Mini-Performance This Wednesday

Hey, Choir Peeps!

Be in the choir room at 5:45 this Wednesday, May 2 to practice.  We will be singing four songs at 6:15:

Upside Down
The Word
If We Are the Body
Word Up

Wear what you normally wear to choir.  After this, we will break for summer and get back together in August. See you Wednesday!

NO PRACTICE WED APRIL 25; PERFORMANCE MAY 2

My son Thomas has his only classical guitar recital this Wednesday.  Miss Karla can't do the rehearsal.  We're as good as we're going to get anyway at this point with most members over-scheduled at the end of the year in other activities and attention spans at an all-time nadir.  NO REHEARSAL AT ALL THIS WEDNESDAY.

Be in the choir room Wed, May 2 at 5:45. We will practice, then go down and sing.  We will not be on the stage due to the Praise Band's rehearsal immediately after our singing.  We will not have the use of mics or sound equipment, so SING OUT. Wear whatever you want, just so it's appropriate.  This is a casual "do."

Pass this around, because despite e-mailing, blogging, putting things in the Messenger (not this - didn't have time), and Facebooking, some people still didn't know we weren't doing the whole play. I'm sorry, but I'm on three phone lines at work from 7:15 AM to 5:15 PM and I can't bring myself to call 25 more people at night.

Encourage your kids to sing really loudly.  Seriously.

About that play...

In case you weren't at choir or you haven't gotten your e-mail, Karla and I have realized that we are not even remotely ready for a performance.  Some of the kids know most of their songs, many know some of the songs, but NO ONE knows any of the script. It's no one's fault but mine.  I always go overboard.

We will practice only Wednesday nights this month, and then present a few songs that we know well on Wednesday, May 2.

We will then break until August and present some version of the play in September that won't require extra work.

See you all Sunday for Easter!

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION 8:45 April 1

PALM SUNDAY IS TOMORROW! Meet in the narthex at 8:45 to process with palm branches on the first hymn.  We will not be singing our song, just processing and laying the branches in front of the altar. Every child who is not yet in middle school is invited, including visitors!

Kicking It Up a Notch

UPDATE 4:11 PM Tuesday, March 27:
MISS KARLA IS IN THE HOSPITAL!  She's had a stomach virus that interfered with her diabetes.  No Cherub Choir tomorrow night (Wed) and NO DONKEY SONG SUNDAY!  We will process with palm branches as usual.  We will reschedule the song when Miss Karla recovers. Please keep her in your prayers.

Also, Dr. Chris' twin grandsons are here!  Liam and Graham and mom Lindsey are doing well.  Ellis Dickinson hopes to be home soon.  What a baby boom!  Charleigh Flowers has some great playmates!

Regular Post begins here:
Omigosh! FIVE MORE REGULAR REHEARSALS! Our play WORD UP will be at 6:30 Wednesday, May 2.

As of this Wednesday, we are only using our scripts for the dialogue, not the songs.  If you are a soloist and you don't know your parts, please memorize them in the next two days.  We will be using our new karaoke machine that has a mic for solos!

Don't forget PALM SUNDAY IS THIS SUNDAY! Be in the foyer at 8:45 to process with the palm branches.  We will put them in front of the altar, then turn around and sing the donkey song with the Cherub Choir.

I need a favor. The week before our play, Thomas Haraway has his Sophomore classical guitar recital at Moody.  This means that I need two parents to supervise the rehearsal for me Wednesday, April 25th. It will be good for the kids to hear from someone besides me anyway.  Let me know if you can do this. Karla can only be there for about 10 minutes between Cherub Choir and Adult Choir.

The Connections service needs the stage Sunday AM before our play on Wednesday so we won't have a full stage rehearsal until Sunday afternoon/evening April 29th from 5-7 with pizza at the beginning.  Then we are planning a rehearsal Monday April 30 from 5:30-7:30 with snack supper at the beginning.  The last rehearsal will be Tuesday May 1 from 5:30-7:30 with a snack supper also at the beginning.

If the Sunday rehearsal is incredible and no one forgets anything, we may just skip the Monday rehearsal, but I wouldn't count on it.  I'm usually the one that forgets.

Wednesday, March 28 5:30  Regular practice
Sunday, April 1 8:45 Palm Sunday; 5PM Solo Help
Wednesday, April 4 5:30 Regular practice
Sunday, April  8 Easter Sunday: No Solo Help
Wednesday, April 11 5:30 Regular practice
Sunday, April 15 5PM Solo Help
Wednesday, April 18 5:30 Regular practice NO SCRIPTS
Sunday, April 22 5PM Solo Help
Wednesday, April 25 5:30 Last regular practice; Miss Lin out of town
Sunday, April 29 5PM First practice onstage with pizza to begin
Monday, April 30 5:30-7:30 Onstage Rehearsal with Snack Supper beginning
Tuesday, May 1 5:30-7:30 Final Rehearsal with Snack Supper beginning
Wednesday, May 2 6:00 be in Adult Choir Room with full tummies, choir t-shirts, and dark shorts. We will warm up and take a bathroom break.  We begin the show at 6:30.

Congratulations to the Dickinson family on the arrival of Ellis!  We look forward to having her in choir in just a few short years!

See the new Top Ten and Funny Animal Video in the columns to the right!  Enjoy!

Woo-hoo!

We are cookin' now!  We got through the most difficult parts of the most difficult songs Wednesday night with flying colors! It's a good thing, too, because there is only one Wednesday practice and one Sunday practice  before Spring Break. After Spring Break, we have only six Wednesday practices - get that: SIX - before the play.

Next Wednesday, March 7, you will receive your new Accompaniment CDs without my voice.  When we return from Spring Break, we will not be using the books for the songs.  We will still use the books for the script until mid-April. So practice, practice, practice! Trust me, when you know your part, it's so much more fun!

Soloists, please take advantage of solo practice from 5-5:30 on Sundays. You do not have to come every time, and I am not going to schedule you to come.  I expect YOU to tell your parents that you need to come if you need help.  Otherwise, I assume you have learned your solo and are ready to sing it without help. If you haven't been yet and aren't solid on your solo, please come.

Check out the original videos below of Upside Down, Drop it and Listen (Shut Up and Kiss Me), and If We Are the Body.

A*Teens singing "Upside Down;" try not to gag:

Mary Chapin Carpenter and her old smash hit "Shut Up and Kiss Me:"

Casting Crowns, Sara Groves, and Ginny Owens don't have videos of their songs.  Videos take lots of money to produce and Christian artists make only a fraction of what popular artists make, so they only make a few in their careers.  I decided to post an amateur video of each song followed by an original video of the artist singing another of their songs.
Here's the amateur vid of "If We Are the Body:"

 And here is Casting Crowns singing their hit, "Does Anybody Hear Her?"

Next, an amateur vid of Sara Groves' "The Word:"

And Sara herself singing her new song, "Eyes On the Prize:"

Here isa live version of Jaci Velasquez singing "On My Knees:"

Now, the original video of "Candela," the song from a Latin artist Noelia from which I wrote "The Dangers," is NOT appropriate. I found a live version.  There is a REALLY long intro.

Here's an amateur version of Ginny Owens' "I Am Nothing."It's a wedding video, so ignore that and just listen to her sweet voice:

And here is Ginny not singing, but telling how she got started in music:

And finally, Cameo's 1980's funk hit, "Word Up:"

See you tomorrow at 5!

Original artist videos!

AAAIIIEEE!  I have not been blogging because of discouragement!  But this week, you kids were used by God to kick me in the pants and get me back on track!  Thanks for your willingness to listen to God.

Today, you will get to see the original songs from which our songs came!  But first, let's get some business out of the way.

Really great practices this past Wednesday and today.  We've got "Gimme Three Clues" down, so you guys do not need to listen to that one anymore unless you have a solo and you haven't memorized it yet.  Same goes with "Upside Down."  WORK ON YOUR SOLOS AT HOME.  If you need help with it, come on Sunday at 5.  You do not have to come EVERY Sunday unless you have the time to be on the dance team.  But if you haven't got your solo(s) down, you really need to come on Sunday. We do solos from 5-5:30 and dance from 5:30-6.

Also, starting this Wednesday, Miss Karla will be practicing our Palm Sunday song for a few minutes during regular choir practice.  Palm Sunday is Sunday, April 1.  Traditionally in our church, the children's choir sings special music every year.  This year, the Cherub Choir will be the "stars" and we will be their back-up singers.  It is important for these younger kids to see you singing with them.  You are all their "big brothers and sister" in Christ.  You are an example of a Christian kid for them to imitate.  Remember this, because whatever you do, they will also do.  The song is easy to learn and will help them learn about the Easter story which you already know so well.

NOW it is time for the first installment of Original Artist Videos!

Let Us Pray by Steven Curtis Chapman, although this video doesn't seem to have ANYTHING to do with prayer.  It's about getting ready for a concert.  What's up with THAT?

Next is Lynard Skynard's "Gimme Three Steps" from 1976.  Dig all the hair on these dudes:

And last one for this week, still pictures of the incomparable Isley Brothers singing "This Old Heart of Mine:" Unfortunately, there are no videos of this song. :(

More videos next week!
And sorry; I spent so much time on THESE vids that I don't have time to add comics, animal vids, or stand up comedy.  That's on hold until I finish with these videos.

Are You Really In It?

I'm late; I'm late
For a very important date!
No time to say, "Hello," 
Goodbye, I'm late!

Sorry I'm about 36 hours late with my post.  It wasn't even anything exciting, either, but it had to be done.

Anyway, we had a wonderful practice Wednesday, but we need to see all your faces!  We had to skip at least three songs because a third of the choir wasn't there! I understand you have other activities, but if you are going to miss, you need to practice at home even more than normal.

45 minutes once a week in choir will not result in a powerful message.  Try for fifteen minutes a day with your CD OR 45 minutes on Sat and Sun.  Learn one song completely, then go to the next one, unless it's a solo song. You can see in the script who sings what parts, so you'll know. Is this too much to ask?  Not if we want to be a powerful instrument for God to use.

Instead of "Word Up," we could do a short story with four simple songs that come from a preschool choir book and you wouldn't have to practice much at all. Afterwards, everyone would say, "You were so cute," "That was just precious," and pat you on the head. Is this what God wants of us?

I don't know about you, but what I want to hear is people saying, "God really spoke to me through that song," "I could see God in you," and "Your play makes me want to go out and invite all my friends to our church to see how great Jesus is!" And what I want to KNOW is that God is whooping it up after our play and giving high-fives to the Holy Spirit and Jesus and they're all saying, "That's MY choir.  Those are MY kids."

End of sermon for the week.

Don't forget if you love to dance that practice for our 3-4 dance parts in "Word Up" begins THIS SUNDAY from 5-5:45PM in the kids' choir room. Remember that we have tall, strong girls in this choir so it's better if the dancers are not Cherub Choir kids.  Safety is the first rule in our choir!

I expect everyone to be able to sing along without their books after Spring Break. That week, everyone will get their CD without my squonky voice on it! If you can demonstrate to me BEFORE THEN that you know your part to the songs by singing them IN CHOIR ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE and I see you NOT LOOKING at your book, you will get your CD early. Purpose and concentration are also choir rules.

On March 21, we will put away our books for the songs and only use them for the script.  By April 11, NO ONE will be allowed a book at choir.  If you have to practice with the script at home, that's OK.

Top Ten Animal vids, Polar Bear cubs, Peanuts, and Stand-Up Comedy dedicated to Max Dickinson are on the right - check them out!

See you Wednesday!

Great Practice!

Wednesday, we had a stellar practice. We went over our new Choir Rules (See below), practiced three songs, and discussed the meaning of the first song, Let Us Pray. And I DID remember to pray even without Mary Baxter and Marin to remind me.  Lots of choir members had to miss, but we had a good, solid practice and EVERYONE got candy. Next week we start singing our solos and parts.  Keep practicing with your CDs, especially if you've missed one or two practices. Also, we've had to make some changes in the script due to some kids having too much on their plates this spring, so some of the parts have been pared down or switched.  You will be told of the changes when we get to them in the script at practice.

Parents, the kids are asking to see the blog.  I am so glad you are all careful about what they see online. If they can remember this web address, they can probably kill a good 15-30 minutes with the links if they are in your hair and it's raining outside.

For those of you that were absent, here's an update of the Choir Rules and why we have them, not necessarily in this order:

1. SAFETY: Eat and use the bathroom before choir and stay in the choir room in your seat. We avoid choking, slipping in spills, and we never go anywhere without an adult.
2. RESPECT: No talking out loud unless you raise your hand. If you don't get called, save it for after choir.
3. CONCENTRATION:  Leave phones, food, drink, candy, toys, or anything distracting at home or on the front table.  We will get more done and do our job the best if we stick to choir.
4. PURPOSE: If you have a comment or question, make sure it's about what we are doing right then.  If you want to share personal stories, please come before choir at 5:15 when you can socialize with your friends.  At 5:30, we start working.
5. LOVE:  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Speak positively about everyone.  If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything.
6. ATTITUDE: Keep hands and feet to yourself, sit up in your chair, and keep up with what's going on. We are here to glorify God, not to pester others or daydream.  If this is too hard for you, then perhaps a different activity would suit you better.

REWARDS:
1.  Candy at the end of choir
2.  The knowledge that you did your best
3.  No complaints to your parents from Miss Karla or Miss Lin
4.  An amazing witness to others when you tell them what you're doing
5.  An amazing witness in May when we present our offering of this musical
6.  Fun

CONSEQUENCES:
1st warning: No candy
2nd warning: I move you next to an adult in the room or near the wall by yourself.  Then, I speak with your parent after choir.
3rd warning: You lose a line in the play and immediately give it to someone else and I speak with your parent.
4th warning:  I speak with your parent and you are asked to stay home from choir next practice.

Check out the new videos and Top Ten List! I also added a joke link and a link to some of my favorite comics.

Sing along to the CD and sing loudly enough to drown out my voice!  Only when you've learned the song can I give you the CD without my screeching on it!  Please read your script, even if it's just 10 minutes a day!  You need to know the story very well, PLUS, if someone is sick or loses their voice, you may need to step into their place. Also, it makes you a better actor.

Read Scripts and Listen to CDs!

Good turnout Wednesday night!  We are so happy to have another Carla in our choir!  Carla goes to University Place, which is now at Lloyd-Wood until the tornado damage is repaired.  She is in the fifth grade and she loves to sing. Remember to say hello and ask her about herself!

We finally got through the script, but we haven't gotten through all the songs.  If you still haven't been to choir and you want to keep your lines and solos, PLEASE CALL MISS LIN (394-1699cell, 758-8124home, or 553-2524work.).

We passed out CDs the first night and take-home scripts the second night.  Everyone needs to be reading through the script and listening to the CD in your spare time.  Don't forget to thank your parents for supplying you with TWO copies of your script, a CD, and a great practice room. If we didn't have these, we could not do our jobs.  The money they give to the church every month helps us.

NEW RULE:
No phones in choir!  Oh my stars.  WHY are you in choir if you'd rather be texting your friends?  WHAT is the point? If you must bring them with you, please leave them on the front table with your drinks, gum, food, and anything else that will distract you.  If you are afraid they'll get stolen, then DO NOT BRING THEM AT ALL. Enough said.

Remember to be thinking of ways to keep yourselves from chit-chatting in between scenes and songs.  Last Wednesday we wasted 15 minutes. If you can't come up with effective ideas, you KNOW I have plenty.  Bring your ideas to choir this Wednesday and we'll try them out.

Guess what?  I forgot to put birthdays on the registration form AGAIN.  I know I missed Kyle's birthday, and no telling who else's.  Kids, when your parents sign in Wednesday, there will be a place to put your birthday on the sheet.  Sorry.

The dog is whining to go out, so I must quit babbling.  Check out the doormouse video  and the new  Top Ten list.

Take Home Scripts Coming This Wednesday!

Yay!  Payday was yesterday, so today, I beat it to Kinko's and ordered more scripts.  I will pick them up Tuesday after work.  You will have them in your hot little hands Wednesday night! Don't lose them!

Party With Jesus

Oh my gosh, ya'll!  I was SO distracted and overcome and excited to see everyone that I FORGOT TO PRAY last night!!!  That is what I forgot!  What is WRONG with me??????

Jesus brought you there and walked in the door with you and I didn't even give Him the time of day!  I was so busy hugging all my kid friends that I forgot to hug HIM. I need three kids with the mind of a steel trap to remind me to pray every time: Marin, Kyle, and Mary Baxter. That way, if even two are out, surely one will always be there to remind me.

Also, if any of you see friends who weren't there Wednesday, let them know we miss them.  I can't e-mail them because I lost all my addresses. If they want the parts I wrote FOR THEM, they need to let me know they want them. We have others that would be happy to learn more lines and songs!

On Saturday, I will update this blog with a synopsis of the play (That's what I forgot to do last night besides pray).

It was so good to see all of our friends and many new ones.  Karla and I are beside ourselves with excitement. More scripts coming next week so you can take one home.

Are you ready? I said, ARE YOU READY????

Woooo-hoo!  Time to get started with our new original musical, WORD UP.  It's about using words and solving a mystery God's way.  The Johnson family, the Bots, and the rest of the choir kids from Christmas 2010 are back, but someone is sending mean notes.  The FLUM Kids think they can solve it and get the school and the choir back to normal.

We have new lyrics set to the music of Steven Curtis Chapman, Jaci Velasquez, Lynard Skynard, Mary Chapin Carpenter, The Isley Brothers, A*Teens, Ginny Owens, Sara Groves, Noelia (a LatinAmerican star), and Cameo.

Miss Karla will also be starting a "Pre choir" from 5PM- 5:25 on Wednesdays for kids not reading yet. They will also sing in the play and have some easy lines together. Bring friends and neighbors this Wednesday at 5:30. Parents need to fill out registration forms since I lost my info in an e-mail provider switch - sorry. Then parents can get back to supper downstairs and we'll feed the kids. However, you are welcome to stay if you so desire.

You will get your CD and your book so you can start practicing immediately! See you all Wednesday!

TOP TEN REASONS TO BE IN OUR NEW MUSICAL

10. It’s fun

9.  You get to see your church friends twice a week instead of just once

8.  There are different kinds of music – not just pop

7.  You can come to dance on Sundays starting in February

6.  The Bots are back!

5.  Everything rhymes so the lines are easier to memorize!

4.  What you say and sing helps other people listen to God!  Really!

3.  This musical will help you learn and remember scripture.

2.  You are Christ’s hands, feet, mouths, and voice.  He WILL use you!

1.  It will glorify God.  He will bust a gut with pride when we are done!