that Maxx Factor made it to the next round. I feel they are too old to be singing the songs they sung and it doesn’t look or sound right when I see them perform.

This will be a short-run show, as it started this week and ends next week, but I hope they get enough viewer ship to make another one.

Make no mistake — NBC’s “The Sing Off” is a slapdash reality show, hastily thrown together to capitalize on the success of the Fox series “Glee.” It exists for no other reason.

From the wooden delivery by host Nick Lachey (listen to his cringe-worthy faux seriousness when he announces the departing group’s “swan song” each night), to the dubious inclusion of Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger as a judge, it takes a cappella music — often derided as nerdy or uncool — and drenches it in schlocky production values that won’t do anything to raise its coolness factor.

As for the groups themselves, it’s hard to believe that they represent the best that a cappella has to offer — though Tufts University’s Beelzebubs are pretty great.

The sole bright spot of the show is judge Ben Folds. And I’m not just saying that because I’m a fan of the highly underrated singer/songwriter, but because he’s one of the few people I’ve seen on a musical reality show that brings any sort of knowledgeable and helpful criticism to the table.

Scherzinger and Boys II Men member Shawn Stockman do their best “American Idol” judge impressions, but when Folds speaks, it becomes painfully obvious that he’s the only one there who knows his stuff when it comes to music and offering constructive criticism. It helps that he has a love for the genre, having worked with college groups around the country to put together an a cappella greatest hits album earlier this year.

Having invested two nights in it, I’ll probably see the weeklong series through to the end. It mainly proves that these slapdash knockoffs are never a good idea. Had producers jettisoned the “Idol” format and had Folds working directly with the groups, though, “Sing Off” could have hit some high notes.

Some comments.

1. Randomest judges ever.

2. Did you know that this is what Ben Folds looks like?

3. I’m going to go out on a not so long limb here and say that all three of the a cappella groups at my college were better than these groups on the show.

Go to this link and listen to the Octaves song from the University of Richmond. My favorite is “King of Wishful Thinking.”

My favorite group (non-UR) is the Clef Hangers from UNC. Amazing.

HMMM, DO YOU RECOGNIZE THAT LEAD SINGER SOLOIST???

The one and only Anoop from this season of Idol!!

ANYWAY, it’s an amusing show for TV, but it’s not the best a cappella I’ve ever heard.

So, last night was NBC’s premier of “Sing-Off” which was supposed to be the first competition of a cappella groups ever broadcasted LIVE. 8 groups were featured and two were voted out on the first night. This is a one week event, so this show will be on for the next few days until the finale.

Where do I even begin with the problems with this show???

The groups – I understand, having been in a cappella and performing singing groups for over 6 years, that performing in front of big crowds with an added element of excitement makes it extremely difficult to stay on key, especially when you have 10 members on an unfamiliar stage and then sound equipment thrown into the mix. However, only one group had no pitch issues – everyone had at least someone noticably off.

The judges – ok, I appreciate their backgrounds, BoyzIIMen, Pussycat Dolls, and Ben Folds, but it’s obvious that none of them have attended an ICCA competition. Sure, they did give some critiques, but if you’re in ICCA, you get ripped apart. They do not hold back and you’re better for it; your win is that much sweeter because you know you were up against a tough crowd.

My only thought on this was that a cappella has such a bum wrap in TV and movie industry (I know of at least three movies off the top of my head where any guy in an a cappella group was labeled as gay) that they’re trying to water it down for the masses. I mean, just look at the new TV favorite GLEE – all they guys in the group put up with humiliation each day for being a part of glee club. It also seems incredibly rushed, like NBC realized how well Glee was doing and wanted to get in on the money train.

For the entire two hours, JB was practically foaming at the mouth. I tried to reason that perhaps it sounded different live, we know our old group could sharp with the best of them when we got going (Pride anyone?) but really, it was just painful. Especially with the non-committal feedback – the, oh you’re good, but this was an issue. Now, if this followed the same format as So You Think You Can Dance or American Idol, I think it would be a show worth watching – with each group being given a challenge song to perform and someone like Simon Powell to say it like it is.

Bottom line – I was extremely disappointed in what could have been an awesome and amazing show and I KNOW there are plenty of rabid a cappella fans out there.

C-

First the mandatory disclaimer.

I do not know any of the 10 young men in the group, Straight, No Chaser. Nor do I know anyone connected with their group.   True, I am a contributing member of KCPT where Straight, No Chaser performed on Saturday, December 12.

In addition to that disclaimer, I have another.  When it comes to musical talent, I bake a great oatmeal cookie.  Dancing?  Forget it.  Singing?  Earplugs all ’round.  Playing an instrument?  Have another cookie!  There are times when I doubt that I actually hear what is intended in the way of music appreciation.

But I love it.  I love music, especially the human voice in all its splendor.  And last evening KCPT gave me an evening of absolute amazement as I listened to this a cappella group perform.  Their joy in music and in performance was obvious.  The faces of the audience reflected what I was feeling.

The perfect finale was a number  previously performed on U-Tube which may still be accessible.  Confessing that I don’t know about U-Tube–or is that You-Tube?    (Apologies to my savvy grandchildren.)

Straight, No Chaser will in at the Midland AMC in April of 2010.  Two tickets to this event are my Christmas gift to myself.  I am counting the days.

by Katie

Pretty sure that even if I weren’t crazy on Sudafed right now, I would still think this was amazing. I was at a holiday market last night and there was a Jewish a cappella group singing secular pop songs. It was confusing and kind of embarrassing because they weren’t very good. They needed more color coordination, dancing and/or Lady Gaga. Obviously.

A cappella at its greatest:

I freakin’ love these guys. I even blogged about them roughly this time last year. They’re just down-right full of vim and vigour and have pizzazz flying out of the mouths each and every time they perform this holiday hit.

What a treat.

Do yourself a favor and put it on repeat. I did, and it’s making all the difference in my day.

You can learn all about the group on the website – do stop by. You can hear some other songs they perform, follow them on facebook, twitter, and myspace, and take all sorts of new-media actions. Which, natch, I was all over.

W ostatnią sobotę, tuż przed wyjściem na imieniny muzycznej Szefowej, dowiedziałam się z radia, że obchodzimy właśnie któryś tam Światowy Dzień Wolontariatu.
Lepiej nie wiedzieć i nie „obchodzić” a w to miejsce robić swoje, pomyślałam… z jako-tako czystym sumieniem: południe spędziłam na imprezie mikołajowej w hospicjum dla terminalnie chorych dzieci a wieczór miał upłynąć na cześć Damy, która swe nieprzeciętne kompetencje chórmistrzyni ofiaruje „miastu i światu” już od prawie 40-stu lat. W przypadku „naszego” zespołu – ofiaruje kompletnie za darmo, nierzadko pokonując absurdalne kłody, jakie walą pod jej nogi tępacy wszelkich maści…

Odkąd pamiętam, wszyscy zawsze coś robili „społecznie”… A raczej „dużo” niż „coś”. Dziadkowie, rodzice (zwłaszcza Tato!), sąsiedzi i wspólnota… wreszcie my – dziatwa szkolna, licealna, studencka brać.
Były i przypadki chińskiej ochotniczości, jak choćby epopeja rolniczej spółdzielni produkcyjnej: wyższej formy gospodarowania dla funkcjonariuszy reżimu a zakały naszej wioski – dla wszystkich pozostałych. Jakby mało było horrendalnie wysokich kredytów, materiałów budowlanych i nowiutkiego sprzętu, szczodrą ręką ofiarowanego instytucji przez ludową ojczyznę – szkoła dostała polecenie „udostępniania” siły roboczej – najstarszych klas – na każde żądanie prezesa rsp… Tylko w ósmej klasie spędziliśmy na spółdzielczych polach dziewięć dniówek (i nie wszystkie były tak relaksowe, jak zrywanie kwiatów truskawek (gdyż tę akurat plantację pomyślano jako sadzonkową) – tu jedyną niedogodnością było pieczenie-ból pleców… – poza tym wiosna, ciepełko, skowronki świergolą…).
Wewnątrz-szkolne planowanie, przeprowadzanie i odfajkowywanie prac społecznych też często zatrącało o groteskę; jako wieloletnia przewodnicząca samorządu szkolnego musiałam się oswoić także z nadętą sprawozdawczością… obok konieczności zbudowania autorytetu u starszych kolegów (w pierwszych dwóch kadencjach)… i rzeczy samej, czyli niełatwej pracy – strategii, delegowania, rozliczania z etapów, etc., etc.

Tak, szkoła wymuszała całkiem sporo. Ale to rodzice wysyłali-wypychali nas do starszych samotnych ludzi. Z prostymi sugestiami (zmiel mak Z na święta, właśnie złamała rękę), ale i z zadaniami, jakich nie powstydziliby się górnicy przodkowi: kto nie doświadczył akcji młócenia zboża pod dachem (na otwartej przestrzeni mniej się kurzy) – ten umrze nie wiedząc, co to prawdziwy wysiłek i prawdziwy ból w płucach. Zaznaczyć należy, iż za młocki czy wykopki u dziadziów i w sąsiedztwie czasem wpadały mniejsze czy większe pieniądze. Czasem – bo najważniejszy był aspekt wychowawczy i zagospodarowanie wakacyjnego czasu… „albowiem lenistwo jest źródłem wszelkich grzechów a człowieka stworzono do pracy jak ptaka do latania” – powtarzała swą mantrę Mama.
W tym kontekście chóry, zespoły teatralne, organizowanie dni chorych, festiwali, jubileuszy ważnych person, działania harcerskiej nieobozowej akcji letniej (potem papieską Białą Służbę), etc., etc., uznać należy za przyjemności i łatwy lans*. “Rób to, działaj, działaj koniecznie!… bo komu wiele dano, od tego…” (i tak dalej) ”…ale pamiętaj, by nie popaść w pychę – diabeł bardzo lubi pyszałków”…

W pierwszej klasie liceum na lekcji wychowawczej dostaliśmy przydział „do Babć”. Przypadła mi pani „z bloku” na ul. J. Czysto, schludnie – nic tam nie było do roboty… może poza porządnym umyciem wanny (pani miała problemy ze schylaniem się).
Za to druga połowa klasy… – autentyczna nora, z wychodkiem na podwórku i ciasną, zaszczurzoną piwniczką na węgiel, do której schodziło się zgiętym prawie wpół po niepewnych, drewnianych schodkach. Owo rąbanie węgla w ciemnościach bardzo się podobało chłopakom: „konkretna robota a nie frustracja, jak u J – muszą iść i odfajkować rozmowę ze zgorzkniałą kobitką!” (trudno sobie wyobrazić że piętnasto- czy szesnastolatek płci męskiej łatwo dostrzeże sedno swej misji humanitarnej w podniesieniu na nieco wyższy poziom standardów czystościowych mieszkania samotnej pani i pogadaniu z nią…)
„Drugą Babcię” znałam więc przez dwa lata z opowiadań o ciemnej, brudnej, zaniedbanej, wilgotnej norze na parterze starego budownictwa (najtańsza z możliwych czynszówek), o zatęchłych ciasteczkach, którymi z pogodą ducha częstuje („co za dziękuję?… jakie dziękuję?! – za dziękuję kowal konia nie okuje!”… „starość nie radość, śmierć nie wesele!” – to drugie z rozbrajającym uśmiechem). Wylądowałam tam w trzeciej klasie, gdy szkolne wyprawy ustały (kwiat młodzieży miał się odtąd przygotowywać do matury i egzaminów na studia; nawyki społeczne już mu szkoła wpoiła ;/) a moja klasowa koleżanka (jednocześnie harcerska zastępowa) postanowiła kontynuować opiekę nad BabciąZ na bazie skautowej. Podczas pierwszej wizyty przeżyłam szok… – mimo wszystkie legendy kolegów… – że można TAK mieszkać w centrum milionowego miasta (tuż pod Ogrodem Botanicznym i fabryką pasty do butów) w latach osiemdziesiątych XX wieku… Ale pogodna drobniutka staruszka dawała się lubić, przywiązywała do siebie, czarowała nawet… Więc chodziłam chętnie co trzeci tydzień (albo częściej, zgodnie z listą) – bo harcerz to nie tylko osoba zapalona do gier terenowych, wyjazdów, wyryp, nart i śpiewania przy ogniskach tudzież wszędzie indziej…
Chodziłam aż do momentu, gdy liczne próby krakowskiego chóru, emisja głosu… plus dorabianie do stypendiów (na czasochłonnych studiach… wkrótce dwóch kierunkach) uniemożliwiły to – …BabcięZ przejęli młodsi skauci.

W tak zwanym międzyczasie w moim kręgu towarzyskim bycie wolontariuszem stało się częstsze, w porywach modne. Młodszy z kuzynów działał (jako student ekskluzywnego kierunku na Akademii Ekonomicznej) w przy-dominikańskich „Muminkach”… Ile robił starszy jako harcerz – może przyprawić o zawrót głowy!
Co i rusz natykał się człowiek na inicjatywy, które wprawiały w kompleksy; możliwości prawno-organizacyjno-klimatyczne wolnej Polski stwarzały ułatwienia i zachęcały chętnych do działania…
Gdy okazało się, iż nieoficjalnym hymnem gitarowych wieczorów i nocy na „słowackim” wyjeździe narciarskim (albo „obozie naukowym”) klas trzecich liceum, gdzie uczyłam, jest Tolerancja Soyki – postanowiłam „wybadać”, jakżeż wygląda u nich w praktyce to całe „I aby żyć, siebie samego trzeba dać!…” Okazało się, że zdecydowana większość jakoś daje, czasem to ukrywając przed kolegami…

Mój własny wolontariat przechodził różne fazy. Na przykład taką, gdy głównie tłumaczyłam i redagowałam za darmo mniejsze, większe i całkiem spore materiały dla różnych zacnych organizacji.
Ale zawsze czułam potrzebę powrotów do pracy najorganiczniejszej z organicznych – przy łóżku człowieka cierpiącego… – cierpiącego także „dla mnie i za mnie”; przy stole-biurku z dzieckiem, od którego najwyższym dowodem uznania jest wejście w stylu: „Niech mi pani powie, czemu ty nie jesteś moją mamą tylko ta stara fr… ? Przecież to jest k… niesprawiedliwe… o, sory, czasem człowieka nerwy poniosą!…”

Koniec roku 2009, sobota 5. grudnia. Jeszcze nie wiem, że to Światowy_Dzień_Czegoś_Tam; kończę pierwszą z porannych konwersacji i 17-latek – uczeń dwóch szkół, adept u J. Śmietany, etc., etc. – słysząc o moich planach na resztę dnia – natychmiast ofiaruje muzykoterapeutyczne usługi swoje i kolegów. Gdy fundacja wyremontuje większe pomieszczenie a może i zakupi pianino – mówię – będziecie jak znalazł! (A jedna wolontariuszka-instrumentalistka już z nami jest…)
Dzień wcześniej słyszę – w formie częściowo przechwałki, częściowo się-wytłumaczenia – że (potężna) instytucja, w której pracuje rozmówca ufundowała 300 paczek dla dziecięcego hospicjum. Ciekawe, na ile to presja mojej osoby-życiorysu i tematu, jaki wrzuciłam, a na ile po prostu coraz bardziej wypada się tym chwalić w tym kraju – dumam.

Po-mikołajowy poniedziałek. Z konwersantką – career woman – rozgrzewam się przed zasadniczą częścią spotkania zwyczajowym small-talkiem o bieżących radościach życia, minionym weekendzie i imprezach jego… Spędziła „katarzynki” w gronie rówieśniczek, z którymi dekadę temu, jako studentka, była wolontariuszką w świetlicy dla dzieci z zaniedbanych środowisk (oczywiście, również nie były świadome, że reunion po latach zaplanowały sobie dokładnie w Światowym Dniu Wolontariatu ;D). Jako, że też się bawię** w takie świetlicowanie – przez kilka minut wymieniamy się danymi typu „co-gdzie-kiedy”.
Jestem troszkę zaskoczona: dalekie i atrakcyjne urlopy, dwa razy w sezonie narty w Alpach/Dolomitach (krąg towarzyski Blisko Spokrewnionego), yoga, tenis, pływanie, wellness, języki, atrakcyjne podróże służbowe… – to tak… Ale taki epizod?… Na pozór do niej nie pasuje…
– Nic, tylko inna wersja „Certyfkatu przynależności”, o którym pisał ostatnio Abnegat.ltd… – myślę sobie. I dostrzegam „pasujące” kamienie milowe jej życiorysu.
Bo świat swój porządkować należy… też…
Tym bardziej należy, iż malkontenci uporządkują go tak czy owak w stylu” „wyścig szczurów, znieczulica, marazm, wszystko parszywieje, obraz nędzy i rozpaczy, ‘idea wolontariatu w dramatycznym zaniku’… i na alarm bądź trwogę bić (nam, próżnym gadułom), trzeba…” ;D

___
*takoż zespoły krakowskie; promocja kraju i obrazu „młodego, nowoczesnego, obytego Polaka” podczas wyjazdów chóralnych tudzież samodzielnych; współtworzenie ambitnej kultury; popularyzowanie ciekawych stylów życia i myślenia (choćby poprzez pisanie – np. blogu) – owszem wszystko to pożyteczne, owszem może inspirować i wciąż przychodzą sygnały, że inspiruje, owszem, pro publico bono… ale jednocześnie – ileż aspektów autopromocji i łatwego zaspokojenia miłości własnej!… ileż pułapek faryzeizmu, hipokryzji i innych łatwizn tudzież załgań!!!

**trzecie aktualne „też” to dom opieki dla obłożnie chorych osób starszych (plus to-i-owo z doskoku/ na konkretną prośbę)

A cappella + Star Wars + John Williams tribute = AWESOME…John Williams is indeed The Man.

David after the dentist.  If you missed it after it circled facebook the first time this is your chance to catch up with the rest of the world.  David has two fingers…and now you’ll understand the shirt when you see someone wearing it.

Last but not least.  This is stupid, I know, but just try getting the song out of your head when you’re done watching it.

I really need to get a camera, because my phone does not do them justice

The title explains it all. I can’t describe the feeling I get when listening to my musically inclined friends singing their solos, specifically those in a cappella groups. It’s like a mix of maternal pride, groupie-like excitement and heartwrenching awe that, no matter how many times I hear them perform, is renewed every time.

Friday Night Live, an annual a cappella show held at the library was the other night, and it was one of the most exciting events thus far in my junior year. Around 8, who never fails to impress me, had the best version of Put Your Records On by Corrine Bailey Rae that I have ever heard. I may be stretching it by saying this, but I feel like they do a better job than Bailey Rae. I actually got shivers listening to Cat’s Meow-Maria makes me so happy and proud when she sings. My favorite will always be This Little Light Of Mine. Rosie and the Cloud 9 girls did this beautiful mash-up of Taylor Swift songs, and Rose actually made me tear up a little bit when she sang White Horse.

I love you.

Of course, I need to reserve a whole paragraph for my Tones, who absolutely kicked ass last night. First of all, their little freshman killed his solo, and I get some sort of bragging rights because I had him in my Teen Pep group last workshop. But actually, I haven’t heard a voice that rich, smooth and deep live ever. I was blown away. Ben Li has talent (yee, Jess!), I never realized how impressive his beatboxing skills are. But I cannot get over Kids. The Tones did a cover of one of my favorite songs of all time, and they did it beautifully. Marcus Budline, I will marry you. I had the pleasure of listening to Marcus, the cutest boy in the world, sing my favorite verse, and do it absolute justice. I was bursting at the seams with joy, and I couldn’t contain it, it was actually one of the most exciting moments in my life. He has such a sweet voice andand I can’t wait for them to record a CD so I can have all of these songs to myself. I’m so proud of you guys.

Today is a day for things that I really shouldn’t love, but do anyway. I love putting off all of my homework until 8, and then working until the wee hours of the morning to figure out the importance of Hester’s portrait and why it is placed where it is in The Scarlet Letter. I also love making fun of my friends. As horrible as it sounds, what’s a good friend who can’t take a joke? In the words of Bob Dylan, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, life’s going to be a whole lot longer than you’d like.”

So here’s to my friends whom I constantly feel the need to poke fun at-Dan Taub, Bruce Robertson, Hannah Milner, this means you. I’m sorry for laughing at you, but it’s just so hard not to. It just means that you make me happy!

I love me some Dan Taub

Come on, he's practically begging for it

You did this to yourself

Keith Parker, 22, of University City, Mo., rehearses a solo for the Ambassadors of Harmony's 2009 holiday show in St. Louis.

Every year, the Ambassadors of Harmony men’s barbershop chorus puts on a holiday show at Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UMSL campus. In July, the chorus won the gold medal in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international competition in Anaheim, Calif.

I’ve sung with the chorus for four years. We’ve been practicing vigorously for the show this month. It has certainly sneaked up on me.  I don’t quite feel ready.

Since we won the gold, the pressure has never been greater to give the performance of our lives. We’ve learned a bunch of new songs for this show, and for the first time, we’re even doing a live webcast of the show. My folks and my aunt and uncle will be watching from their home computer in upstate New York. Perhaps I can even persuade my buddy, Raaj, to watch the webcast from India.

Thanks to my relatives, friends, neighbors and coworkers who are coming to see the show in person and online.

The December performance will feature many of our usual standards and wacky antics as elves in Santa’s workshop, but also will turn sacred in the second act by following the story of the birth of Christ. We won’t be wearing tuxedos in the second act as we’ve done for years; we’ll be singing and performing as townspeople of Bethlehem.

Some of us are actually growing (or trying to grow) beards to reflect the people of the era. I’m well into the seriously painful-and-annoying itchy stage of the growth process. I reach for my razor every morning and would love to get rid of this red foreign growth on my face. (More on this in future blogposts.)

Anyway, showtime in just over a week away. Keith Parker, pictured above, has a solo at the beginning of a Hanukah song called “El Yivneh Hagalil.” It’s a hauntingly beautiful song, and his voice is perfect for it.

Oh yeah…champion quartets Vocal Spectrum and Crossroads will be singing too. They’re worth the admission price alone.

How I would play the future.
I don’t know how, I would say,
before opening the piano lid
to stare at all that black and white in fear.
Then I would find middle C and forget
to stop for meals or sleep. 

How I would play happiness.
An acoustic guitar perfectly strapped
across my shoulder and the pick
to go with it. Without thinking,
I would know where to put my fingers, would
know all the chords. 

How I would play terror.
A full orchestra mid prelude
and all the lights go out. 

How I would play childhood.
My grandmother’s garden and me,
with my red-painted, wooden toy
barrel organ, grinding out a serenade
to the lilacs, lilies, myrtle
in between, to the tune
of “The Sidewalks of New York.” 

How I would play you.
East Side, West Side, all around
the town, I sing a cappella
waiting for the lights to go out
so I can find you again,
serenading the dark with twelve strings.

December is upon us, and soon many groups of singers will be heading out into the frosty air to share the holiday gift of song.  Even with limited rehearsal time, you’re sure to find something for your group in one of these collections:

The new SATB collection Sing a Merry Christmas by John Leavitt is perfect for many performance occasions.  The tasteful and creative arrangements exemplify Leavitt’s choral expertise.  Whether you’re caroling door-to-door or looking for tasteful a cappella arrangements for your concert, this is a sure-fire winner. 

The Christmas Caroling Songbook contains 50 well-known carols arranged for any combination of voices.  Ideal for holiday sing-alongs, community or family get-togethers, or house-to-house singing, this collection makes it simple to have a successful caroling experience.

For younger groups, the 3-part mixed collection A-Caroling We Go is a perfect choice.  Ten carol favorites are arranged in easy-to-sing a cappella settings, each with a special choral introduction and coda.  Also available for SSA voices.

Contact us for more choral collections for Christmas!

If you enjoy humor and Christmas music, you need to check these guys out.  Straight No Chaser is an 10-man a cappella group from Bloomington, IN – their Christmas medley, 12 Days, is a lot of fun!  Here’s the video: