November 26, 2011 The Carols of Christmas

After only a few rehearsals on a Saturday morning throughout November, I sang in an inspirational program of choral and instrumental music presented by local members of the Wilmington Delaware stake.

The conductor was Dr. Neil Harmon, Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Methodist Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he directs a distinguished music program. A graduate (MM, DMA) of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, Dr. Harmon has presented organ concerts in the United States, Italy and Brazil.

A native of Midvale, Utah, Dr. Harmon earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, where he was assistant director of the renowned BYU Men's Chorus and organist for the Utah Baroque Ensemble. He taught over 50 beginning organ students in the Group Organ classes at BYU. Since 1991, Dr. Harmon has served as Guest Organist at the Salt Lake Mormon Tabernacle where he presents half hour recitals on the famous Aeolian-Skinner organ.
Dr. Harmon's compositions include hymn arrangements and original works for a variety of instruments. He is serving a second term as Dean of the Delaware Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and as the Worship and Music Chair of the Delaware Chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association.

Pianist Rebecca Mordo, a touring solo and collaborative artist working closely with opera singers from renowned companies such as the Metropolitan Opera and Opera Company of Philadelphia

Nathan Pacheco is an American singer/songwriter born in Virginia, and is of Brazilian descent. He was a featured vocalist during the 2009 tour for "Yanni Voices"[1], produced by Disney Pearl Imprint, and is currently signed to the Disney Pearl Series label.[2]
Nathan graduated from the music program of Brigham Young University, and also followed his love of culture and languages by continuing his education abroad in South America and Europe. Nathan spent over two years in Brazil, being immersed in its culture and allowing its influence to contribute to his musical development. He eventually traveled throughout Brazil, performing both classical as well as some of Brazil’s cultural music. He also spent time in Italy, studying the language while performing with the Opera Festival of Lucca. In all of these adventures to different countries, he was relentless in his efforts to learn the languages. The result is his ability to speak and compose in English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.

In 2009, Nathan relocated to Southern California after being signed to the Disney Pearl Series label and has been writing the songs that will make up his debut solo album. Nathan has collaborated with many writers under the direction of producer/composer Leo - Z (Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban). For his album, Nathan recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London at Air Studios.

Kathy Cammett, of Golden Voice Studio in Pike Creek, who has worked with Cab Calloway School of the Arts, OperaDelaware and World Cafe Live.

Baritone Robert Brandt, professor of music at the University of Delaware, and his wife, soprano Kara Brandt, recent winner of the Austrian American Society of Wilmington's Mozarteum Scholarship competition.

Our program consisted of the following numbers:

Choir
Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains
Glory Be to God on High

Vocal Solo
Gesu Bambino

Piano Duet
Carol Medley

Orchestra
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Choir
Joseph, Dearest
Angels We Have Heard on High

Orchestra
Medley of Familiar Christmas Carols
Pat-A-Pan

Vocal Duet
Oh Holy Night Kara Brandt soprano; Robert Brandt, bariton

Piano Solo
Medley: Carols of the Bells Rebecca Mordo, piano

Vocal Solo
O Come All Ye Faithful Nathan Pacheco, tenor

Choir
I Heart the Bells on Christmas Day
Still, Still, Still

Hymn : Hark the Herald Angels Sing (All Choir/Concert Participants & Audience)

2011 Adventures

It's been quite a while since I posted anything on my blog. After directing Nunsense, I needed a break from my theatrical activities. I hadn't realized how much energy it takes to organize and direct a show. I had a great experience, and am looking forward to directing a children's play in the summer. We are planning more family entertainment at the Smyrna Opera House this year.

Since the New Year has begun, I have taken up 5K local races. Two of my favorite coworkers got me interested in the walking aspect, since I don't like running. Joe Young (on left) is a walker, and brings his grandson for the tot races, and Jose (right) is a runner. Last week he placed 1st in his age bracket.

Our local high school had a complete overhaul. The drama club had to postpone their shows because the stage was being used as the bandroom. We are now in -what should be the end, but now - in the middle of rehearsing, Bye Bye Birdie with a new director. Luckily we've worked on stage together, so the communication is flowing. I'm not only directing the music, but helping with directing the scenes.

Last week I was invited by the Executive Director of the Smyrna Opera House to be a judge at the final show of our "Smyrna's Got Voice - Kids Talent Competition." The audience decides who wins, however we give positive feedback to the contestants on how well they perform by the song choice, voice range, and style. I was amazed at at the talent of these 10, 14, and 17 year olds. It was nice to be invited. My cohort judges was (left) Mr. Irv Rothenburg whose been a music teacher in our school district for over 30 years. Scott McClymot is a local preacher who is known for his uplifting services also plays drums for the SOH. We had a fun time watching our youth perform!

St. Joseph's Industrial School for Colored Boys

It is my experience, if you want to know about the history of something, it will be revealed.When Matthew was just a small tot, Jim and I would take him for walks on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church. It is located just outside of the residential town border of Clayton, Delaware. One enters the grounds through a stone arch that reads St. Joseph's Industrial School, and a scripture "What good doth it do a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul. Matthew 16:26" The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

I had always wondered if any of the boys that went to school here lived in the area. I also thought, it was such a beautiful peaceful place. Somehow the idea of writing an article in our local newspaper entered my mind. It was an impression to gather and educate our community about the idle property and find any remaining students to recant their experience.

An old decommissioned small chapel and old bell-less tower still stands surrounded by other buildings. Also marked are the stations of the cross around the 10-acre lot. One day we were walking, and a couple approached us and told us they got married in the chapel, but needed witnesses to sign the license. As we entered the chapel, you could see three sides of building covered in 53 stained-glass windows with the names of students, staff, and faculty. Originally, the building was lit with gas-lighting by the Josephites that lived there.

Beginning in 1896, the chapel was the center of activity at the St. Joseph’s Industrial School, an institution which served African American boys, providing them vocational skills, academics, and spiritual guidance. In 1920, St. Joseph’s Church became the parish church for the Catholic population in the Smyrna-Clayton area. Both the members of the school and the residents of the parish shared the chapel until 1968 when St. Polycarp was built in Smyrna. While the church was used by several small congregations after the industrial school closed down in 1972, it and the rest of the 10 acre property sat mostly idle. It wasn’t until 1997 that a group was formed to acquire ownership of the property, preserve its historical and cultural heritage, and restore it for use by all members of the local community.

10 years later: Another prompting, and I took a look at our local newspaper, the Smyrna/Clayton Sun Times, only to find an article written about the school and on-line comments to find a remark: "I am a graduate of St. Joseph's School for Colored Boys and am certainly grateful to the school for changing my life." I was thrilled and instantly emailed the man with my thoughts and curiosities of the school. He was so happy to be connected to someone from the area. I sent him recent pictures of the grounds. He has been through a rough patch of life, but felt strongly prompted to remember the life in Clayton. We are Facebook buddies and keep in touch a few times a year. Amazing, how God creates miracles by working through those who are willing to listen to his promptings!

In Loving Memory of Casey Santana Butler

Ten days ago, I found out that my former supervisor Mick Butler, no longer a DNREC employee, lost his young daughter in a tragic death. Casey Santana Butler was born on March 11, 1992. She was an 18-year-old bassoonist at the Peabody Conservatory and collapsed during a private lesson. She was in the midst of her weekly lesson about 12:30 p.m. when she lost consciousness and was prounounced dead at the hospital on November 15.

Last night I went to Casey Butler’s memorial in Bel Air, MD. I arrived at 5:30pm at the church and found police helping with parking and traffic. There were hundreds of people in attendance. I stood outside for nearly 20 minutes in line of funeral-goers wrapped around the building. I only wished I would have been able to give her parents, Mick and Sue, a huge warm hug. I waited to tell them that their DNREC friends were sorry to hear of their loss, and that they were on our hearts and minds. However, I was about 100 feet away from Mick & Sue when attendees were asked to be seated because the services were about to begin. The family was then taken away momentarily for a few private moments.

The memorial was a celebration of her life’s music, from the sound of her birth cry to the notes of the piano and her bassoon. Each musical group, student, musician, teacher, and friend performed favorite classical pieces of theirs, hers, and ones they shared . Each select group was listed as a “Symphony.” There were five symphonies which lasted 1 ½ hrs. There were bassoon, bass, and flute duets. Violin, piano, oboe, and bassoon solos. One gentleman sang “Seasons of Love” also known as 525,600 minutes acapella with such passion. He precluded his song by stating how Casey filled her life with the love of music each moment. Poetry, good memory moments, and a piano piece composed just for her was shared by her close family and friends. The Youth Chamber Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and Bel Air High School Counterpoints Choir members spoke through their music. We all wept, laughed, smiled, and prayed together as each “Symphony” was shared. Each person that performed hugged each family member.

The most tender moment of the tribute was when her father stood at the pulpit and and shared his open letter to Casey. Her mother also shared her letter, but had Rev. Sarah deliver it. Each letter was an intimate expression of their love, respect, and adoration. What a gift to hear the history of her beautiful life with humor, tenderness, and honesty. Casey was not only loved, but an model to those around her. She lived each day to the fullest filled with passion for music, compassion for others, having faith that all things are possible with hard work . One teacher quoted Casey expressing that “Life is Music!”

The presiding clergy, a married couple, testified that she truly understood what life was all about in just her short 18 years of life on earth. They also mentioned how blessed they were to live across the street from the Butlers. Another miracle of friendship, that at this particular time they would serve their daughter. Both serve as chaplains in the armed services. They watched the Butler children grow into amazing young people. A beautiful spiritual song sung by the high school choir, that Casey usually accompanied on piano, ended the performances. Mick stood up and applauded. We all joined him, as the room was filled with gratitude and thanks for those that shared their music. In closing, a quote from Dale Carnegie “For better or worse you must play your own little instrument in the orchestra of life” helped us to reflect on how we can make our lives rich and extraordinary like Casey. It was a wish that her contribution and example with lift a future musician, to pass her message of peace and love onward to others – that they too will find how to fill their lives with passion.

As I left the pew and started out, I was gratified to see the Butlers surrounded by compassion, concern, love, and respect. They were deeply moved and touched by the response of the community and long-term friendships. As I passed the last pew, there stood an former DNREC co-worker and friend Enemute Oduaran from Nigeria. We hugged and shared smiles promising to keep in touch by email.

We are ever connected by the time spent together in past, present, and future. That can not be changed! I’m very grateful for my job and for the friendships I hold dear.

At Peabody Conservatory, Life is Music - Casey Butler leaves an inspiring legacy

More Information about Casey:
Casey Santana Butler, age 18, of Abingdon, MD, died on November 15, 2010. Born in Wilmington, DE, she was the daughter of Michael Paul and Susan Moreland Butler of Abingdon, MD. A resident of Harford County for 11 years, she graduated from Bel Air High School in 2010 where she was a member of the Honor Society for four years, as well as, the Spanish Honor Society. She was a member of the Bel Air High School Band, Orchestra, and Chorus; the All County Band and Orchestra for four years; and she had earned a place on the All State Band where she played 1st chair bassoon. She was also field commander for the Bel Air Marching Band. For five years she was a member of the Harford Youth Orchestra, which was conducted by Brian Folus; three years with the Maryland Youth Chamber Orchestra, which was conducted by Vladimir Lande; and for two years, she has been a member of the Peabody Youth Orchestra, which is conducted by Dr. Harlan Parker. She was currently studying at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. A 2009 Benjamin Carson Scholar Award Winner and 2010 Recognition Scholar, she also participated for eight years with the Destination Imagination which is a Creative Problem Solving Group.

Smyrna High Homecoming 2010

This year is an important year for me. I'm 45 and when the fall temps started to tease us here in Delaware Mid-Sept., I was completely ready for fall. In fact, I think I started changing colors myself. I'm more positive and ready for adventure, almost as if I'm ready to peak? Probably a little too early, but I feel my love for life getting better each and every day.

When school began I was already for homecoming because, I wanted to twirl my flag. All the other years, I felt as if I wanted to hide behind it. However, I couldn't wait. My good friend Jamie, the high school theatre/drama teacher, SOH thespian, and newlywed which moved to PA this summer. She will no longer be at Smyrna High, but has finally graduated from divorce' and single mother to wife/step parent/spouse. She is a new stepmother to two terrific twin teenage boys, and an exchange student from China. I couldn't imagine starting off the year with these kids without Jamie. I asked her to come down and twirl with me. After all, she was the former SHS Regiment of Red's bandfront leader and choreographer as well.

We practiced our school's Alma Mater-theme song. Even though we were warned that the song is no longer played with a slow tempo, we did our best. I was amazed that the "silks" no longer include some of the moves because they are too elementary and boring. It wasn't as easy to manipulate the flag around my body. However, we asked four other bandfront alumni at the game to join us. We were positioned between all of the present marchers. We marched onto the field and hit our field lines and were positioned as an arch at the top of the band. As the music began, I starting counting 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.

Wow, after my sixth spin, I realized that they doubled the time on the song.....and I had missed my stop. So I stopped my pole and went the other direction for another sixth spin. I completely missed my stop but not on purpose. I was trying to keep up as the music was faster and faster. Next my broom sweeps from above my head to below...forget it. Two more beats and the music stopped, and so did my flagpole. I was out of breath, and complete red from trying to keep up.

As soon as we faced right to march off the field, I started giggling and couldn't stop. Who cares, I thought! That was amazing....so much fun. Jamie and I gathered the other flags from the others and put them in the shed. We continued our grownup discussion on her return plans, and said goodbye. However, the next day, I was surprised to get the fun photos.

I felt like a Senior ~ all over again!

The fun part about homecoming for me isn't that I see several folks from my class. No, actually, it is watching the present classmates in their new position from Freshmen up to the Seniors. Every year, I'm introduced to the new Freshmen in the band. I sneak into their marching band practices. Go to their chorus, and jazz band concerts. I get to see a preview of the kids that will be in the Spring musical. I see them when I'm shopping or at a school function. Either way, I love to watch them grow and become adults. My first student came to the football game with her 6 mo. old baby girl. I'd seen her on facebook, but it was nice to tell her how proud I am to know her.

It certainly is a blessing to live in a small hometown community where everybody knows your name.

A Traditional Wedding in Quanitco, Maryland

On Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10/10/10) several coworkers, Matt, and I joined Amy Nicole DiPilla and Nathan Glenn Davidson in the celebration of the their love at one o'clock at the Old Green Hill Church in Quantico, MD. Nate, presently a history teacher in Saulisbury, worked with the AmeriCorp as a Programs Coordinator at Ft. Dupont, was Caesar Rodney in the Legislation re-enactment, and our evening graveyard lantern tour guide through several old historic places in Dover, just to name a few.

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (aka Green Hill Church) was one of the original 30 Anglican parishes built for the province of Maryland. The original log built church was constructed in 1694, but replaced with the current brick building in 1733. It is located right on the banks of the Quanitco River. There is an old cemetery located right next the the church with old epitaphs. It is a beautiful and peaceful spot. We tested our bubbles there to make sure they worked.

The interior has a high pitched roof with exposed wooden beams across. The 18th century woodwork still remains. It's raised panel pew partitions are arranged on each side of wide aisles that align with the two front doors. Each partition, like a box, but only three pews in the shape of a U, still have the butterfly hinges on the doors. Imagine yourself walk down an aisle, then turning left or right to find yourself facing a box like enclosure. You open the hinged doors, and turn to face the pulpit, and then have a . The carved pulpit is connected on an angle and complete with a wooden canopy. The grounds are maintained, and although there is no service, it is opened every year in August for the Annual St. Bartholomew's day celebration and church service.

The wedding ceremony was researched and chosen with Bible and verse of the appropriate 18th century time period. One of the readings was "Husbands love your wife, as Jesus loved the church. Give yourself up to your wife. Treat her as if you would treat your own sacred body." We all made our way out of the church into a single line to blow bubbles to their white limousine. It was a beautiful 79F degrees with a nice breeze. We all gathered around the couple for a nice group friends/family picture.

Afterwards, we headed to the Green Hill Yacht & Country Club. It has a spectacular view of the wildlife and setting suns. The clubhouse building was surrounded by lots of decking with breath taking views of the river, a beautiful recreational pool, and docking for boats to disembark for a delicious meal. We were treated to hors d'oeuvres, dinner, and dancing. The groom sang a special touching song, special to each other, for his wife.

I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my lovely coworkers, which are like family. Matthew enjoy the conversation and laughter as well. He loved dancing with all the single professionals in their 20s and being in the lineup of men catching the garter. After the pictures were taken, and most of the guests departed we made our way out to the parking lot giving each other hugs. We gave the newlyweds a bon voyage knowing they were packed and ready for their Bermuda honeymoon.

Just as the sun was setting, and the air started cooling we saw an ultralight plane with floats taking off from the river.

An Evening of Talent with Our Primary Kids

Thursday the 7th at 7pm, my church ward had a Talent Show activity for our *Primary children under the age of 12. There must have been at least 100 people in the audience. My cub scouts (8 & 9 year olds) did a few skits (one liner jokes) for the audience. Every child performed at least once or twice, depending on their individual or group talents. We had piano and trombone recitals, comedians, artists doing live quick paintings, new popular line dances, gymnastics, a hoola-hoop combination dance, cheerleading, and singing: All six verses of Puff the Magic Dragon, twinkle twinkle, and even the Primary leaders sang a song together.

However, one 9 year old girl named Brierly decided to dance to a sweet little country song (see below). She went to the raised platform stage, poised herself at the microphone and announced that she would be dancing all the parts of the song and dedicating it to her Daddy, whom she loved very much. She danced without rehearsed choreography, full of expression and flowing moves. She started out with her back to the audience because she had a bit of stage fright. Only when she twirled or slowly made a small circle or moves on the floor could you see her face. Her lips moved as she sang the slow ballad softly to herself. I was brought to tears as I watched her dance with abandon. She seemed to slide across the stage as if she was ice dancing as she bent backwards, forwards, and around. It was simply beautiful and heartwarming. It occurred to me that it was a teachable moment, that I was admiring. How wonderful it is to see children inspired by the spirit of God. When I sing or play piano for a spell, I feel liberated and most connected to God. Every day for me is a great day to be alive and to focus on God's blessings in my life! During this talent show evening I had the opportunity to listen to the music of their spirits in dance, music, laughter, smiles, and the happy clapping of the crowd!

Stealing Cinderella by *Chuck Wicks. (Click on the link for more information)

*Primary is the name we call our Sunday School for kids ages 4-12 years old. After leading the music for communion/sacrament service, I play the piano for sharing time for two hours in Primary. The Primary kids are split one hour for singing/sharing time, and the other for Sunday School. Everyone leaves at 1pm. Three hours may seem long. Sometimes it feels that way, when it has already been an exhausting week. However, for me, my church is a where I am spiritually fed and fellowship with people that have become my extended spiritual family. Sunday is my favorite day because it is very enjoyable as we all worship and learn about the scriptures, sing, share our testimonies and talents with one another. When I arrive home and have my mid-day meal, I take a nice two hour nap. I get up and usually share a meal with Matthew and Jim at our favorite Italian restaurant. It is a great way to start the week.

Nunsense 3-day run closes with 440 tickets sold!

Nunsense was a success. I truly enjoyed the directing opportunity. I learned many things.

1. You can never plan too early. When you do, you can't plan on anything but yourself.
2. You can't count on a promise from anyone about committing to a show.

3. Know your strengths and your weaknesses. You can't have enough help.

4. Know what you want, but be prepared to work with others creativity.

5. Schedule practices, so that the majority can make it.

6. Don't expect during tech week that everyone will be in attendance.

7. Almost two thirds of your time will be coaching right along the stage or actor.

8. Enjoy what your doing, don't take yourself too serious.

9. Word of mouth works better in a small town, than paid advertisement.

I was ever so humbled when most of my friends, co-workers, church members, and community contacts came out to support me and my first official Directorial debut. It was great seeing so many smiling faces in the audience each and every night. Also, having the support of the Smyrna Opera House's new Executive Director, David Keller helped me to attack the show with confidence.

12 More Practices and then it's SHOWTIME!

More Pictures to follow........as we move forward towards Opening Night!

A Sad Time for our DNREC Zoo Keepers

A sad time for my co-workers at the Brandywine Zoo. Their 20-year-old Siberian Tiger, Ashley, had fallen ill and died last Saturday evening. She arrived in Delaware in 1995. She was 5 years old when she came from the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.

The zoo "definitely" will get another tiger, though when hasn't been decided. The zoo tiger population in the United States is managed through the nonprofit Association of Zoos and
Aquariums. Brandywine Zoo is accredited by the AZA.

There are only about 130 Siberian tigers, also called Amur tigers, in zoos around the country, Through the AZA program, tigers are free to zoos, though they must pay transportation costs.

The zoo will wait at least a few months before getting a new tiger. The zoo wants to make some improvements to the tiger enclosure. They also want to wait for cooler weather to avoid transporting a tiger in the summer heat.

Initially when Ashley arrived, she was housed with Kublai Khan, an older tiger. After Kublai Khan died, Ashley was paired with another Siberian tiger named Sergei. That relationship never worked out. Sergei had been raised by hand at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in
Colorado Springs, Colo., so he preferred humans over other tigers. Ashley and Sergei growled at each other and occasionally fought, so the zoo kept them in separate enclosures.

Tigers in the wild have a life span of 10 to 15 years. In captivity, longevity may reach as high as 20 years. According to the Zoo's Director, Nancy Falasco, Ashley's long life of 20 years is a tribute to the good care she received at both the Brandywine Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo, where she was born July 21, 1990.

The Brandywine Zoo is located in beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The Zoo grounds cover 13 landscaped acres on high ground above the Brandywine River. The Zoo hosts 150 animals, from tigers to snakes, and is open all year round.

The Brandywine Zoo is managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation with the support of the Delaware Zoological Society.