Hear me more

My family and religion are fully intertwined. When music is additionally considered, the strong connection continues. My family and I have chosen for our religion The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This has provided me with a very rich music environment. My mom went to college at Brigham Young University in their music program where she studied along with Mack Wilberg. We often watch broadcast of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square and my mom will point out the organist and other musicians and singers she knows. In our local church services we are all kind of roped into the musical functions. My brother is the professional page turner of the area (he gets paid well in chocolates), and my mom and I help to lead the music for Sunday services. In this music culture of this church the entire group of assembled people sing in unison from a common hymn book. The mindset behind the music we use in these services is that music is a form of prayer, of communication, of worship. As such, a choir may prepare a special hymn for a particular service, but it is certainly not a required to especially expected part of the regular services. However, when a choir does perform, it is from a group of volunteers with a specially rehearsed song that was very carefully and thoughtfully and prayerfully chosen. The congregational singing of hymns is provided with a simple accompaniment from either a piano or organ. In smaller meetings, they are begun and ended with a prayer and a hymn. For these, if there is not a proficient piano player someone will play out just the melody on the piano or the group will simply sing without accompaniment. Occasionally services will also be joined with a small woodwind or stringed instrument. I have noticed that the aesthetics of music prefers a very particular feel for the type of hymn. In times of reflection during the service the tone is quieter and slower, often with dissonance in the chords. Usually the first hymn of the service is quick and upbeat, I suppose to wake people up to the moment. But many of our hymns are focused on the words, which illustrate the religious doctrine and belief. The music enhances this as the director shapes the experience and movement of the hymn around the meaning of the verse. Holds and pauses, as well as dynamic changes all serve this aesthetic. We have a very functional hymn book. It contains about 350 songs, but it is very well organized and the music arranged in such a way as to make it very accessible to a wide range of worshipers. I have grown very familiar with this hymn book and its hymns, but the coolest experience for me is when I discover new music. It has been AWESOME to hear hymns from other books and people that I have never before fulfilled my life in experiencing. There are fantastic hymns in other religions and I absolutely love expanding to love these and incorporate them into the many songs that run through my mind. Ideas are expressed in so many amazing ways it is a favorite part of my life to discover new ways that they have been communicated. So if you have a favorite hymn could you share it with me, it adds a whole new dimension to my life and soul.