Music and Christmas

I love Christmas music, especially the songs about Jesus, shepherds, wise men, and silent and holy nights.  I admit that when the Christmas music is played on the radio stations in November, I listen to that station.  There's something magical, emotional and nostalgic that comes from music.   

I found an old hymn book that was used many years ago while my children and I were taking piano lessons.  Our teacher was an octogenarian named Dott Lowder.  She was tiny, single, talented and very patient.  We loved her.  She deserves a post all to herself so I'll save that for later.   This book is a real treasure.  She always fingered the songs we played.  She felt that we needed to learn the hymns well enough to play for church and she liked to add a little something extra to make them more elaborate.  You'll notice on Silent Night she has written G G.  Those are the "chimes" and they need to be played with a light staccato.

You'll impress those listening unless you lose your place after playing the "chimes".  Believe me, I know. You'll also want to be sure the song is written in the same key or your chimes will sound awful! Believe me, I know.

Music can calm a troubled heart and a fussy baby.  The Corbanator knows how to entertain Baby Neil with his own rendition of Jingle Bells.

Take a lesson from Corban; if you forget the words, be sure to back up and sing faster to get over the part where you made a blunder, then end with a flourish.  Your audience will love it!

Enjoy some Christmas music today and if you decide to play Silent Night for your family, be sure to add the chimes.   (You're welcome for the music lesson)