A Caroling We Will Go - "Let is Snow & Sleigh Ride"

I had to change gears a little bit from my blues listening on thesixtyone.com to get into the spirit of the season to write this post. If this video doesn't help you get into the spirit of things I don't know what will. On my "A Caroling We Will Go" adventure I ran across the grand finale to Pellissippi State Music Department's Christmas Concert from 2008. Carolers appear one last time to perform two timeless Christmas holiday classics, "Let it Snow" and "Sleigh Ride." The Conductor is Bill Brewer, Associate Professor of Music. I love how they added that extra special touch by dressing like carolers. It truly adds a touch of whimsy. I am told that the awesome high kicks during "Sleigh Ride" come from Michael Stokes who belonged to the Concert Chorale and Variations vocal groups at PSTCC. He also teaches dance, go figure. Enjoy!

Quote of the Week "Sing hey! Sing hey!"

Sing hey! Sing hey!
For Christmas Day;
Twine mistletoe and holly.
For a friendship glows
In winter snows,
And so let's all be jolly!

~Author Unknown

What's on Your Musician's Christmas List?

I am terrible at remembering what I would like to have for gifts so several years ago I started keeping a run-on list on my Palm PDA. Any time I think of something that would make a great present for me or something that I know I would buy if I had the money right now I put it on the list. It really has come in handy and helps me to prioritize my spending, too.

So, what to get the budding musician in your life? I thought I would list here some of the things on my gift list as well as past gifts that were really helpful or just plain neat. If you are still stumped, you can always go the gift card route. I know that I appreciate gift cards a lot.


Emily's Music Wishlist

Performance music folder with hand strap - Makes solo singing a breeze

Music Stand - My studio desperately needs one

German-English, Italian-English & French-English dictionaries - for all those vocal score translations

Piano Style Sustain Foot Pedal - I was thrilled to find out they made these. I can't wait to have my own.

De-Lovely Soundtrack CD - I am in love with this movie and the music of Cole Porter. A must have for my music collection.

Rhythm Heaven - For my Nintendo DS

Musicnotes.com Gift Certificate - This is such a great place to get sheet music. I love the fact that I can pay and print my music at the same time. I don't have to wait for it to be shipped to me.

Metronome - This handy tool is great for practice

Private Music Lessons Gift Certificate - Couldn't resist a shameless plug for the Elliott Music Studio

Concert Tickets

Musical Biographies & History of Music Books

Mixed CD's - Share some of your favorites

Tea Basket - For the singer in your life fill a basket with herbal teas and throat soothers. Add some honey and maybe a nice travel mug.

Composer Statues

Novelty Music Gifts - Check out this website for an awesome collect of music nick-nacks and the like.

I hope this list gets you started and helps you find the perfect gifts for the musicians in your life.
There are so many perfect gift ideas out there that I know I am bound to miss one. Don't forget to tell me what I missed in the comments. Merry Christmas!

A Caroling We Will Go - "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings"

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings" featuring Sarah McLachlan comes to us from the album "Barenaked For The Holidays" by the Barenaked Ladies. It is not the holidays until I listen to this song. I think it's pure genius and I will have it on repeat for the rest of the season. If you know where I can get the sheet music for this arrangement let me know. The other reasons why I love this CD is because it makes great party music and it includes songs for Hanukkah and New Year's. It's a must have. Enjoy!

A Caroling We Will Go - "Angels We Have Heard On High"

This year I have decided to try and enjoy the music of the season even more than usual. As a church musician it's hard to get in the spirit since I have had to practice all of these songs since October. But for my kids sake this year and for future years to come I am trying to enjoy these songs more and one way to do that is to widen my scope. I have been listening to many different styles and trying not to stick to just my favorites. Accuradio.com has been a help in this. Try the channel of unknown Christmas albums. I will warn you that some of these might scare you at first or take you completely off guard. They are not your usual Christmas carols.

I also took one of those funny pop knowledge quizes for Christmas Carols this week. I had to identify songs based on sound clips. It turns out I am at Elf level and scored 860 points getting 61.29% of the questions right. I am 140 points away from the Santa level. To try your hand at this cool quiz and others related to Christmas music check out the Parents.com website here.

Now back to "A Caroling We Will Go". "Six Pence None the Richer has done it again with "Angels We Have Heard on High" from the "The Dawn Of Grace" album. I would love to find out who designed the animation. It is just so cute. My daughter has been asking me to replay it every day this week. I enjoy the light and almost delicate sound that they give this song and visuals are such a great pairing. Enjoy!