Dear Friends,
As we enter not only another year, but another decade, I am reminded of how short and precious our time is on this little planet. I hope that none of you has been personally touched by the devastation in Haiti, but I also hope that you will make a contribution – no matter how small – to the on-going relief efforts. ASCAP and other professional arts organisations are collecting funds, as are Oxfam, Unicef, and any number of other groups.
Independent film Lukisan Hati from HS Maju Productions opens in Malaysia this month; the film brings to life the artwork of Anshari Mohd, as it translates his comic to the big screen. Lukisan Hati is a touching story about love and friendship as seen through the eyes of five teenagers. The soundtrack includes two pieces from my album Seasons of the Heart, ‘I Will Find You’ and ‘Promise of Spring’, as well as songs by the group Hyper Act. The film will also be available as an online download; many people expect this to become the norm over the next few years, as technology capabilities increase and the demand for immediate release intensifies. It’s an exciting time to be alive!
As I mentioned last month, I’m greatly anticipating the upcoming courses I’m teaching through the New Mexico School of Music. Entitled Music Through The Ages, these four-week sessions will explore different facets of music appreciation and history. The first session, beginning January 30th, will be an overview of major periods in music history. Presented in a light-hearted but serious manner, these classes will be filled with historical illustrations and musical trivia, amply illustrated by recordings. Due to their intimate nature, discussion will be encouraged if desired. Please contact the NMSM for further information on 505.266.3474, or email me directly.
As the winter term begins at OASIS, I have a new addition to my schedule: I will now be directing Singing the Showtunes. A group of talented amateur vocalists meets weekly throughout the term to share their love of music not only with one another, but with the community at large. I understand that the class still has openings, and if you’re interested, I would encourage you to sign up as quickly as possible. Singing the Showtunes meets for 12 weeks on Tuesday mornings, for ten rehearsals and two performances.
Radio Jockey Vijayan Almeida (who is also a member of the band KIXMET) featured ‘Follow Your Heart’ from my latest CD on the December 17th edition of his radio programme Beat By Beat, which airs on 105.4 FM Rainbow, in Goa, India. Earlier this month, I was privileged to record both a station ident and a short interview, which will be aired at a later date on his show.
Keyboardist Bonnilyn Neyens and vocalist Lillian Pepple Kallina have been using my set of acclamations, Mass of the Faithful, at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, in Wayland, MO. This is especially meaningful to me as my mother was born in the little town of Wayland; she would have been so pleased.
Other recent performances of my works include: ‘Greensleeves’, ‘The Eternal Rose’, and ‘In the Bleak Mid-winter’ on December 15th, by pianist Wilma Gantz, La Vida Llena Music Ministry; and ‘Christmas Legend’ on December 24, by the children of Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, under the direction of Mollie O’Meara, both in Albuquerque, NM.
