Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Music for Christmas and Holiday Celebration

At this joyous time we want to wish you and family every happiness and invite you to enjoy some of our favorite music.

What else do you suggest we add?  Suggestions welcome in comments or send to osucedarcity@gmail.com  Thanks for your input.

Added for 2023:
Greensleeves arrangement we used for our Holiday Magic concert.

Sleigh Ride by LeRoy Andersen

Mary, Did You Know performed by Lorah Bodie on her song website towards the bottom. (Lorah was one of the soloists in our Rock Gold concert)

Coloring page from Dover Books samples


Added for 2022:
Aled Jones and 12 year old Malakai M Bayoh sing ‘O Holy Night’ https://fb.watch/hBYNu36yk_/

Holst: In the Bleak Midwinter - Arr. Kanneh-Mason · By Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Isata Kanneh-Mason  for cello and piano

Literally meaning, “these candles”, Haneirot Halalu is traditionally sung right after lighting the Hanukkah candles. The song is about the holiness of the candles and how their purpose is to commemorate the events of Hanukkah.

Added for 2021:

Friendly Beasts sung by children (includes lyrics under more information and live animals in video)

Wonderful Time of the Year featuring Andy Williams includes an animation

O Come, O Come Emmanuel with Piano Guys

Dover art samples to download and color




 Added for 2018:
Piano Guys, choir and handbells: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyVEKsNFDjw

The First Noel - Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCFIXsVNAOU&feature=share

 Burl Ives: Have a Holly Jolly Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=DtVxFi9C0RA

 Jackson 5 with Santa Claus is Coming to Town: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=gmUW2pVAopc
Carol of the Bells with Mannheim Steamroller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=NVftSkNgJTA

 Dean Martin with Let It Snow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN7LW0Y00kE

 Handel's Messiah Selections from the Orchestra of Southern Utah:
2016 performance poster

2017 performance poster

Every Valley, 2012 featuring Larry Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqxH5RpEDyM
Hallelujah, 2014: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRhjWdr-LAA, 2014:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU5I-Bk715k

Piano Guys: 
Angels We Have Heard on High: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n543eKIdbUI
More Piano Guys videos at: https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoGuys

Stained glass is rhythm in color: 
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/stained-glass-windows#8

 Jenny Oaks Baker :
Wexford Carol with Alex Sharpe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mefkn58Mzs
Ding Dong Merrily On High with Dancers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTDZg0fp31I

Interactive carols, suitable for children from Video Ideas, the team that produced our Spanish Trail video:  http://www.videoideas.com/bellhero/

Classic Performances: 
Bing Crosby "White Christmas" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJSUT8Inl14
Nat King Cole "Christmas Song":
Julie Andrews "I Saw Three Ships" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-nBBy71wQ8

 2016 Additions thanks to suggestions:
 Bethlehem Down https://youtu.be/-z3Tz5AIsa0
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. https://youtu.be/jxxTHzERTsk

Let us know what else we should add:  osucedarcity@gmail.com

Merry Christmas from your orchestra


2015 Performance
2021 Performance

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Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Celebrate 150th Anniversary of Jean Sibelius with the Orchestra of Southern Utah


(8 December 1865 – 20 September 1957)
Born into the Russian Empire and nurtured Finnish independence through his great music.

Finlandia is an example of nationalistic music for Finland.
Video includes scenery from Finland including northern lights and wildlife:

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5zg_af9b8c

(poster design by Rollan Fell)

“Rhythm of Sibelius” Concert Celebrates 150 Anniversary
By Kristin Beauchamp-Butt
The Orchestra of Southern Utah will celebrate the music and life of Jean Sibelius with their November 12th concert, “The Rhythm of Sibelius.”  Three Sibelius pieces (Finlandia, Waltz Triste, and Symphony No. 6) will be played in observation of his 150th birthday in December.  Additionally, this concert will provide a unique opportunity to hear live music played on the pipa, an instrument that originated in China over 1500 years ago.
            Perhaps Sibelius’s most well-known work, Finlandia was written in 1899 for a clandestine political protest.  Living in an uncertain time in Finland’s history, Sibelius wrote the piece to depict the struggles of the Finnish people.  The piece contains the Finlandia Hymn, a segment that was later taken as a stand-alone song with lyrics added in 1941.  It has become one of the most important national songs in the country, and the melody has also been included in alma maters, national anthems, and Christian hymns.
            Waltz Triste, the sad waltz, was written by Sibelius for one of his brother-in-law’s plays.  Though originally part of the incidental music for the play, it quickly earned a place as a concert piece.  The waltz was popular with audiences when it debuted in 1903, and continues to be popular today.
            Symphony No. 6 has been described by Sibelius as offering “cold spring water” in reference to the relative simplicity that stood in contrast to some of the more elaborate pieces of his time.  The piece had sentimental value to Sibelius, and always reminded him “of the scent of the first snow.” 
            The Concerto for String Orchestra and Pipa, written by Chinese composers Liu Dehai and Wu Zuqiang, will bring an uncommon element into our local concert hall.  Xinwen Fu will solo on the pipa, using her talent to display the historical instrument’s range and emotion.  This piece was written in 1973 tells of the heroics of two young children who endure a terrible snowstorm and save the family farm animals.  Their heroics are celebrated in the final portion with the "flowering of thousands of red blossoms".
            The concert will begin at 7:30 pm at the Heritage Theater.  Tickets are available at the Cedar City Heritage Theater Box Office by calling 435-865-2882 or online at http://www.heritagectr.org/.   Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for groups up to 6.  Because evening concerts are recorded, it is requested that babies and children under the age of six not attend.  Children over the age of six are welcome at all OSU concerts with adult supervision.  More information: Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager, 435-233-8213 or osucedarcity@gmail.com.

Listening Links:
Symphony No. 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKhCHvaAc3o

 Pipa Concerto  Composed by 刘德海 Liu Dehai and 吴祖强 Wu Zuqiang,
Part 1:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig7APkPtWbw
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RRSiWA8J-4
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfFOeESnHFk
Two young sisters are trapped in a terrible snowstorm and manage to save the family farm animals.  Their heroics are celebrated in the finale of the piece.
Xinwen Fu plays the solo pipa part for the OSU concert.
More of our favorites from Jean Sibelius:

 Symphony No. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82t0AJ1FnY

 Swan of Tuonela features the English horn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGEOw6cThuU
To Hear an English Horn: http://www.dsokids.com/listen/by-instrument/english-horn/.aspx


 Sibelius Violin Concerto: "There is something immoderate about this concerto that enormously appeals to me. Something vulnerable and unspeakably beautiful, right there along something dark and brooding. They illustrate that not only do darkness and beauty coexist, they enhance each other. How fitting that a Finnish composer should have so aptly illustrated the beauty of light amid so much wintery darkness," wrote .  Full article: http://www.violinist.com/blog/Terez/201510/17123/
Finale performed by OSU with Hillary Dalton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG_Jwi4jyrg

More links and info: http://www.classicfm.com/composers/sibelius/
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Sunday, August 23, 2015

Recitals Showcase Individuals and Small Groups



Recitals celebrate an individual's musical gift or a smaller group of musicians.
Preview the 19th Annual Fall Recital Series at 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAolN5ej5q4


Angie Van Scoyk and Sally Hunter Jensen set to perform on Sept. 15

Jackie Jackson performs Sept. 1 and directs the Sept. 22 recital.

Cody Stratton shares original piano composition on Sept. 1

Common Ground plays Celtic and popular music on Sept. 1 recital.
Raggle Taggle Gypsy from last season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OKEEb7HEdc
Gary and Corrie Lynne Player have made music an important part of their family life.

H. Roice Nelson has composed family music which he shares on first recital.

OSU Executive Director plays French horn in Sept. 1 recital.

Southern Utah Quartet will perform a famous Nocturne by chemist Alexander Borodin.

In Jubilo performs for Sept. 22 recital
In Jubilo with Down in the Valley to Pray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFSZAMWwDa0

Jack and Halle Vickers are among the young musicians included in the fall recitals.
Wilhelm, gypsy jazz on the Sept. 8 recital 
Wilhelm at Groovefest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCmxNzzpY6Y


19th Annual Fall Recitals for 2015:

September 1: “Notable Fusions”
Directed by Sara Penny

Science and music have many opportunities to intersect and this recital explores music by such notables as Borodin, who was a chemist, as well as sharing music performed by scientists.

Sept. 8: “20th Century Favorites”
Directed by Suzanne Tegland

From Sibelius and Rachmaninoff to John Williams and Danny Elfman, music of the 20th century spans a wide variety of styles and genres. Come listen to the favorites of others, and maybe you'll discover a new favorite for yourself!  

Sept. 15: “Long Live the Music!”
Directed by Sally Hunter Jensen

Join us as we celebrate and toast the continued success of OSU, 25 years in business for our sponsor, The Wizz, and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of passionate performers.

Sept. 15: “Long Live the Music! Directed by Sally Hunter  
Join us as we celebrate and toast the continued success of OSU, 25 years in business 
for our sponsor, The Wizz and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of 
passionate performers.Join us as we celebrate and the toast the continued succes of OSU, 25 years in business for our sponsor, The Wizz, and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of passionate performers
September 22: “Come Fly With Me”
Directed by Jackie Riddle-Jackson

Experience the sounds from around the world as we fly together!

September 29: “Fairy Dust”
Directed by Emily Hepworth

Music is magic! Music delights the ears and ignites imaginations. Sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust and prepare to soar through these musical adventures!

New website will have updates: http://myosu.org/

 Recital sponsors:  Dennis Loeffel and The Wizz

____________________________________


Performances from previous recitals:

Chelsea Gardner and her son Britton with a lovely Irish lulllaby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDmUeF_7odc

Country favorite with J.V Berk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAjiG_ZgFz8

Gerry Kelsey, Sally Hunter Jensen, and Bill Brough on 2014 recital:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJZ6SmWJQCo

Harpist Kendra Leavitt's performance with Hubble photography:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ZJthfWqts

Home Girls sing about Home Sweet Home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLgndC6rtm8

Pianist Christian Bohnenstengel performs Schubert's Impromptu in A Flat Major Op. 90/4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q6JekO5LHU

More videos at: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrchestraofSouthernU



* Rhythm of Life Season* opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept. 2015

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213

Sara Penny, Listening Club Editor and Assistant*Stay in Touch with Your Orchestra:*
Website:  http://myosu.org/
Archival website: http://www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org/
Twitter:  OSUCedarCity
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=10353356974
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=48076
Blog: http://osucedarcity.blogspot.com/ <http://t.co/F9CFlmct>
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/orchestraofsouthernutah
http://osulistening.blogspot.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrchestraofSouthernU
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/violin123/orchestra-of-southern-utah/

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Thursday, August 6, 2015

Back to Bach and Baroque



Bow motion of Bach Prelude























More photos of bow motion:
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/07/music-through-light-stephen-orlando/

Bach Cello Suite No.1 - Prelude featuring Yo-Yo Ma


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCicM6i59_I

What is Baroque Music? 
Music composed approximately 1600 to 1750 including Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann and many other composers.  The fugue is one of the important forms which developed in this musical era. 
This visualization of prelude and fugue by Bach shows layering harmonies and melodies:
http://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/an-illuminated-visualization-of-bachs-the-well-tempered-clavier

As the Baroque music is elaborate and intricate, so is the architecture and art.


Bach Gavotte with step dancer and violinist:

Violinist and dancer dress up in the style of the period for a famous dance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo1LfU67XJc

 For more Baroque music resources visit:
 http://www.baroquemusic.org/

Gothic cathedrals offered acoustic opportunities for musicians.

Diamond Anniversary of Messiah in Cedar City

This year marks the 75th performance of Handel's Messiah in Cedar City.  We hope you will join us on Dec. 13 and 14 at the Heritage Center.  Free thanks to sponsorship from State Bank of Southern Utah and the Leavitt Group.  Season tickets now available at Cedar Music Store, Whittlesticks, and  Heritage Center or from Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager:  435-233-8213.

From a previous performance by OSU, Hallelujah Chorus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU5I-Bk715k

Students at Lyceum Music Festival in Utah


Research results continue to validate value of music training:

"What we found was the more a child trained on an instrument," Hudziak told the Washington Post, "it accelerated cortical organization in attention skill, anxiety management and emotional control." Full article: http://mic.com/articles/108022/science-just-discovered-something-amazing-about-what-childhood-piano-lessons-did-to-you?fb_action_ids=10204515017459430&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B627742444018960%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Feedback and Suggestions for Listening Club welcome:  osucedarcity@gmail.com

*Upcoming*
 Rhythm of Life Season opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213 

Sara Penny, OSU Administrative Assistant and Editor for Listening Club
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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Voices Begin the Musical Journey

History of western music 

(From ancient Greece to Renaissance)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6TlS41DNM 

Notice the importance of the voice 

and gradual introduction of instruments 

as you progress through the video. 


Link for several other videos in many musical periods: 

https://www.youtube.com/user/myhistoryofmusic/videos

 --------------------------------
Village Voices sang Over the Rainbow 

in the Fall Recital 2014, new recitals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OA0simsHBU

Keep Your Lamps and Blackbird 
performed by Festival City Chamber Singers in OSU Talent Showcase.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ourNYB5lZ4

For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel's Messiah

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idwYiOcBZ0s

This season will mark the 75th performance of the Messiah in Cedar City.
--------------------------------

Music training can significantly 


improve our motor and reasoning skills  


by Belle Cooper

We generally assume that learning a musical instrument can be beneficial for kids, but it's actually useful in more ways than we might expect. One study showed that children who had three years or more musical instrument training performed better than those who didn't learn an instrument in auditory discrimination abilities and fine motor skills.

They also tested better on vocabulary and nonverbal reasoning skills, which involve understanding and analyzing visual information, such as identifying relationships, similarities and differences between shapes and patterns.

These two areas in particular are quite removed from musical training as we imagine it, so it's fascinating to see how learning to play an instrument can help kids develop such a wide variety of important skills.

Similar research shows this correlation for exercise and motor skills in the same way, which is also fascinating.

*Upcoming*
 Rhythm of Life Season opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213 

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