A different approach to the New Year
Why do we feel so much pressure to “fix” ourselves with New Year’s resolutions? Today we concentrate on a different idea: accept your imperfections! Live in the conflict, and love yourself as you are. (Extend that spirit of generosity to your neighbor as well!) Nothing is more insidious than the persistently gnawing teeth of self-loathing. No, this is not permission to eat a gallon of ice cream every morning for breakfast. But as we confront the trials of this life—of the world—be kind to the one who is most important in your own life: you.
Consider the following selections and accept their love, joy, and questioning. Embrace the mystery of the “why,” the imperfections, the wrong notes, and the missed opportunities.
Sehati (One Heart), by Tracy Wong
SATB, piano, percussion
Difficulty: 3 | practice tracks available!
From Tracy: “Sehati is an uplifting piece that is rooted in acceptance and belonging. It also humbly captures my gratitude and love for the choral community, a sanctuary for many. Small musical references of the popular Malay folk song Geylang Sipaku Geylang can be heard in sections of the piece. The words pulang bersama-sama (from the same folk song) encourage listeners to “come home” to a community that is ‘still here, together.'”
Let it Matter (SATB), by Elizabeth Alexander
SATB, piano; also for SSA
Difficulty: 3
From Elizabeth: “It is an act of courage to simultaneously hold your own story and someone else’s story without dismissing either one. I hope “Let it Matter” reflects in some way the dedication, pain, grit and hope that keep [neighborhood conversations] going week after week. And that perhaps the act of writing this song brought me a few steps closer to “opening up the prison of my mind.”
When I Become an Old Woman, by Sherry Blevins
SSA choir, piano, opt. body percussion, staging suggestions
Difficulty: 3
This fun, light-hearted piece celebrates the freedom of growing older and embracing your inner quirks. The piece features original poetry by the composer, Sherry Blevins, and also includes optional body percussion and staging to fully engage singers and audiences in the delightful humor of the piece.
Heart of Gold, by Jocelyn Hagen
SSAA a cappella
Difficulty: 3
From Jocelyn: “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, musicians often are. But the mistakes we make in performance are what make us human. And the exuberance and excitement of live performance, along with the knowledge that it will likely be imperfect, is part of why it is so powerful and communicative. When we perform for you, we are showing off our skills, yes, but also our vulnerability and imperfections. The same can be said for writing music. The flaws are not only beautiful, they are splendid.”
Empty, by Timothy C. Takach
TBB, piano, djembe
Difficulty: 3
From Tim: “‘Empty’ is a text about setting the bar high, and missing it. Men’s choirs never get to sing about that. It’s a chance for male singers to be vulnerable and honest. Everyone has had that experience where they don’t make the team. Their name is not on the call-back list. The test comes back with a C- on it. She says no. He says no. How does that feel? It feels like a bone in the desert – bleached dry, needing water. It feels like a swinging gate – neither closed nor open, hovering somewhere in between. It feels like a bell – calling for someone who never comes.”
Graphite’s catalog does not yet include any arrangements of “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King—perhaps someone should get on that.
Shop Music
Other cool things in Graphite’s world
Our Contributing Editor
Jonathan Campbell, BA, MSM, DMA, currently serves as Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka, MN., and is a Contributing Editor for Graphite Publishing. His music publishers include Augsburg Fortress, Concordia, Morningstar, GIA, Sacred Music Press, and Falls House. He won first prize in the Morningside Choral Composition Contest and was also awarded a Faith Partner’s Residency with the American Composer’s Forum. Jonathan has served many churches, conducted the Chorale of the Honors Choirs S.E. MN for eight years, and has served on the faculties of Winona State University, Augsburg University, and Pomona College.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.