Escalator music

I just love creative ideas like this. Thanks to Pat Whitnel for sharing.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

Queen Mary 2 - Coventry tour - the initial scoop

Chapelwood has the opportunity this coming May to travel via the Queen Mary 2 to Coventry, England for the International Church Music Festival! This is a trip open to non-singers as well as singers, and should be a trip we all remember for a lifetime.

Rehearsals with participants from all over the country happen on board, culminating in the festival concert at Coventry Cathedral. There's plenty to do on board during the seven-day Atlantic crossing, and upon arrival, we'll be singing under the direction of Sir David Willcocks. We finish up in London before returning to the U.S.A.

Basics are as follows:

Depart New York on Friday, May 21, 2010.
Depart London on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

Prices range from $3,960 to $4,930, double occupancy, based on the category of accomodation chosen. Please see the attached brochure (assuming I can make the attachment happen) for more details, what the tour cost covers, itinerary, etc.

If you're interested, please contact Pam Moore at 713-464-0575, or Tom Jaber at 713-365-2807.

Children's Theater - from Linda Royce

Linda Royce asked me to let you know about a Christmas theater opportunity perfect for families with kids - Kindergarten-aged and up. From Main Street Theater, it's a presentation of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

Friday, November 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Saturdays, November 28 and December 5 and 12, at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

November 23 - December 17, 2009
Monday - Friday at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.

Subscriptions to 3-, 4-, and 5-series packages are also available.

For more information check with Linda, or visit http://www.mainstreettheater.com/.

HelpingAHero

Here's a link to the organization Bonnie Denny mentioned Wednesday night. It's called Helping a Hero. The group provides housing for veterans severely injured in the war on terror. Let's not forget that Michael Whitnel (Pat's son) is an active Marine corporal, and that extended family and friends of a lot of us have a very direct connection to the war on terror.

http://www.helpingahero.org/

Here are a couple of Houston Chronicle links to stories involving this group:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/realestate/newhomes/6599243.html
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/realestate/newhomes/6590119.html

Note from Tom

Tom sent me a note this morning, and asked me to post for him, how . . .

". . . very very excited I was by the rhythm and vitality and vibrance of the sound and presentation of the Chancel Choir yesterday morning...and, actually, throughout ALL of August...and, the sound in "Fairest Lord Jesus" was extraordinary...(to be totally honest, I boosted it by one half step, and everyone had to energize to get there!...whatever works!)...at any rate, it was a great morning for the choir...have a good week ahead. yours, tij "

Recipe: Marvelous mushrooms (Allison Carter)

Marvelous Mushrooms

1 pound fresh mushrooms
1/3 cup soft butter
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne
Pinch of nutmeg
1½ tablespoons flour
1 cup heavy cream

Wash mushrooms. Cream together the butter, parsley, onion, mustard, salt, cayenne, nutmeg, and flour. Place mushrooms in a 1 quart casserole dish. Dot with the butter mixture and pour on the heavy cream. Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for about an hour. Stir two-three times during baking.

Serve with meats or roast. Serves four to six.

Note: doubling the recipe requires only a moderate increase in the amount of heavy cream.

Recipe: Lemon Layer Cake (Peter Johns)

Lemon Layer Cake

Recipe from ‘Behind the Scenes with America’s Test Kitchen’

The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, but it will become quite stiff; fold it with a rubber spatula to loosen it before spreading it on the cake. Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator, with the cut side of the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to three days.

Lemon Curd Filling

1 cup juice from about 6 lemons
1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
1½ cups sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
6 large egg yolks (reserve the whites for cake)
1 stick unsalted butter, cut into ½ inch cubes and frozen

Cake

2¼ cups cake flour, plus extra for the pans
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
6 large egg whites, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1¾ cups sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1½ sticks unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces, softened but still cool

Icing

2 large egg whites
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon juice from 1 lemon
1 tablespoon corn syrup


1. FOR THE FILLING: Measure 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice into a small bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Heat the remaining lemon juice, the sugar, and salt in a medium nonreactive saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Whisk the eggs and the yolks in a large nonreactive bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the hot lemon-sugar mixture into the eggs, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula, until the mixture registers 170 degrees on an instant read thermometer and is thick enough to leave a trail when the spatula is scraped along the pan bottom, 4 to 6 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the gelatin mixture until dissolved. Stir in the frozen butter until incorporated. Pour the filling through a fine-mesh strainer into a nonreactive bowl (you should have 3 cups). Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm enough to spread, at least 4 hours.

2. FOR THE CAKE: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350F. Grease and flour two 9 x2 round cake pans and line with parchment paper. In a 2-cup measure or medium bowl, whisk together the milk, egg whites and vanilla.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt at low speed. With the mixer running at low speed, add the butter one piece at a time; continue beating until the mixture resembles moist crumbs with no visible butter chunks. Add all but ½ cup of the milk mixture to the crumbs and beat at medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1 ½ minutes. With the mixer running at low speed, add the remaining ½ cup milk mixture; increase the speed to medium and beat for 30 seconds more. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl. Return the mixer to medium and beat for 20 seconds longer. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans; using a rubber spatula, spread the batter to the pan walls and smooth the tops.

4. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes. Loosen the cakes from the sides of the pans with a small knife, cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a greased wire rack; peel off the parchment. Invert the cakes again; cool completely on the rack, about 1 1/2 hours.

5. TO ASSEMBLE: Use a serrated knife to cut each cake into 2 even layers. Place the bottom layer of one cake on a cardboard round or cake plate. Using an icing spatula spread 1 cup of the lemon filling evenly on the cake leaving a ½-inch border around the edge, using a cardboard round, gently replace the top layer. Spread 1 cup of filling on top. Using the cardboard round, gently slide the bottom half of the second cake into place. Spread the remaining cup of filling on top. Using the cardboard round, replace the top layer of the second cake. Smooth out any filling that has leaked from the sides of the cake; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while making the icing.

6. FOR THE ICING: Combine all the ingredients in a large heatproof bowl and set over a medium saucepan filled with 1 inch of barely simmering water (do not let the bowl touch the water). Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture to a standing fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks from, about 5 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat until the mixture has cooled to room temperature and stiff peaks form, 5 minutes longer. Ice the cake and serve.

Recipe: Green Beans Caesar (Ann and Bill Steiner)

GREEN BEANS CAESAR

2 cans whole green beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon instant minced onion
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1 extra large clove garlic, crushed
½ teaspoon(salt-free) lemon pepper
¼ cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Paprika

Place olive oil, vinegar, minced onion, salt, garlic and lemon pepper in 1-quart ungreased casserole; stir to combine. Drain and rinse green beans. Stir into marinade mixture; cover and marinate overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir together bread crumbs, Parmesan and butter. Sprinkle mixture over beans; dust top with paprika. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. Serves 5-6.

This recipe is from former choir member Nancy Ginzel and used for Dinner Theater ’91.

From Marty Shroff’s Friends in the Kitchen.

Recipe: Caramel Brownies (Ann and Bill Steiner)

CARAMEL BROWNIES

1 (14-ounce) package caramels
2/3 cup evaporated milk, divided
1 (17 ½-ounce) chocolate cake mix
½ cup + 2 tablespoon butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Unwrap caramels and place in a 4-cup glass measure; add 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Microwave on high 2 to 3 minutes, stirring midway through cooking. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, butter, remaining 1/3 cup milk and nuts in bowl. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture holds together. Press half of mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake in preheated oven 6 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Drizzle caramel mixture over top of chocolate chips. Crumble and press remaining cake mixture over top of caramel. Return to oven and bake 15 to 18 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to set caramel layer before cutting. Makes 48 brownies.

From Marty Shroff’s book: Friends in the Kitchen

We're back!

It's August, and we're back in the loft. It was a great morning, with a whole bunch of new folks joining us for worship. Welcome! We are SO glad you joined us! And with no further ado, let's move to . . .

The Jaberism of the Day: "Let's all agree - 'H' is not a muscle!"

I don't know about you all, but I feel revived. Maybe it was all that energy in the choir room.

A tremendous thanks to Monte and Donna Legro for allowing us the use of their house for our potluck dinner. As nice a building as we have at Chapelwood, there's something about being together in someone's home that strengthens our ties even more. Thanks to our social folk - Pat, Craig, and Janet, for organizing, and to everyone who brought food. Speaking of food, I plan to post a lot of the recipes here, since so many of you asked. Email me your recipes and I'll get them available.

See everyone Wednesday at 7:00 in the choir room. It's a great time to bring someone new; let's see if we can build on our great start.

Sing, Sing, Sing! (video)

Here's a video Peter sent - about the importance of singing . . . what else??

Off for July!

We're off for July!
Next meeting time: Sunday, August 2nd, at 10:15 a.m. The blog is going to go a little dormant during the summer, but will pick up again some time later in July.
Have a great vacation, everyone!

Officer meeting at my house Wednesday at 7:00. Come prepared to discuss all things choir-related (but not so much the specifics of your particular office).

Link: Singing and health

One of the things I'd planned to include in the blog is a selection of links to articles elsewhere on the web that have to do with singing, Methodism, Chapelwood, etc. Here's one to check out about how singing can improve your health. http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/06/07/how_singing_improves_your_health_even_if_other_people_shouldnt_hear_you_singing.htm

I should note that I can't personally vouch for the content of external web pages.

-Allison

Last rehearsal before the July break

Jaberism of the evening: "You sound like a Hawaiian guitar stuck in Little Rock!"

OK. Let's all take a moment and try to imagine that one.

Important stuff:

• Saturday - if you can, be in the Sanctuary at 9:00 so the instrumentalists have somebody to practice with. It matters not what you wear.
• Sunday - get to the choir room by 7:50, and be seated and ready to go by 8:00.
• Yes, there will be donuts! (but not until after first service).
• Wear those earrings! And all the red, white, and blue you can come up with. We are not wearing robes.
• If you haven't actually spoken with Donna, Rick, Diane, Ginger, and Jay, do so! If you don't know who I'm talking about, find out.
• We do NOT rehearse the last Wednesday in July. That's different from every other year.
• Put August 2 on your calendar - for resuming choir, and for the potluck at Monte's.

Oh, it's official. "Ih" (as in "sit") is now the offical new vowel of the Chancel choir. Note that it's not the same vowel as "uuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggh," or "errrrrgggggghhhhhhh," or "uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh." I guess this is progress - we've moved past the "oooooo" vowel. Either that, or Tommy's just given up on that one.

See everyone Sunday (and hopefully quite a few of you on Saturday.)

-Allison
in mourning for the Longhorns

How are we improving?

Quote of the morning: "Every note is just like a child of God - they're ALL worthy." -Andi Jaber

No rehearsal last Wednesday, but we did have a section leader meeting. Thanks to Pam for coordinating and leading, and arranging for food. I'll spare you all the details, but will pass along three requests that will make life much easier for the section leaders.

• If you're going to be absent, PLEASE call, voicemail, email, IM, twitter, or some way let your section leader know ahead of time. If you're doing something fun, feel free to gloat. Your section leader promises to be sufficiently envious and/or impressed. If you're sick, s/he promises to be sympathetic. If you're just lazy on Sunday morning, at least watch on the internet and report back how we look and sound.
  
• About the yellow sheets: if you're there, or plan to be there, mark a check. If you don't know, put a question mark. Otherwise, leave it blank. Explanatory comments are ok on the far side. Note that you don't ever put an "n" anywhere.
  
• While there are some things we used to do that we don't do now, and there are some things we do now that we used not to do, the earring thing remains unchanged. Your section leader really doesn't like to have to tell you to remove your earrings, so if you can, please do so before she starts to squirm uncomfortably.

How are we improving? We're starting with the low hanging (easy) fruit here. Look up, and hold your music so your folder is nearly parallel with the floor. It's a fast, simple, and painless way to improve. You look more intelligent and attractive that way, too. Advanced students, you might want to consider watching the director, as long as your head is up. It's a radical concept, but it reduces your need to remember or guess at a lot of things, like exactly when to cut off.

The sermon was spot on this morning. If you missed it, I suggest checking Chapelwood's website, or Soul Food. See everyone Wednesday! Hug a new person!

Sunday morning, and how many pastors can you name?

Tom is out of town; Andi directed this morning, with Peter and Diana accompanying. Bob Johnson preached, and the service was a bit shorter than usual. Diana, Chandra, and Margaret as the flute trio performed the prelude, with Andi accompanying.


Things worth remembering from this morning:

• No rehearsal this Wednesday!
• Section leader meeting (with assistants) this Wednesday night, in its place.

Here's a challenge. How many Chapelwood pastors, past and present, can you name? Not just head pastors, but any non-diaconal pastor ever assigned to Chapelwood. Full ordination not necessary, but progression toward that goal is. Chime in with your number, if you're so inclined, but don't post names.

See everyone next Sunday - Fathers' Day.

Announcements: 6-3-09

It was an opera and "turn in your music" sort of night. Rehearsal sort of devolved into La Boheme rolling up and down the keyboard between songs. I could almost recognize most of them. References to Lawrence Welk personalities eluded me, as well.

Two Jaberisms for the evening:

1. "You should drive around in my car and listen to yourselves!"
2. "So I will trust in the Lord . . . AND Puccini."

Anthems were rehearsed, lots of music was turned in, old officers were thanked, new officers were installed, and best of all, we had four formers members back with us - Diane Creekmore, Ginger Moore, Rick Hendricks, and Mike Firenza. Great to have you back!

Thought for the week: How have you embodied grace recently?
And . . . how would you answer that same question Sunday?

Sign up for Chapelwood directory!

Hey, choir . . .


If you haven't done so already, please sign up in the next week or so for a slot to have your picture taken for the Chapelwood membership directory. To do so, just go to http://www.chapelwood.org/ and click on the "photo directory" link. Pretty easy. While I don't know for sure, I suspsect there's a place in the Bering garden to sign up if you don't want to sign up on-line.


Here are the dates you have to choose from:
June 10, 11, 12, 13
July 15, 16, 17, 18
August 19, 20, 21, 22

Met with Francine today . . .

I met with Francine today to learn all about being choir president. It was a good meeting, but I'm not entirely sure I believe all she said about the requisite genuflections, ceremonial headdress, midnight choir room pilgrimages, live chickens, etc.

Announcements: 5-27-09

No Jaberisms this evening, probably due to the focused nature of our recording session. Most commonly heard phrase: (long pause) "Andy, did you get that?"

Yes, last night was our long-awaited recording session! By my count we recorded thirteen songs, although I may have included something we rehearsed for Sunday. "Bonse Aba" and "If My People" were both one take songs! "We Remember You" went quickly, as well, (six minutes) but I think we took a couple of stabs at it.

Thanks to everyone who stayed late, in a warm chapel, so that we could get the best recording possible. I'm sure we'll all find it's worth it when we hear the result.

This Sunday is the final day of office for our outgoing officer corps. When you see an officer, thank him/her! There's a lot of effort that goes on behind the scenes that we don't know about.

Information of note:

1. May 31 is Chapelwood's 60th birthday and Kelly Williams' 85th birthday.
2. June 3 our new officers take over.
3. June 28 we sing all three services. It's Patriotic Sunday.
   

Anybody have a favorite of the songs we did last night? I think "This I Know" is one of my favorites. For those of you new to blog world, just click on the box labeled "comments" after this entry, and post a comment.

Choir Officers: 2009-2010

President - Allison Carter
Vice President - Ken Spalding
Secretary - Diana DeCola
Joys and Concerns - Marce Stayer and Gordon Laird
Social Chairpersons - Janet Coomes, Pat Cavanagh, and Craig Cavanagh
Librarians - Virgie Bryant, Jerry Wall, and Jo White
Robing Chairpersons - Pam and Bob Moore
Historian - Emily Bone
Retreat Coordinators - TBA

Section Leaders
Soprano I - Gillian Snedden
Soprano II - CJ Yeoman
Alto I - Candace Turner
Alto II - Ruth Harrison
Tenor - Art Faris
Baritone - John Grubbs
Bass - Bob Thomas

Announcements: 5-20-09

Jaberism of the evening: "Resist your inner Barry Gibb." I would have posted the one about what the girls all say when Tom walks into the room, but decided it might not translate well to the printed page.

Lots of VERY IMPORTANT news from rehearsal tonight. Here goes:

1. This Sunday we sing at the 8:25 service, as well as the 11:10. Be robed and ready at 8:00 in the choir room. Yes, there will be donuts.
   
2. Also, this Sunday we're having a special rehearsal starting at 10:00 in the choir room, in preparation for CD recording this next Wednesday.
   
3. There's a Wednesday night time change! Be in the chapel at 6:30 this Wednesday for recording. Wear light clothing, as the AC may be off much of the time, and comfortable shoes, as we may be standing more than usual. The orchestra will start arriving around 7:30, so don't let that throw you.
   
4. We sing all three services on Patriotic Sunday, June 28. Mark your calendar, and be there at 8:00 that morning.

If Dr. Seuss wrote the Ten Commandments

I am God, your one and only.
Stick with me; you won't be lonely.
Other gods you may not chase.
I will not stand for second place.

Hear my words, Sir and Madame.
You may not do it; God I am.

I do not like false gods and idols.
Golden calves make me homicidal.
Neither raise to take their places
Money, power, or pretty faces.

Make the Sabbath your special day.
Don't sully it in any way.
Keep it apart (however oddly)
Let it make your lives more godly.

Do not take my name in vain.
Do not say it with disdain.
Combine it not with other curses.
Use it not in slangy verses.

Honor both your mom and dad.
If you don't, you'll wish you had.
Respect their wishes, keep them true,
Thank them for the life in you.

Keep yourself close to your spouse.
Do not stray outside your house.
Two hearts united make you stronger,
Plus, science says that you'll live longer.

Do not murder, do not kill.
Not even if they neighbor will.
Killing folks is wrong to do.
It separates the Lord from you.

Do not steal and do not lie.
Ask me and I'll tell you why.
Thieves and liars are proven sinners.
God in you makes you all winners.

Covet not thy neighbor's stuff.
I say what you have's enough.
That goes for PCs, jewels, and savings,
And any of your other cravings.

These are Commandments, not suggestions.
You can pray if you have questions.
Love the Lord with all your heart
And from His path you won't depart.

Got the call from Tom -we want you to be choir president this year! Oh, Allison, and I'd like you to start a blog - something to keep the choir informed about what's going on.

Right.

Am I going to be able to find anything to write about? I mean, does anything ever happen at Chapelwood that's worth noting? And choir rehearsals - I mean, it's not like Tom Jaber ever says anything that's funny, or particularly descriptive, or anything.

Stay tuned. This could be interesting.