When I was 9 years old my parents took some of my siblings and I to an exclusive showing of ‘The Sound of Music’ in Beverly Hills before it broke nationwide. My parents weren’t folks with means but had some friends that gave them these coveted tickets. Seeing that picture on the big screen in such an exclusive place probably influenced the fact that it was my favorite movie and has remained so over all these years. But mostly it is my favorite because of the wonderful music and message of patriotism, love, combining families, and of course, love of song.
As a child growing up I took years of pianos lessons and although I am not an accomplished musician, I love playing the piano. I also studied ballet for over 5 years and danced to the classical great pieces. Then as a teenager mom took me to many concerts including symphonies, oratorios, operatic soloists, chamber music, and instrumentalists. Growing up I listened to way less of the popular songs on the radio than I did the classics on the balance. I was hooked for life and to this day enjoy a great musical presentation as one of my favorite events. As an adult I have acquired a taste for opera.
An early memory I have as a small child was Dad’s love for music, especially big band. He loved conducting an imaginary band by putting a LP on the stereo and grabbing a ruler as a baton and marching around the living room with several children in tow, me included, as his marching entourage. I thought it would be great entertainment to conduct a band.
Years later I had opportunities to conduct church choirs. My experience as a child inspired me to take a couple of university level classes on Choral Conducting, one from the famed conductor and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg now the Musical Director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Another class was taught by Clayne Robison. Both were excellent mentors with completely different styles which added breath to my skills as an amateur conductor.
Hymns at church certainly can’t go without a mention. The musical messages that wind and rewind through my head at church, at home, when I play them on the piano, have definitely given me answers to prayers, encouragement in trying times, and a warm spirit of God’s nearness and love for me.
Music plays an important role in my life and I love to work in the kitchen with some rousing music playing while I cook and clean. But being live in the concert hall is a total thrill.
