Well, I promised you a report on the Stake Christmas Music Fireside. I think it went well enough. Feedback has been positive. I’m not completely satisfied, but I’ll take it.
For my part, I was distracted somewhat for the Fireside. Upon arriving at the church, I took a minor fall on the ice as I got out of the car. No injury, and able to dry the suit well enough with paper towels in the washroom. But it threw me off my game a bit. I’d also spent mid-day at the hospital with Wendy who was passing a kidney stone. Didn’t make it to church at all Sunday, was tired from the hospital visit, and again, was just off my game. As a result of the un-normal schedule and fall, I wasn’t focused enough to really set the tone for the evening in making my opening remarks. OK, my remarks shouldn’t be make-or-break for the event — I’m not quite that full of myself — but it was dissatisfying.
As for the fireside itself, it was much more participative this year than in the past. We had no Stake Choir, and while it’s much less work, I do miss the large choir. I also didn’t pull together my own small ensemble to do some high-end music, such as Rutter arrangements, and I miss that, too. But I really, really enjoyed having more participation from the congregation in singing to each other. Musically, it was so-so, but I think they enjoyed the dynamic and singing more that way. I think some form of that will be a keeper in future years.
The core of the program was the ward choirs, and I’m really content about that. Stake Music programs should build up and encourage Ward Music programs, not interfere with them. Some of the ward choirs were not established and weren’t functioning, but came together again just for this event. Others who were functioning brought their selection to perform, too. All were effective, and it’s a good demonstration that you don’t have to have a musically advanced, traditionally functioning ward choir to be effective and meet the goal and purpose of church music and ward choirs. Sure, it can be a lot more fun, more rewarding, and more effective if we do choir well, but it’s not required to meet the goal and purpose. Otherwise stated, having a less advanced choir that performs works, but not having any choir at all, that creates a hole and a gap in ward meetings.
Next year, I think I’ll try again to do some high-end music with small ensemble, just for my own satisfaction. And I’m enteratining the idea of having a Stake Choir perform the Hallelujah Chorus. But Craig says that’s beyond him on the organ — too much black on the page (too many notes), but I don’t quite believe him yet — and I may have to find another organist who could handle it for us. That’s probably doable. But I have year to wear Craig down on it. 
Merry Christmas to you all, and Happy New Year!
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