Moments with the Dictionary of Music #5

Tempo [It., time]. (1) The speed at which music is performed, I.e., the rate per unit of time of metrical pulses in performance.

For the next several weeks we’ll be taking a look at different tempo markings!

Announcing Our Joint Concert

We are thrilled to announce a joint concert with the Voetberg family of Centralia, Washington. After several months of planning, we now have the details in place! It will be a fantastic evening of Celtic songs, American fiddle tunes, and Christian music! Two dynamic family bands join together in one concert that will inspire and delight.

Friday, April 8, 2011
7:00pm
Joint Concert With The Voetberg Family
Eastridge Covenant Churh
14100 SE Sunnyside Rd.
Clackamas, OR 97015
Tickets: $10 in advance / $12 at the door
Family Pass: $40 in advance / $50 at the door

To obtain a family pass, or avoid the online service charge, mail your payment (check or postal money order), with the number of tickets you want to:
Noel Bisceglia
P.O. Box 935
Oregon City, OR 97045
Easily pick up your tickets at Will Call on the night of the concert!
 

The Voetberg Family has been described as “unique, wonderful, talented and entertaining.” Since their first performance in 1999, the family band has followed a serendipitous path of bluegrass, gospel, country, folk, jazz and Celtic influences. The children – ranging in age from nine to twenty-two have garnered many awards including state, regional, and national fiddle championships. Visit http://www.voetbergfamily.com/ to see a video of the Voetbergs!

For the past ten years, the Bisceglia Family has delighted audiences with a repertoire that includes music ranging from the wilds of Scotland, to the green meadows of Ireland, American folk music, as well as award-winning compositions. The four sisters (known as Whispering Roses) form the core of the band with Mom, Dad and brother Noah joining in throughout the performance. Enjoy the beautiful fusion of harp, piano, English flutes, violin and guitar woven together with rich vocal harmonies.

Snapshots from our 2nd Homeschool Ceili

Dancing the Bridge of Athelone

The Waltz of the Bells

The Haymaker's Jig

Our Homeschool 2nd Ceili!

Here is the much anticipated video from our 2nd homeschool Irish ceili! ~ Janna

Moments with the Dictionary of Music #4

Downbeat. (1) The first and thus metrically strongest beat of a measure, usually signaled in conducting with a downward motion. (2) The first beat of a piece and thus also the conductor’s signal to begin a piece.

Moments with the Dictionary of Music #3

Crescendo, decrescendo [It., growing, decreasing; abbr. cresc., decresc., decr.]. As performance marks, increasing and decreasing loudness, respectively; sometimes indicated with the signs above.

Moments with the Dictionary of Music #2

Performance Marks. Words, abbreviations, and symbols employed along with the notation of pitch and duration to indicate aspects of performance. These may be tempo indications, dynamic marks, technical instructions, marks for phrasing and articulation, and designations for the character of the piece or section.

Choosing Romantic Music for Your Wedding

This is especially to brides! So, if you know someone getting married pass this post along!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and many brides are planning the wedding of their dreams complete with red roses and pink hearts and white satin. Even if your wedding isn't in February, chances are you are still looking for ways to make it the most romantic day of your life. And what is more romantic than the music you choose? Music sets the mood and makes the day a special reflection of you as an individual.


So just what is some of the most romantic music every written? Movies and Broadway provide a host of wonderful pieces with deeply romantic connotations. All I Ask of You from the Phantom of the Opera is a popular choice for mid-ceremony, such as lighting the unity candle. For many, the theme from Romeo and Juliet is the most romantic melody of all times, but some find it evokes tragic emotions, so maybe you would like to go for something lighter such as the theme Disney's Beauty and the Beast. If you would like to come down the aisle to a movie theme, look for something a bit classical. The theme from A&E's Pride and Prejudice makes a great processional, as would some of Beethoven's music used in Immortal Beloved. Folk music offers a lighter selection of romantic music. Perhaps you would like a singer to perform My Love is like a Red, Red Rose or Wedding Song (There is Love).


Sorting through the host of romantic music may seem daunting at first, but an experienced wedding musician will be able to provide suggestions based on his or her current repertoire. Look for music that excites you, that makes your heart beat a little faster, that makes you cry or laugh or smile or simply remember your wedding as the day that your dreams came true. Happy wedding plans!

~ Janna Bisceglia, harpist for Whispering Roses