Listen to the recordings below and let me know what you think. I think I like the Spanish translation best (and the recording is better, too). I have also updated my Music page where you can hear other arrangements I’ve done.

Audio Recordings (mp3)

Where Can I Turn For Peace (English version)

Dónde hallo el solaz (Spanish version)

Sheet music (PDF)

Where Can I Turn for Peace.pdf (Both English and Spanish included)

I should also offer a disclaimer that I don’t have any fancy recording studio equipment and the quality of the recordings is pretty poor. I’m getting a better microphone in a few weeks, which should help, but I did the best with what I had (including my very novice recording skills). Here is a list of what I used to make these recordings:

• Sibelius 6 for music notation
• Casio Celviano AP-24 digital piano
• Truepianos piano sample (used on English version)
• Galaxypianos Steinway D sample (used on Spanish version). I prefer this to Truepianos.
• Logitech USB headset for microphone (meant for chatting, but it’s all I have)
• Garageband

I hope you enjoy the arrangements! Next I think I’ll work on a male quartet arrangement (barbershop style) of “Have I Done Any Good?” Any other requests?

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I have been an assistant director of this choir since 2004, during which time we have sung Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation”, Mendelssohn’s “Elijah”, Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, and Duruflé’s “Requiem”. It’s been an enjoyable experience, especially since I’ve been able to work with my childhood piano teacher and high school choral director (and good friend), Dr. Morris Lee – an incredible man with a brilliant musical mind, commitment to excellence, and a kind heart. He’s the director of the choir.

Despite coming from a long line of choral directors (my dad and grandpa both taught choir in high school, as well as an uncle), and having sung in choirs all my life, I chose not to go into music as a career, but instead chose to keep it as an active hobby. I did teach piano growing up, and have directed choirs before, but usually among my peers.

Having no formal choral conducting training (except for a week-long workshop I took at the University of Utah a couple years ago), I often felt inadequate in my abilities to lead the choir, and also a little intimidated because the majority of the choir members are more than double my age, and most have more musical experience than I do. Fortunately, they were forgiving, and we got along fine.

I was slightly more comfortable at the piano, but sight-reading Handle and Duruflé isn’t the easiest task either – I did need to practice. Fortunately, I only had to fill in for Holly (our fabulous accompanist) once or twice a season, but that was enjoyable too.

This year, I am also honored in that they are dedicating this year’s performance of the Messiah to me! I was very surprised when I heard this, but honored. There will be a short bio about me in the program as well. How sweet of them!

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the Oratorio Society. It’s been a good experience, and I’ve made some nice friends. I will miss singing such great music with such great people under such great direction. But I will look forward to seeing them successfully go on to their 100th year and beyond.

If you want to come hear our performances of Handel’s Messiah this year, I’d love to see you there. Here are the details:

Saturday, December 12th, 2009, 7:00pm

Sunday, December 13, 2009, 7:00pm

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

[Also, notice that I added a "Music" tab to the top of this website. I put my hymn arrangements and sheet music there for free download. I hope to put up more in the future.]

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I haven’t been in a musical since Jr. High school (unless you count some little one-act plays I did in High School). And I’ve only ever had a lead role – I like being in the spotlight for this kind of thing. But after seeing how much fun Jen had in Seussical last year, we decided that this year would be my turn, and Joseph is one of my favorites. My sister has been the narrator in it, my mom played in the pit when I was a kid, and my dad even did it at his school last year.

There was some excellent talent at callbacks, both from the men and the ladies. I knew the director would have a tough time deciding who should have the main roles. I was hoping for the role of Joseph, and was pretty confident going into it, but after I saw the other talent, I knew it would be a close call. But there are so many fun songs in that show, I knew I wanted to be in it regardless.

I found out today that I was cast as Judah! He’s the one who sings the Benjamin Calypso song near the end of the show! I remember when the director had us each do that song. I really jumped in with a lot of energy and was almost silly in how I pulled it off, banging on my pretend steel drums and dancing around almost like I was drunk. I guess she liked it. :) Here’s a video of someone else doing the song.

So, the next couple months will be pretty busy with rehearsals for the show, but I think it will be a good and fun experience. I think it brings out some good things in me – the “inner child”.

In fact, after four hours of callbacks I was so exhausted I came home and rested; but that evening I had so much energy! We went to the grocery store and I was extremely goofy, pushing the girls really fast in the Harmon’s shopping “car”, even riding on it myself, and swinging to kick my heels together in the air every so often. Jen even caught me jumping off the hood of our little Corolla after putting the shopping cart away. I haven’t been that crazy in years, but I was having so much fun…at the…grocery…store… Is that what acting does to you?

One more bonus – they’re letting kids as young as 5 be in the children’s chorus if their parents are in the cast, so I’m going to have Emily join me on the stage! She is so excited, and I think we’ll have a good time.

Oh, and for those interested in coming to see it, performances are June 19, 20, 22, 26, 27 & 29, 2009 held at South Jordan Middle School.

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