Exiles Know Freedom

Posted by a friend, Alan Eason:

I love this emotional rendition of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," conducted by then-National-Symphony conductor Mstislav Rostropovich on his return to his homeland of Russia in 1990. He had been stripped of his citizenship under the Soviets for sheltering and defending Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who also took refuge in the United States. Rostropovich loved his homeland of Russia, and his return concert, held in the Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, drew half of the intelligentsia of Moscow and was televised on Russian TV nationwide. After a mournful rendition of (his mentor as a youth) Shostakovich's #5 symphony, which depicted Stalinism and its terrors, he brought the audience to its feet with "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as a finale.

Boston Pop's Christmas - Somewhere in My Memory

When I was growing up, Boston Pop's "Joy To The World" with John Williams was my favorite CD at Christmas time, and "Somewhere in My Memory" will always be in my memory.  Home Alone is a great Christmas movie!!  =]  I happened upon this video from another pianist-blogger. Some Christmas, I hope to teach this to some student who shares my joy in this sweet melody.  Enjoy!

http://blip.tv/pianopodcast/somewhere-in-my-memory-from-home-alone-5815895

A Gift from Mom for Graduation!

Events: Week of Dec. 4 - 10

Friday, December 9, 7:30pm at Shiloh Baptist Church.  Christmas by Candlelight   Members of my family and I will be singing in this beautiful varied concert!

Too bad it isn't free like last year!  5$ advance.  More infor below.



Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, 8 – 10 p.m.   Dancing with Winds, UT.   Free


Sunday, Dec. 11.  Don't forget the Messiah.  10$ advance.  This video is from Dr. Romanski's [past performances.

More on...Christmas by Candlelight

Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W Terrace St, Plant City, FL

We took a group picture at Epcot last year, but this was a year before  when I wasn't there yet. :) We will be singing on December 30th. The program will begin with the Plant City Community Choir featuring: ~A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas ~Still, Still, Still ~Carol of the Bells ... Also on the program, from the Plant City Vocal Ensemble: ~Ding Dong Merrily on High Then, the Plant City Community Choir will combine with a choral group from the University of South Florida to perform the 2011 Disney Candlelight Processional concert. This will include over 100 singers, a guest narrator, and guest conductors.



Want to sing in the Messiah?

All are welcome to participate in the performance of the MESSIAH!
This is a late notice. 

See the flyer about the December 11th concert.

<<Rehearsal Reminder

Brandon Choral Society Singers will resume rehearsals with the next one scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday November 29 at 7:00 PM Sharp. As every one is aware the rehearsal location will continue at Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon , Fl 33511.

Cd's, concert tickets, flyers and poster will be available for distribution.

See attached 2011 Handel's Messiah flyer.

Thank you and God Bless!

George Miecyjak
Program Coordinator
miecyjak@aol.com>>

Happy Thanksgiving!... Songs

I've been assigning Thanksgiving hymns to my students. 

And Thanksgiving would not be complete without good ol' Charlie Brown!  One of my students just began learning this theme.  Should be a fun challenge for rhythm and agility.

 

Events: Week of Nov. 24-19

December 6, 2011 - "Holiday Magic" - 7:30pm - Youkey Theater, The Lakeland Center
Program: Four Shaw Cantatas (Lakeland Choral Society), Bennett; Seasonal Favorites.

 If you are a student at USF, the first and second concerts are free.  These are great events!

Expanding

I've just expanded my "Students" page, on the top menu here, to include more links to free sheet music.  This was particularly to give my students some Christmas lead sheets.  It's less than three months away! With Thanksgiving coming next month, I'm thinking I'll post about traditional Thanksgiving  music.